Jennifer Gibson, one of Australia’s leading Decorative Arts specialists, has opened Gibson’s Auctioneers & Valuers in Armadale, Melbourne. The auction house with a focus on the individual collector.

Jennifer’s wealth of experience within the decorative arts sphere includes five years as Head of Decorative Arts at the prestigious Sotheby’s. Jennifer has also presided over the Decorative Arts departments of Leonard Joel, Bonhams and Mossgreen. Jennifer has overseen the sale of a number of historically important pieces and established a record auction price for Australian furniture when the Peter McLean Cedar sideboard sold for AU$600,000. Gibson’s, which commenced operations in June, prides itself on a strong client relationship focus, with acute care taken to uncover the special story behind each piece, its origin and its owner. Gibson’s senior specialists and consultants have all worked for top International and Australian auction houses, ensuring that clients receive the best advice that only this level of market competence can provide.

Explaining what differentiates Gibson’s from other auction houses, Jennifer said “Gibson’s is all about the collector. Our focus is on the person who forms the collection and the buyer who is creating a new one. Our mission is to satisfy those higher needs and desires that drive us all and allow us to indulge in a passion not clothed in the ‘everyday dusty garb. Collections do not necessarily define us but they are a reflection of who we are and what we seek. In some cases it is beauty and a certain style, in others it is functionality, but in all it is driven by a desire to stimulate our senses and fulfil our interests outside of the ordinary.”

Gibson’s inaugural sale offered the collection of Dr Robert Wilson, which contains a unique collection of ceramics and glass. Dr Wilson was a passionate supporter of the decorative arts and is acknowledged as one of the most significant benefactors to the Decorative Arts Department of the National Gallery of Victoria. Jennifer was enthusiastic about the collection prior to its sale. “It was an honour to be entrusted with the auctioning of our first major collection, that of the late Dr Robert Wilson, as our inaugural sale. This was such an interesting and eclectic collection.”