Bonhams Australia is delighted to be offering the Australian art collection of the Late Michael Hobbs OAM to market in June. Michael was an avid collector, generous benefactor and friend to many and his collection is a testament to a lifelong passion. Spanning works from the 1960s through to present day, Michael collected vigorously and in-depth, often making gifts of works to public institutions or supporting avant-garde projects. Considered a friend by many leading Australian artists, in January of 2017, Michael was recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to the visual arts as a supporter and benefactor.

Michael’s collection is testament to his huge range in taste and a lifetime of collecting with works of all media ranging from the some of his first pieces to his last bought in January 2018. Some of Michael’s earliest acquisitions from Gallery A in the 1960s are on offer including an important work by Ralph Balson, Painting no. 36, 1956 (estimate: $80,000 – 120,000) and a handsome Robert Klippel bronze construction. It is Michael’s passion for sculpture that is evident throughout the collection, with works by Bronwyn Oliver, Caroline Rothwell, Alex Seton, and Nell together with paintings by Cressida Campbell, Rosalie Gascoigne, Nicholas Harding, and Narelle Jubelin.