The estate of Australian radio legend John Laws will go under the hammer next month, offering 600 lots from his extensive collection of fine art, watches, rare books, and luxury collectibles. Laws, who died aged 90 in November 2024, was the country's most successful broadcaster and spent his considerable income on luxury goods, including prestige motorcars and a remarkable watch collection.
Watch Collection
His watches collection is the largest single-owner collection of prestige watches ever to come to market in Australia. Highlights include a yellow gold Patek Philippe Nautilus bracelet watch estimated at up to AU$250,000 and a Rolex GMT Master II watch valued at up to AU$60,000.
Luxury Goods and Collectibles
Laws traveled the world with his wife Caroline, amassing a huge collection of expensive goods. The auction includes a pair of Gucci slippers (AU$800), Hermès neckties (up to AU$1,000), and a Louis Vuitton monogram portable garment bag (up to AU$1,800). These form part of a "definitive gentleman's collection" spanning Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Christian Dior, Bottega Veneta, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino, and Giorgio Armani items accumulated over five decades.
Fine Art and Rare Books
Among the fine art is Auguste Rodin's bronze sculpture "Nu féminin couché dit aussi 'Étude pour Ariane'" estimated at up to AU$60,000. Rare books include the first edition of Richard Bowdler Sharpe's Monograph of the Paradiseidae with hand-colored plates, valued at up to AU$15,000. Other items include first-edition books and leather-bound periodicals.
Writing Instruments and Accessories
Pens by Cartier, Montblanc, Waterman, Omas, and Namiki in 18ct gold and sterling silver, as well as desktop accessories from Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., and Ilias Lalaounis, will also be on sale.
Auction Details
Bonhams Australia will present The John Laws CBE Collection over five auctions: two live and three online. Merryn Schriever, managing director of Bonhams Australia, said the firm is committed to preserving and celebrating the Laws legacy. "This appointment reflects Bonhams' long-standing relationship with John Laws CBE, together with our internationally recognised expertise in handling important estates and culturally significant collections with discretion, integrity and care," she said.
Laws began his career in regional Victoria as an 18-year-old and grew to inspire a huge and devoted audience. Known as the "Golden Tonsils" for his mellifluous baritone and seven-decade career, he flaunted a golden microphone, vintage cars, gold jewellery, and flashy sunglasses. His immense wealth and love of life were acknowledged at his state funeral by the Rev Michael Jensen, who noted his journey from Woolloomooloo to Walgett.
