Lot 45

Private collection, California 2013
The Collection of Jim and Joy Durran, Geelong

Ayling, G., Smith, I. & The Forrest Project, Haughton Forrest (1826-1925): Biography, Catalogue and Gallery of Paintings, The Forrest Project, 2016, vol. 1, cat. no. HF2.1.011, p. 210 (illus.)

This work depicts the Martin Luther under tow by the SS Tagus in April 1857.

Haughton Forrest is one of Australia's most celebrated maritime artist's, who captured the dramatic beauty of European and Tasmania coastlines and riverbanks with remarkable precision. We are delighted to present further works from the collection of Jim and Joy Durran, following from the October Fine Art Auction last year and March Fine Art earlier this year. Jim and Joy Durran's son shares the story of how his father developed a passion for Forrest's paintings. Jim, a keen amateur yachtsman and long-time member of the Royal Geelong Yacht Club (RGYC), discovered his love for Forrest's works during his retirement. While in Hobart with his wife, they came across a Haughton Forrest painting for sale, which Jim felt compelled to purchase. This acquisition sparked an interest in the artist's paintings, prompting the couple to search for more pieces across the country. During their time in Tasmania, they met several of Forrest's descendants, including Geoffrey Ayling, who authored a two-volume catalogue of the artist's works, further establishing their connection to the artist. Over a five-year period, Jim and Joy acquired a collection of twenty-eight Haughton Forrest paintings and we are honoured to be offering the remainder of the collection.