Sydney — This June, Bonhams Australia will present The John Laws CBE Collection, a distinguished private collection formed over five decades by one of Australia's most influential broadcasting figures. Spanning five live and online sales in Sydney, the series comprises more than 600 lots across over 1,000 items, encompassing fine art, rare horology, European furniture of the 18th and 19th centuries, antiquities, decorative arts, rare books and luxury collectibles. Together, the sales reveal the personal taste and private collecting pursuits behind one of the nation's most recognisable voices.

Known nationally as 'the man with the golden microphone', Laws shaped public discourse for over 70 years until his passing in November 2025 at age 90, having begun his career in the 1950s on stations including 2UE and 2SM. Beyond the airwaves, Laws was an erudite and discerning collector. Together with his wife Caroline, he travelled the globe, filling their residences with exceptional examples of Impressionist paintings and sculpture; European furniture of the 18th and 19th centuries; antiquities; decorative arts; luxury collectibles; and an expansive library of rare first-edition books.

Merryn Schriever, Managing Director, Bonhams Australia, commented: "Bonhams is honoured to have been entrusted with the sale of the estate of John Laws CBE, one of Australia's most iconic broadcasting figures. We are committed to preserving and celebrating his legacy through the careful stewardship of the collection, creating opportunities for the public and collectors to engage with items of historical and cultural significance. 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."

Two live evening sales will take place on 2 and 3 June. On 2 June, Bonhams will present fine art, classic furniture, antiquities and French mantel clocks drawn from Laws' properties worldwide. The 3 June evening sale will feature the largest single-owner collection of prestige watches ever to come to market in Australia. Three online sales will follow, dedicated to fine interiors, the library and luxury collectibles.

Ahead of the sales, selected highlights will go on public preview at Bonhams Melbourne (21–24 May) and at the Laws' Residence at Woolloomooloo in Sydney (29 May–1 June).

The John Laws CBE Collection 2 June 2026 | Live, Sydney

This sale offers a glimpse into the private world of John Laws CBE and Caroline Laws. Drawn from the Laws' residences and properties worldwide, the collection reflects Francophile sensibilities and a disciplined, discerning eye.

The philosophy is evident in Paul César Helleu's Mme Helleu Sur le Yacht L'Étoile, c.1900, estimated at AU$150,000 – 250,000, and four editioned bronze sculptures by Auguste Rodin, including Nu féminin couché dit aussi 'Étude pour Ariane', conceived between 1887 and 1890, cast by the E. Godard foundry in 1986 in an edition of 12 numbered 1/8-8/8 and I/IV-IV/IV, estimated at AU$40,000 – 60,000. French 18th-century furniture is also well represented, including a fine Louis XV floral marquetry secretaire a abattant, circa 1760s, estimated at AU$4,000–6,000.

Additional highlights:

• 18th and 19th century English and Continental furniture sourced from David Jones Gallery, Sydney, and leading international dealers, including an intricate Florentine scagliola marble table top, estimated at AU$5,000–8,000

• Paintings by Australian artists including Brett Whiteley, Margaret Olley, Ray Crooke and Tim Storrier, alongside an onyx sculpture, Anna I, 1978, by Joel Elenberg, estimated at AU$300,000–400,000

• A selection of antiquities including a Roman marble statuette of Silvanus and a ram, circa 2nd century A.D., estimated at AU$3,000–5,000; a white marble Torso of a Crouching Venus, estimated at AU$3,000–5,000

The John Laws CBE Collection | Timepieces 3 June 2026 | Live, Sydney

The 3 June evening sale represents the largest single owner collection of prestige watches ever to come to market in Australia.

The sale reflects Laws' unmistakable aesthetic: bold, golden and unapologetic. Echoing his iconic gold plated microphone, he favoured substantial yellow gold accessories, worn deliberately to catch the light during broadcasts and publicity appearances – an extension of the commanding persona that defined his career.

Leading the sale is a yellow gold Patek Philippe Nautilus "Jumbo", ref.3700/11, a rare yellow gold bracelet watch with date, circa 1985, estimated at AU$150,000–250,000, an enduring icon of modern watchmaking. For Rolex collectors, highlights include an exceedingly rare Rolex ref. 6062, a yellow gold triple calendar bracelet watch with moon phases, circa 1953, estimated at AU$80,000–120,000, widely regarded as a true unicorn in the world of vintage horology. It is joined by a rare Rolex GMT Master II, ref.116718LN, a yellow gold dual time bracelet watch with date and ceramic bezel, circa 2008, estimated at AU$40,000–60,000.

Additional highlights:

• A limited-edition Cartier Collection Privée Cartier Paris (CPCP) Basculante, ref.2391, yellow gold reversible wristwatch, circa 1999, estimated at AU$20,000–30,000

• A limited-edition Omega Speedmaster Professional Apollo XI 1969, ref. BA145.022, in yellow gold, made to commemorate the 'Apollo XI' moon landing, circa 1970, estimated at AU$40,000–60,000

The John Laws CBE Collection | Fine Interiors 22 May – 5 June 2026 | Online, Sydney

This sale captures the refined ease of the Laws' way of life, from 18th- and 19th-century French Provincial furniture, Venetian hand-blown glassware and Chinese export porcelain to outdoor furnishings and garden statuary. Echoing the elegance of their interiors, highlights include a pair of cast stone Medici Lions, estimated at AU$3,000–5,000; a circular garden table with Verde Marinace granite top, estimated at AU$2,000–3,000 and a variety of oversized outdoor planters.

The John Laws CBE Collection | The Library 26 May – 9 June 2026 | Online, Sydney

A tribute to the written word and the art of the desk, the Library sale offers an extensive selection of rare, first-edition books and leather-bound periodicals, including the first edition of Richard Bowdler Sharpe's Monograph of the Paradiseidae, or Birds of Paradise, and Ptilonorhynchidae, or Bower-birds, with hand-coloured plates, estimated at AU$10,000–15,000. It also features an impressive selection of fine writing implements by Cartier, Montblanc, Waterman, Omas and Namiki, in 18ct gold and sterling silver, alongside desktop accessories from Bulgari, Tiffany & Co. and Ilias Lalounis.

The John Laws CBE Collection | Luxury 29 May – 12 June 2026 | Online, Sydney

The auction series concludes with an impeccable selection of travel goods and accessories. This definitive gentleman's collection features iconic pieces from Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Christian Dior, Bottega Veneta, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino and Giorgio Armani.

(Press Release)