Rare Bendigo Pottery pieces up for auction

BENDIGO Pottery admirers and collectors have the opportunity to buy a small piece or large portion of what’s been acknowledged as the best collection ever of its type.

The late Graham Griffiths collection, to be auctioned on Saturday and Sunday, 24 to 25 August at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre, will comprise 700 lots made up of literally thousands of pieces, ranging in price from $20 through to a pair of urns expected to bring $30,000 or more.

Australia’s leading collectables auctioneer Graham Lancaster, who’s running the show, said the Griffiths catalogue came about much like all collections.

“You start out with one or two pieces and then it becomes a bit of an obsession,” he said.

“You progress and you end up going on the hunt all the time, doing all the antique shops, going to auctions throughout Australia.

“In his retirement, that’s when he became obsessed with Bendigo pottery and had his own private museum at his home in Echuca.

“It’s mind-blowing. There’s nothing that comes near it.”

Mr Lancaster said it’s a unique opportunity to purchase some of Bendigo’s history.

“There’s something there that will suit all collectors and all budgets, from the beginner right through to the seasoned collector,” he said.

“There’ll be investors there too. Some people have more faith in these sorts of things being a good investment rather than money in the bank, so they’ll be buying as well.”

A large assortment of John Campbell pottery (Launceston) plus other items will also be available to the highest bidder on the weekend.

Online bidding is now open. To view the Graham Griffiths collection, register or pre-bid visit the Graham Lancaster Auctions website.