Hundreds of antique items, rare art to go under the hammer on Sydney’s north shore
More than 650 items owned by prominent Wahroonga businessman Ernest Hulak, who died earlier this year, are set to go to auction. Find out what’s included.
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A treasure trove of valuable art, rare artefacts and even a grand piano is heading to auction as part of a deceased estate generating a flurry of interest on Sydney’s north shore.
More than 650 items owned by prominent Ukrainian-Australian businessman Ernest Hulak will be sold next month in an auction expected to fetch up to $500,000.
Mr Hulak, who died aged in his mid-80s in April, amassed the collection over the course of more than 40 years after fleeing Ukraine as a refugee in the Second World War.
After studying in western Europe, he ultimately settled in Australia where from humble beginnings he went on to forge a successful career as a property developer.
The extensive list of items that will be auctioned at his five bedroom home in Billyard Ave, Wahroonga include works by famed landscape artist Pro Hart and Sidney Nolan – most known for his iconic 1946 painting of Ned Kelly.
Veronica Owens, co-owner of Bargain Hunt Auctions who is managing the sale, said all items had been displayed at his home, as opposed to storage, including a collection of rare artwork hanging in his pool room.
“When you walk into his home it’s absolutely chocker block full of art and everything is absolutely stunning,” she said.
“The artwork is by all the names that buyers want, but there are also porcelain items, Russian icons, sculptures, antique maps, furniture – you name it.
“He obviously had a passion for art and a lot of the items haven’t been available for auction for 30 to 40 years.”
Ms Owens said the collection included a mix of Australian and overseas items, with many reflecting Mr Hulak’s passion for Ukrainian art.
Artwork includes ‘Fanfare’ – an oil painting by John Coburn, and ‘Portrait of Sydney’ – created by artist Kevin Leslie Connor on three individual panels each measuring 188cm in width.
Ms Owens said interest in the auction has included a mix of first-time buyers, art aficionados, online buyers and expressions of interest from museums in the Ukraine.
“When you put up an auction like this and you start to get calls from random people – there are so many worlds out there and you never know what piques people’s interest,” she said.
“There’s also been a lot of interest in the furniture and Chinese artefacts which are pretty amazing. We have a very large Chinese customer base who are always on the lookout for original works because a lot of (items) coming out of China are copies.”
Ms Owens said the auction did not include reserve prices, meaning novice art buyers were in with a chance to snap up a bargain.
Mr Hulak’s estate has been listed by the executers of his will. The North Shore Times understands funds will be added to his estate and the Ernest and Natalia Foundation - the charity he set up to support Ukrainian artists.
The auction will be held on November 16 and 17. For details visit www.bargainhunt.com.au