76

FRED WILLIAMS (1927-1982)
Persimmon Tree 1958

oil on canvas
signed lower right: Fred Williams
59.5 x 89.5cm

PROVENANCE
Mrs Katherine Hattam, Melbourne, acquired directly from the artist (letter from Frances Hattam accompanies this work)
Private collection, Melbourne
Thence by descent
Private collection, Victoria, acquired from the above
Collection of the Late Jan Grant, Lauriston

© Fred Williams/Copyright Agency, 2025

CATALOGUE ESSAY
Jan Grant: A Legacy of Philanthropy and Connection (Lots 76-78, 94, 184)

Jan Grant's life was defined by philanthropy—driven by compassion, connection, and a deep commitment to fostering community engagement. As the longtime owner of the famed Malmsbury Bakery, she was a vocal advocate for local issues, often sparking meaningful debate within the township.

A passionate music lover and dedicated supporter of young talent, Jan made a lasting impact on the music world through her involvement with the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM). In 2011, she approached ANAM with the idea of building a network of donors to contribute to the living allowances that support musicians. The concept was inspired by a childhood memory of her father's syndicate-funded thoroughbred horses—where collective contributions made great achievements possible.

Jan hosted recitals at Cygnet, her Neoclassical residence in Lauriston, rural Victoria. Inspired by the grandeur of English stately homes, Cygnet housed dedicated recital rooms of elegant proportion. Intimacy was central to Jan's vision—she carefully curated paintings and furniture to create a space that celebrated beauty and comfort.

This collection highlights two large paintings by Roger Kemp, whose visionary abstract paintings aimed to illuminate that which was not visible. His rich and lyrical fractal compositions, featuring shades of deep violet, lilac, and purple, resonate with rhythmic harmony. Kemp's evocative paintings provided an opportunity for deep reflection in the beautifully curated space that Jan created for the emerging musicians who performed there. Another work of note includes an early painting by Fred Williams bearing the provenance of Katherine Hattam, wife of artist Hal Hattam. The couple is credited as the first private collectors to embrace the art of Fred Williams from 1958 onwards. The lounging figure, hovering between reading and dozing, exudes a sense of comfort and leisure, relaxing in the garden. At the same time, a dog sits poised in the foreground, regaled by the lush garden surroundings. The palette is characteristic of the artist's earlier work, the generous brushstrokes layering complementary aubergines and autumnal colours emitting a sense of warmth and tranquillity. These artworks were selected with great care and attention, as it was important to Jan that the young performers felt welcomed and uplifted in her sanctuary devoted to musical excellence.

What began as a financial assistance program soon evolved into a genuine community, fostering deep connections between musicians and benefactors. Known for her mischievous spirit and straight-talking nature, Jan had an innate ability to bring people together, breaking down social barriers and forging lasting friendships beyond the ANAM program. She once reflected: "We formed friendships with musicians and other donors, which have added so much to all our lives. I am a very proud donor to this program. As a senior person, I realise the value of these young people who are dedicated to creating something beautiful and to being as excellent as they can. Watching musicians grow personally and professionally at ANAM is joyous. I follow their careers with pride. They will always have a place at my table."[1]

Jan's reverence for music and beauty lives on—not only in the objects she collected but, more importantly, in the enduring connections she fostered. In recognition of her extraordinary generosity, the Board of ANAM has named the new musicians' lounge in the renovated South Melbourne Town Hall the Jan Grant Musicians' Lounge—a space that will continue to support and inspire generations of musicians to come, ensuring that her legacy remains vibrant and influential.

Sarah Garrecht

Footnotes
[1] Jan Grant, ANAM Impact of Philanthropy Report 2023, p.16

  • Condition: All items are sold on an 'as is' basis. Statements in the catalogue entry or in the condition report are statements of opinion and are not to be relied upon as statements of fact. All statements are provisional and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Gibson’s.  Lots should be evaluated on personal inspection by the bidder or a knowledgeable representative. The absence of such statements does not imply that the Lot is free from defects or restoration. Neither Gibson’s nor the Seller is responsible for any errors or omissions in the catalogue or any supplemental material. Any requests for specific condition reports are actioned chronologically over the course of the viewing period and may have a short delay. 

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Collections should occur within three business days of the auction. Storage fees apply outside of this period.

Buyers are required to make their own arrangements for packing, handling, shipping and transit insurance for their property. We recommend using a professional service as Gibson's cannot take any responsibility for loss, damage or breakage that may occur.

For an updated list of recommended shippers, please follow: gibsonsauctions.com.au/buy/payments-collections-shipping/

*Gibson's takes no responsibility for the actions of any recommended third party.

25 May 2025 12:00 AEST
Armadale, Australia

Gibson's

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
A$0 A$499 A$20
A$500 A$999 A$50
A$1,000 A$1,999 A$100
A$2,000 A$4,999 A$200
A$5,000 A$9,999 A$500
A$10,000 A$19,999 A$1,000
A$20,000 A$49,999 A$2,000
A$50,000 A$99,999 A$5,000
A$100,000 A$199,999 A$10,000
A$200,000 A$499,999 A$20,000
A$500,000 A$999,999 A$50,000
A$1,000,000 A$1,999,999 A$100,000
A$2,000,000 + A$200,000