Introducing our Team – Belinda Hensler
Continuing our team showcase, we’re delighted to introduce Belinda Hensler. With a long family history in antique dealing, and a lifetime spent working with the rare and collectable, Belinda brings a wealth of experience to Theodore Bruce – and a passion for pre-loved decorative arts and objects.
A Background in Antiques & Auction Houses
Growing up in a family of antique sellers, it was unsurprising that Belinda developed a love of old objects, and a career spent working with the rare, beautiful and collectable.
“My family were always in antiques. My mum and stepfather used to do Balmain markets, and my uncle and stepfather were the first sellers in the Sydney Antique Centre in South Dowling Street (Surry Hills). After studying hospitality and living and working overseas, I came back to Sydney, had my daughters, then jumped back into the markets.”
Belinda has been a fixture in many of the dealer stalwarts across Sydney and NSW, including the Sydney and Woollahra Antique Centres, Wentworth Park Antiques and Camperdown Mews, plus the Victory Antique Centre in Blackheath and the Southern Antique Centre in Kogarah where her family had stalls.
A move into the auction world followed, initially with Ravenswick, over ten years with Barsby Auctions, and most recently with Theodore Bruce. “I had known James (Badgery, Theodore Bruce Director) since he was with Lawsons which I would go into regularly. This role was just what I was looking for, and I love that so many customers from my previous roles are now regulars here.”
Working with Decorative Arts & Eclectic Objects
Working for antique dealers and auction houses provides a wonderful opportunity to discover, and uncover the story of, unique objects.
“The variety of stock in the decorative arts department is exciting. You never know what you are going to find, and I love touching, feeling and researching old items. Learning about their history is one thing that makes the whole world of antiques so interesting.”
“I do love some contemporary objects and jewellery, and I like retro design, but antiques are probably the favourite. I love thinking about where objects have come from, and also looking at techniques and materials used to craft them, such as different metals.”
The appeal of antiques for many is very personal, which makes valuing items another interesting aspect of her role.
“You can put a price on an object as much as you think, based on materials, story and comparable sales, but really, you never know what something will go for if someone falls in love with it, and that keeps it interesting.”
Collecting with Family & Friends
Like many in the Theodore Bruce team, Belinda is a collector – over the years picking up nik naks, homewares and one-of-a-kind items.
“I used to collect anything and everything that caught my eye. Glassware was a favourite for a long time, including vintage art glass and antique glass. Having moved into a smaller space I don’t have the room anymore, which is probably one reason I now collect jewellery.”
Belinda’s collecting over the years has been spurred by the wonderful people around her.
“My parents have been collecting for years, and my mum’s house is full of antiques. My uncle was always very generous and inspiring, and I worked with and for a lot of lovely people, including Denise Profilio from Camperdown Mews. I know a lot of the antique centres and dealers because I’ve been around them for so long. I grew up with them, and many of the dealers still remember me as a little girl.”
Belinda often arrives to work early and browses – and bids – online auctions, often looking at Victorian or Art Deco jewellery – “something no one else will be wearing.” Her latest bids have been for a stunning pair of Antique 9ct Yellow Gold Seed Pearl Flower Drop Earrings, pictured.
A World of Passionate Collectors
Since joining our team, Belinda has discovered many customers she already knows well from so many years working in antiques, each sharing a passion for pre-loved – and collecting.
“I used to really enjoy live auctions when they were more common. I would be on the phone for overseas bidders and loved seeing their reactions. I remember once having a client on the phone from China who bid $250,000 for a Buddha with an estimate of around $10,000. When I told him he had won, he was thrilled.”
It doesn’t need to be a huge purchase to discover the excitement of a winning bid.
“In our last Decorative Objects sale, we had three little plastic animals – Vintage Abraham Palatnik Lucite Animal Sculptures. To watch a tiny decorative object go for $240… is always interesting.
“We have another client who has 12 storages of objects he has acquired over the years, including beautiful Georgian silver. It’s fascinating when you see the really passionate collectors, those that keep bidding for something they really love.”
Decorative Arts & Eclectic Objects at Auction
Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers offers regular auctions in Decorative Arts and Eclectic Objects.
Our recently introduced auction format – The Fine Monthly Collection – combines the best of both, along with fine furniture & collectables, a wonderful selection of beautiful, high quality and interesting objects from around the globe.
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