In the heart of Sydney’s intellectual quarter, a remarkable story unfolds. When a pioneering University of Sydney academic chose to furnish her home in the golden age of Australian design, she didn’t shop piecemeal—she curated. Walking into Grace Bros on Broadway in the late 1960s, she assembled what can only be described as a masterclass in mid-century modernism, selecting pieces from the era’s most celebrated makers: Parker Furniture, Danish De Lux, and FLER.

More Than Furniture—A Portal to Another Era

For over five decades, these pieces have lived together as they were meant to—a harmonious collection that transforms any space into a gallery of Australian design heritage. Each piece tells part of a larger story: the optimism of post-war Australia, the influence of Scandinavian aesthetics on local craftspeople, and the sophisticated taste of Sydney’s cultural elite. My wife and I purchased the collection directly from our colleague some years ago and have cherished it since.

Step into this collection and you’re transported to a time when Sydney was discovering its design identity, when quality meant something, when furniture was built to last lifetimes. The warm patina of well-loved teak, the supple materials that have molded to countless conversations, the brass that gleams with the polish of careful maintenance—these pieces don’t just furnish a room, they animate it with history.

Maintained in fine condition within a smoke-free environment, each piece shows only the gentle marks of a life well-lived—the kind of honest wear that adds character rather than diminishes value.

Seeking the Perfect Match

This collection deserves more than buyers—it needs custodians who understand that great design is timeless, that these pieces represent not just furniture but cultural artifacts. Whether you’re a collector with a discerning eye, a design professional who recognizes exceptional vintage pieces, or simply someone who values the irreplaceable warmth of authentic mid-century living, this collection offers something truly special.

Experience Before You Decide

Photographs can capture form but not feeling. The true magic of these pieces—their proportions, their presence, the way they transform light and space—can only be appreciated in person. Serious enquirers are warmly invited to view the collection in its current setting.

There are stories these pieces could tell, chapters of Sydney’s cultural history they’ve witnessed. For the right caretaker, these stories become part of the offering—connecting you not just to beautiful objects, but to the remarkable woman who first chose them and the era they so perfectly represent.

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