David Bromley · Chapel St Studio Collection Auction

David Bromley's unique studio space overlooking Chapel st, Prahran.

David Bromley's unique studio and gallery space in Chapel st, Prahran.

I still remember the very first time I visited David Bromley's magical studio space above Chapel street in Prahran.  It was for a book launch, around 3 years ago.  It was a weeknight, I was a bit under the weather, I could hardly be bothered driving across town in the rain to get there.  But when I finally reached the discreet entrance to this grand three storey Victorian premises, with its crumbling ornate facade, kitsch gargoyles and twinkling chandeliers on the first floor balcony... I knew this was no ordinary event.  As I stepped up the painted checkerboard staircase to the first floor, the bustle of Chapel st instantly seemed a world away.  I know it sounds very dramatic, but it truly was an Alice in Wonderland experience, the kind you wake up from the next morning, wondering if it had all been a dream. That evening, the penny kind of dropped.  Given time to experience his incredible collection of art, antiques and ephemera en masse in this vast, dilapidated, fantastical setting, I realised that David Bromley's aesthetic genius actually runs far deeper than his own creative output.  Love him or loathe him, as a collector, curator and kind of Willy Wonka-esque creative visionary, you just have to give credit where credit is due! I recount this story now, because Melbournians have a rare opportunity this week to see Bromley's incredible Chapel st premises for the very last time.  This unique space, which has served for the past five years as David Bromley's studio, gallery and private space for meetings and gatherings, is open to the public this week only, as a viewing space for the final dispersal of David Bromley's personal art and design collection.  Having re-located to Byron Bay, Bromley is shedding the last of this impressive collection, and is also seeking expressions of interest for the leasehold of the unique property at 280 Chapel street Prahran.  YES that's right, another creative individual or corporation now has the opportunity to pen a new chapter in the colourful history of this iconic Melbourne building!  AMAZING! The Chapel Street Studio houses the final pieces from Bromley's extensive art, furniture and antiques collections.  Of course Bromley's own work is well represented, but so too are other highly collectible artists whose work Bromley has collected and enjoyed over the years - including David Band, Cherry Hood, Adam Cullen, Zhong Chen and many more. Leonard Joel will be auctioning off The David Bromley Chapel Street Studio Collection this Sunday 18th November at 11.00am.  Viewings within this space are scheduled all this week.  LAST CHANCE to see it, people... I might even sneak in for a second look myself!

THE DAVID BROMLEY CHAPEL STREET STUDIO COLLECTION AUCTION

Auction Sunday 18th November 11.00am 280 Chapel Street Prahran 3181 Viewings Wednesday 14th Nov - 10.00am - 4.00pm Thursday 15th Nov - 10.00am - 4.00pm Friday 16th Nov - 10.00am - 4.00pm Saturday 17th Nov - 10.00am - 5.00pm View catalogue here.  All enquiries re: the auction and /or leasehold of the space to be directed to Leonard Joel.

David Bromley's unique studio and gallery space in Chapel st, Prahran.