Lot 38

Private collection, Melbourne
Leonard Joel, Melbourne, 23 September 2012, lot 36
The Collection of Jim and Joy Durran, Geelong

Haughton Forrest remains one of Australia's most celebrated maritime painters, capturing the dramatic beauty of European and Tasmania coastlines and riverbanks with remarkable precision. Born in England and trained in the European landscape tradition, Forrest brought meticulous attention to atmospheric effects and nautical detail, rendering the sea not merely as a backdrop but as a dynamic force within his compositions. Forrest's depictions of vessels - ranging from naval ships to fishing boats - demonstrate an intimate knowledge of maritime craftsmanship. His seascapes and riverscapes, exude a timeless quality, capturing the ever-changing moods of the ocean and river with both precision and poetic sensibility.

We are delighted to present further works from the collection of Jim and Joy Durran, following on from the first instalment of this collection in our October Fine Art Auction last year. Jim and Joy Durran's son shares the story of how his father developed a passion for Haughton 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 artworks 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 key pieces from the collection.