The estate of legendary Australian broadcaster John Laws is set to go under the hammer next month, with over 600 lots from his extensive collection of fine art, watches, rare books and luxury collectibles. Laws, who died aged 90 in November 2023, was known for his lavish lifestyle and amassed a significant fortune during his seven-decade career.
Among the highlights is a yellow gold Patek Philippe Nautilus bracelet watch estimated at up to £200,000 (A$250,000). The watch collection is the largest single-owner collection of prestige watches ever to come to market in Australia. Other items include Gucci slippers valued at £640 (A$800), first-edition books, and designer accessories from brands such as Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel.
Bonhams Australia will conduct the sale over five auctions, including two live and three online events. The collection also features a first edition of Richard Bowdler Sharpe's Monograph of the Paradiseidae with hand-coloured plates, estimated at up to £12,000 (A$15,000).
Merryn Schriever, managing director of Bonhams Australia, said the auction house was committed to preserving Laws' legacy. Laws, known as the 'Golden Tonsils' for his mellifluous baritone, began his career in regional Victoria and became Australia's most successful broadcaster, though his career was not without controversy, including the 'cash-for-comment' scandal.
