Wal Johnson Antiques & Collectables has been part of the West Melbourne scene for the past 16 years but now Tom, a cabinet maker by profession who has been involved with antiques since 1969 when he and Julie opened Sovereign Antiques in High Street Armadale, has decided to move away from the retail side of the business to concentrate on bespoke furniture design and manufacture.
Accordingly, he has asked Leonard Joel to auction on site the business stock from 11am Sunday May 10 at 130 Dynon Road, West Melbourne.
The auction will comprise more than 900 lots and include items ranging from affordable fun items to antiques such as the late 19th century cedar and Blackwood retail display cabinet made for the artist’s supply manufacturer Winsor & Newton.
Formerly part of the company’s retailer Dean’s Art Supplies original shop fittings in Little Collins Street Melbourne, it is personally connected to Tom.
“I worked at Dean’s Art Supplies when I left school,” he said. “There were three of these display cabinets and they contained special items belonging to the owners.
“Juniors were not allowed near them – only trusted staff were permitted to open them.
“This is the only remaining one of which we know about.”
The cabinet carries a catalogue estimate of $8000-$12,000. Included in the auction are fittings, fixtures and signage associated with prominent Melbourne landmarks that provides a fascinating link between ‘old’ and ‘new’ Melbourne – sure to be of interest to local history and Australian collectors.