Extra seating was required to accommodate the large and eager crowd of purchasers at the Philips June Decorative Arts Auction. Strong selling items included an offering of over 40 stunning Clarice Cliff ceramics, and a wide range of furniture that was in high demand.

Taxidermy was a visual highlight of the event and gave the room a unique atmosphere with many fascinating objects on display. Among the list of interesting items was an eight foot tiger rug that was highly sought after and finished well above estimate.

With over 290 lots of quality modern and antique jewellery to be sold at the Philips June auction there are many opportunities for great buying from an impressive range of diverse items. This month features a great variety of wonderful rings, many decorative brooches and pendants, and a comprehensive offering of fine watches. For simplicity and elegance, a 1960’s 18ct yellow gold Swiss ladies watch from Clay Montier cannot be overlooked.

At Philips, preparations are under way for another record sales event at the June decorative arts auction. With over 400 individual lots, the choice of high quality collectables will be huge, ranging from substantial furniture items to fine silverware, and whimsical entries including an eight foot tiger skin, a Tasmanian koala pelt rug, and a fascinating presentation of taxidermy items.

Of great historical significance, a comprehensive record of our successful bid for the 1956 Olympic Games will be of great interest to collectors. This kid bound document issued in 1948 to IOC delegates and financial sponsors holds plans of the Olympic venues, correspondence from the Premier and Lord Mayor, and wonderful historic photographs of Melbourne and Victoria.

With a great showing of over 200 eager bidders and a wealth of desirable lots, the May Decorative Arts Auction was a great success, delivering strong results for buyers and sellers alike. Glass was a great performer, with a wide range of Tango and Bohemian artefacts lighting up the room and providing a fantastic atmosphere. Of particular note was a stunning antique French crystal basket chandelier which sold for $3,600, and several Victorian glass epergnes that attracted great interest and competitive bidding.

The May Modern and Antique Jewellery Auction will be a very special event. Just in time for Mother’s Day, it will showcase a wonderful range of items including watches, brooches, and stunning diamond jewellery. A feature of this auction is the presentation of several magnificent items from the same much loved collection. The standout member of this offering, and the auction as a whole, is a breathtaking figure eight platinum diamond ring with two visually matched early brilliant cut stones and a Grecian inspired mount.