FROM COLONIAL CONVICT TO STARRING ROLE ON A $10 NOTE

The life of Francis Greenway is the stuff of legend. 

The hapless English architect received a death sentence for forgery, before it was commuted in favour of transportation to the colony of New Holland (later to become New South Wales) in 1814.

The sea air obviously served him well.  Not only was he emancipated by Governor Lachlan Macquarie (after designing and overseeing construction of the Macquarie Lighthouse while still a convict), his name and image were recreated on Australia's first decimal currency ten-dollar note (1966-93). 

He is the only known convicted forger in the world to be depicted on a banknote!

Success and redemption have their rewards.  Around 1830, Greenway commissioned noted silversmith Felix Lynn to create a silver taper stick and snuff, and to include his crest (a Griffin's head).

"Unfortunately, Greenway's redemption was short-lived," says Charles Leski, lead auctioneer of Leski Auctions.

"Despite producing some of the finest colonial buildings in Australia, including Hyde Park Barracks, the Supreme Court in Sydney and St Matthew's Church in Windsor, he ultimately lost the confidence of Macquarie who accused him of charging exorbitant fees whilst on a government retainer."

By 1835, Greenway was destitute.  He was forced to advertise for work in the Sydney Gazette, declaring "Francis Howard Greenway, arising from circumstances of a singular nature is induced again to solicit the patronage of his friends and the public."

While a remarkable tranche of buildings in Sydney remains a testament to his ability, so too does this fine example of Australian silversmithing created on commission by one of Australia's finest silversmiths.

Lot 3:   Felix Lynn rare colonial Australian silver taper stick and snuff, engraved with the Griffin's Head crest (believed to be used by famous convict architect, Francis Greenway 1777-1837).  This seems to be one of only a handful of surviving pieces by Lynn that is not flatware.  It is 6cm high overall, 11cm wide, 144 grams total.

Pre-sale estimate is $10,000 - $15,000.

The auction will be held on May 24 & 25 from 10.00am.  Details can be found at www.leski.com.au

About Leski Auctions
Leski Auctions was established in 1973. Today, it is regarded as one of Australia's leading auctioneers of Sporting Memorabilia, Australian Art & Antiques, Collectibles and World Philately.  Among the many significant collections that Leski Auctions has been privileged to sell are those of Shirley Strickland, Ron Clarke, Sir Reginald Ansett and former RSL President, Bruce Ruxton.  It has sold more Brownlow Medals and 'baggy green' caps than any other auction house in the world.

Charles Leski is a registered valuer for the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts' Cultural Gifts Program.  He is also the valuer of the displayed items at the National Sports Museum at the MCG, Melbourne.  

The company is located at 727-729 High Street Armadale, Victoria 3143 Australia.  
Tel +61 3 8539 6150/+61 412 053 692 and www.leski.com.au