WILDE AND WHISTLER WERE HIS CLIENTS

Media Release                                                                                                           17 October, 2018
 

 
Edward Godwin was an English architect, theatre designer and lover of Japanese minimalism.  Noted as the father of the Aesthetic Movement in England, Godwin’s enduring legacy is in the furniture and interiors he created for friends including Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde and American painter James McNeill Whistler.
 
Today, his works can be found in the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the National Gallery of Victoria.  His collaboration with two of England’s finest furniture makers, William Watt and Collinson & Lock, also cemented his reputation at a time when English sensibilities were being rocked by the antics of London’s scandalous arts scene.
 
Leski Auctions is privileged to offer for sale an ‘Art Cabinet’ designed by Godwin and most likely manufactured by William Watt.  It was created in the Japanese style that Godwin was noted for, dated circa 1880s.  It is made of mahogany and ivory with sabre brass legs. 
 
“The Aesthetic Movement was influential in the Art Nouveau period that followed, and we can see elements of that in this rare and highly-sought after cabinet,” says Harry Glenn, an auctioneer and valuer with Leski Auctions.
 
“The work that Godwin left behind after his untimely death at 53 in 1886, is internationally-acclaimed.   The NGV has five works, most recently seen in ‘Japonisme: Japan and the Birth of Modern Art’.” 
 
Lot 198, Edward William Godwin ‘Art Cabinet’ has a pre-sale estimate of $40,000 - $60,000.  (Image available at https://www.leski.com.au/images/lot/3575/357513_2.jpg?1538991842)  
 
The lot will be sold by Leski Auctions (www.leski.com.au) on Sunday, 28 October from 11.00am. 
 
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 ‘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.  Harry Glenn, an industry veteran with more than 20 years experience, has been working with Charles since 2012.
 
The company is located at 727-729 High Street Armadale, Victoria 3143 Australia. 
Tel+61 3 8539 6150 and www.leski.com.au
 

Issued by:         Harry Glenn, Leski Auctions                  Michael Krape, Michael Krape Consulting 
                         Tel: +61 (0) 425 790 735                       Tel:  +61 (0) 403 135 880
                         harry@leski.com.au                                 michaelkrape@krape.com.au