The Bushfire Relief Auction

Leading artists, collectors, gallerists and jewellers have united to donate to this major fundraising auction at Leonard Joel.

Auction Sunday 16 February, 6pm
Viewing Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 February, 10am-4pm

We are delighted to share that we have joined forces with prominent figures from Melbourne’s art world and beyond to host a major fundraising event, The Bushfire Relief Auction. The auction features extraordinary donations from artists, collectors, gallerists and jewellers, and will take place in Melbourne on Sunday 16 February. There will be no Buyer’s Premium and 100% of proceeds will be donated to The Victorian Bushfire Appeal.

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Leonard Joel Managing Director, John Albrecht said, “like many others, we feel a sense of deep shock and sorrow at the devastation caused by the bushfires. When we were approached by like-minded artists, collectors and friends we decided, collectively, to create a major fundraising event. I am delighted to provide the resources and infrastructure for what is an incredible collection of donations and contributions. Leonard Joel will waive all transaction costs and all proceeds will be donated to aid vital bushfire recovery projects.”

Once Upon A Time by Vincent Fantauzzo

Artist Vincent Fantauzzo has generously donated Once Upon A Time, initially painted for his upcoming exhibition addressing climate change and extinction. Fantauzzo is one of Australia’s most celebrated contemporary artists; a recipient of the Doug Moran National Portrait Prize, the Archibald Packing Room Prize, and the Archibald People’s Choice Award four times.

He and his wife, Asher Keddie decided that, rather than wait for the exhibition, they wanted to contribute now and donate this piece to auction.

Once Upon A Time depicts the now extinct Tasmanian Tiger as an almost mythical creature, displaced, with its natural environment painted over in white; a poignant reminder that we often do not appreciate beauty until it’s gone forever.

Fantauzzo said that “although the bushfire devastation is desperately sad, the response to it is incredibly inspiring.’ And, ‘amongst the sadness there is hope that the next generation, who are faced with a realistic fear about the climate, will create change.”

The Journey by David Bromley

Another of this country’s most popular artists, David Bromley’s paintings are instantly recognisable and adorn the walls of public and private collectors all over the world. His unique aesthetic, however, extends far beyond the canvas. He and his wife and creative partner, Yuge, bring their passion, imagination and creative vision to life in a range of projects from interiors to fashion, exhibitions to events via Bromley & Co.

David was one of the first to contact Leonard Joel, and he has generously donated his painting, The Journey.

Kozminsky Studio

A Melbourne icon and a much-loved family jeweller, the name Kozminsky has been synonymous with beauty, individuality, rarity and craftsmanship for over 150 years. Now, Kozminsky Studio, an elegant atelier in the heart of the city on Collins Street, offers rare and contemporary jewellery collections, design commissions and restorations.

An exquisite, Marquise cut diamond ring is among the pieces generously donated by Kozminsky Studio, who have also designed a limited-edition brooch, Renewal, the first of which will also be offered as part of this auction.

Of the ring, Kirsten Albrecht said, “My mother, Jan Albrecht gifted me her Marquise Diamond Cluster ring. She wanted me to have something beautiful to remember her by. I have so many beautiful memories of her that I hold in my heart, and it’s time to share the love.”

“My mum was an extraordinarily generous and caring woman, and I know that she would want to share her love of her birthplace Australia at this challenging time.”

And, “we are honoured to join with Leonard Joel and some of Australia’s most generous and creative people to raise much needed funds to help relieve, rebuild, replenish and restore.”

Street Art

Sandra Powell and Andrew King (‘SANDREW’) have been enthusiastic supporters and collectors of Street Art for over a decade. Their personal collection comprises some of the most recognised international and Australian street artists alongside those emerging. The couple are fervent champions of what they describe as “the sleeping giant of undoubtedly the most visible and popular art movement ever.”

Almost 100 works of art have been donated by artists including Shepard Fairey, Rone, Swoon, Anthony Lister, D*Face, Adnate, Ron English, Dabs Myla and Hush, with prices ranging from $500 to $20,000, forming an exciting stand-alone section of the auction.

Fox Galleries

Established in 1998, Melbourne based Fox Galleries presents exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, with a focus on conceptually driven and visually compelling works.

Director Michael Fox said, “Watching the ongoing bushfire disaster unfold during the summer holidays, I was moved, and the artists of Fox Galleries were moved, to make whatever contribution we could to assist the affected communities and the injured wildlife populations.”

And, “In the last year, Fox Galleries has held several shows addressing climate change, most recently Emilie Heurtevent’s ‘Nature’, which opened two weeks before the New Year’s Eve disaster at Mallacoota. Emilie has donated a painting from ‘Nature’ to the auction. Other donating artists include Mark Schaller, Victor Rubin, Christine Johnson, Esther Erlich, Mark Davis, Chonggang Du, Shannon Smiley, Eddie Botha and Wayne Fogden. I will also be donating artworks from my private collection.”

Mendel & Rose Fine Jewellery

Rhys created The Waratah Ring in response to the devastating bushfires and especially for inclusion in this auction. An avid Sydney Waratah supporter and a brilliant craftsman, his work is heartfelt and exquisite. The angles of the petals are designed to highlight the diamond cut rubies, pink sapphires and pale pink diamonds, and to reflect the beauty of the blossoming Waratah.