Stormy is not for sale

A PORTRAIT of Stormy Summers - at the centre of an ownership dispute between the controversial Adelaide madam and the artist - has been pulled from auction at the eleventh hour.

A PORTRAIT of Stormy Summers - at the centre of an ownership dispute between the controversial Adelaide madam and the artist - has been pulled from auction at the eleventh hour.

The 210cm 167cm portrait, painted by rising Adelaide artist Lauren-Jade Ryan for the Archibald Prize in 2003, was to be auctioned by Bonhams and Bruce last night.

Described as an "important piece" by the Pulteney St, city auction house, it had been expected to sell for at least $5000 under instruction from insolvency firm Ambrose and Associates.

The painting was listed as part of Ms Summer's estate which was turned over to a trustee when the city brothel owner filed for bankruptcy on June 20.

But, as first reported by The Advertiser last week, Miss Ryan claimed there was an agreement she would retain ownership of the painting and she threatened civil action in the Supreme Court.

Bonhams and Bruce chief executive and auctioneer James Bruce yesterday said he was disappointed the auction could not go ahead.

A spokesman for Ambrose and Associates said the decision to temporarily withdraw the painting from auction was made on legal advice.

"It may go up for auction at the next appropriate auction," he said.

Miss Ryan said she wanted the painting returned.