Leonard Joel

About Leonard Joel

Leonard Joel is Australia's oldest continuously operating auction house, founded in 1919 in Melbourne and still operating more than a century later. It has handled some of the most significant private collections in Australian history, with regular auctions across fine art, jewellery, decorative arts, Asian art, modern design, and luxury goods.

History

Founder Leonard Joel left his employment at Arthur Tuckett and Son to establish his own auction business in Melbourne. Over the following decades the house grew from a local operation into Australia's premier full-service auction house, handling everything from major art collections to estate jewellery and household contents. Its salerooms are now in the heritage-listed former Hawksburn Primary School in Hawthorn, providing space for exhibitions and auctions in a characterful setting. The house also operates in Sydney, extending its reach across the eastern seaboard.

Departments and landmark collections

Leonard Joel's specialist departments include:

• Fine art, including Australian, international, and Indigenous works
• Important jewels, fine jewels, and timepieces
• Decorative arts, including antique and vintage furniture, silver, ceramics, and glass
• Asian art
• Modern design from the mid-twentieth century to the present
• Prints and photography
• Luxury items, including vintage and contemporary handbags and accessories

The house has handled landmark collections including the Ron Barassi Collection, the James Fairfax AC Collection, and the Kozminsky Collection of Fine Jewels. Notable records include a 20.05-carat diamond ring that sold for 1,625,000 Australian dollars, described as the largest diamond ring ever auctioned in Australia; a work by Mirka Mora that achieved 160,000 Australian dollars, a new artist record; a Greg Johns steel sculpture that sold for 75,000 Australian dollars, well above his previous record; and, from the National Australia Bank corporate collection, a new record for Judy Cassab at 70,000 Australian dollars. The Auction Salon, described as Australia's longest-running and most eclectic weekly auction, provides an accessible entry point for new collectors and a reliable source of diverse material, from furniture and homewares to art, silver, and curiosities.

Leonard Joel's luxury department, specializing in vintage and contemporary designer handbags, accessories, and fashion, represents a newer but rapidly growing area of the business. It reflects broader market trends toward luxury collectibles and appeals to a younger demographic that may not yet be collecting fine art or antiques, illustrating the house's ability to evolve with changing collector tastes while maintaining its traditional strengths.

Buying and selling

The buyer's premium is a flat 25 percent of the hammer price inclusive of GST across all categories. Catalogues are available online and in print, with high-quality photography and condition reports on request.

Free appraisals for sellers can be arranged in person at the Hawthorn salerooms or by submitting photographs and descriptions online, with commissions negotiated individually; specialists advise on the best sale format, whether a major curated sale, a specialist department auction, or the weekly Auction Salon. Online bidding is fully supported for all major auctions in real time, alongside online-only sales, and telephone and absentee bidding. The house also conducts regular valuation events across Australia, providing opportunities for potential consignors to receive expert opinions on their possessions; these events cover all departments and are held in major cities and regional centres, extending the house's reach well beyond its Melbourne and Sydney salerooms. Leonard Joel's commitment to education and outreach also includes partnerships with cultural institutions and participation in art fairs and collector events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Leonard Joel notable in Australia?

It is Australia's oldest continuously operating auction house, founded in 1919 in Melbourne, and has handled landmark private collections such as the Ron Barassi and James Fairfax AC collections.

What is Leonard Joel's buyer's premium?

A flat 25 percent of the hammer price, inclusive of GST, across all categories.

What is The Auction Salon?

Described as Australia's longest-running and most eclectic weekly auction, it offers an accessible entry point for new collectors covering furniture, homewares, art, silver, and curiosities.