Lot 57

Gowans Auctions, Hobart, 24 June 2017, lot 133
The Collection of Jim and Joy Durran, Geelong

The Collection of Jim and Joy Durran

Haughton Forrest's artworks occupy a significant place in Australian art history, bridging the romantic traditions of European landscape painting with a distinct Australian sensibility. His paintings not only serve as artistic achievements but also as historical records, offering a glimpse into the maritime culture and natural environment of Tasmania in the late nineteenth century.

The following artworks are from the collection of Jim and Joy Durran, whose 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 delighted to be offering some key pieces from the collection.