CHARLES LESKI AUCTIONS PTY. LTD.
13 Cato Street, Hawthorn East 3123, Victoria, Australia
Telephone:
Facsimile:
61-3-9864-9999
61-3-9822-2788
Email: contact@leski.com.au
A.B.N.13 081 928 921
Media Release
December
3rd, 2008
AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST ART AUCTION HOUSE STRIKES
GOLD WITH ‘DISCARDED’ ARTWORK
A rare 19th century panorama scroll of Melbourne has brought more than $75,500 at auction after almost
being thrown in the rubbish.
The watercolour and pencil panorama scroll was sold last night by Leski Auctions in Melbourne. The final
price including buyer’s commission was 60% above the pre-sale estimate. It capped off a successful night
for the internationally-recognised auctioneer of stamps and memorabilia at its first dedicated art auction.
The 35-year old company recently appointed respected art consultant, John Albrecht, to head its new art
division. Mr Albrecht previously worked for Kozminsky Galleries and Leonard Joel before setting up his
own consultancy.
Mr Albrecht said more than 50% of the 221 lots sold, which was above expectation. Lots included
contemporary Australian and international works as well as works from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.
Pre-sale estimates ranged from $200 to $50,000.
“We believe the art market is mature and resilient enough to support a boutique auction,” Mr Albrecht said.
“Our appeal is directed to people who are keen to collect art but are intimidated by the high prices that
established art auctioneers spruik.”
Mr Albrecht said the vendor brought artworks to Leski Auctions for valuation but didn’t think the scroll was
worth showing. He said it was destined for the rubbish bin before Charles Leski intervened.
About Leski Auctions
Leski Auctions was established in 1973 and is one of Australia’s leading auctioneers of Sporting Memorabilia,
Australiana, Collectibles and World Philately.
Leski Auctions is a recognised leader in the area of early photography, art, wine, cameras, books, autographs,
entertainment memorabilia, medals, coins, stamps, aerophilately, cigarette and trade cards, maps, railway
memorabilia, advertising artwork and posters, and the Olympics, football and cricket..
It was the first auction house in Australia to introduce an on-line, real-time bidding system ‘Live Bid Online’™,
which allows participation from anywhere in the world. It currently runs 22 auctions per year.
Leski Auctions has previously sold many significant collections, including 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, and is one of the largest auctioneers of cricket memorabilia by value and volume.
Leski Auctions recently sold the newly-discovered Phar Lap horse tonic recipe book. It recently achieved a world
record price for a Bradman bat.
Managing Director Charles Leski is a registered valuer for the Cultural Gifts Program through the Department of
Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. He is also the valuer of the displayed items at the National Sports
Museum at the MCG, Melbourne.
The company is located at 13 Cato Street, Hawthorn East 3123 Australia. Telephone +61-3-864 9999 and
Issued by:
Charles Leski, Leski Auctions
Michael Krape, Michael Krape Consulting
CHARLES LESKI AUCTIONS PTY. LTD.
13 Cato Street, Hawthorn East 3123, Victoria, Australia
Telephone:
Facsimile:
61-3-9864-9999
61-3-9822-2788
Email: contact@leski.com.au
A.B.N.13 081 928 921
Tel: 61-3-9864 9999
Tel: 0403 135 880
charles@leski.com.au
michaelkrape@krape.com.au
NEWS 
