(Photographer: John T Collins; State Library of Victoria collection)
We are thrilled to present pieces from the historic Toorak Mansion, Trawalla, within our October Decorative Arts Auction. The stately 19th Century home featuring seven bedrooms, two dining rooms, a billiard room, a study, and two sitting rooms, was tastefully restored in the late 2000s by highly regarded Australian interior designer, the late Stuart Rattle.
Rattle was known for his timeless designs, and even after 20 years the interiors at Trawalla remain as stylish as ever. The restoration showcased his fine attention to detail and effortless ability to merge colours, styles, and patterns into one unified aesthetic; always subtly paying homage to classical motifs and early English design.
$1,200-2,000
The palatial interiors feature 18th & 19th Century English mahogany antiques and paintings hand selected by Rattle, together with high quality bespoke furnishings personally designed by him and crafted by celebrated Melbourne designers. These custom designs include large-scale overmantel mirrors and console tables by Kim Moir, large floor rugs by Behruz studios and antique inspired oak furniture by Robert Brown. One of the highlights featured within our auction is a pair of sandstone top mahogany console tables by Kim Moir (Lots 5 & 6).
$1,500-2,500
The antiques were predominately acquired from Sotheby’s Australia, and evoke traditional English design. Standout pieces include two Georgian ‘Chippendale’ trays on stands, a striking Chinoiserie cabinet on stand, a good quality double fusee bracket clock by R. Grigg, and a lovely Gothic revival overmantel mirror. Each piece brings its own personality to the collection, but ties into the character of the room that Rattle selected them for. Other antique highlights include a George III Yew wood chest (Lot 41 ), a fine neoclassical style marble top console table (Lot 21 ) and a painting attributed to William Shayer Senior (Lot 42).
We look forward to recreating the interiors of this historic home in our salerooms for our forthcoming auction.
CHIARA CURCIO / Head of Decorative Arts
Banner Image Detail: Attributed to William Shayer Senior (British, 1811-1892) Itinerant Fishmonger oil on canvas, total size 88 x 101cm | $1,500-2,500
September 2021