Company History
Being a family-owned company influences the way we do business. With our name on the door we think it’s as important for us to work with integrity, as it is to offer the right mix of antiques, fine arts and decorator items for our clients. We strive to deal fairly on behalf of both sellers and purchasers. Throughout our history, we’ve worked to ensure this …
du Plessis Auction Gallery was established in Sydney in the mid 60s. With seven years’ experience arranging and conducting auctions worldwide for a London- and Luxembourg-based merchant bank and its subsidiaries, Peter moved with his young family to Australia.
Among the many auctions Peter conducted at this time – one of which he was particularly proud – was the estate of Australian author May Gibbs to benefit the children’s advocate organisation UNICEF.
After a rapid expansion into all states during this time, our head office was officially relocated to Adelaide in 1972. Together Peter and his wife, Robin, launched our reputation for selling quality antiques, paintings and collectibles, while also being instrumental in producing legislative changes to most auctioneers acts across Australia. Robin also served on the committee of the Society of Auctioneers & Appraisers (SA) for much of the 1980s and presented workshops for the Real Estate Institute’s auction school.
To celebrate our 50th Anniversary, a decision was made to invest in our future and that of the Auction Industry, by moving into the most innovative and creative Auction & Exhibition space ever created in Australia. With Peter & Robin’s son, Marc now running the company, du Plessis Auction Gallery has further expanded their offerings to keep up with the modern collector, whilst still keeping the quality of the auctions at a very high standard.
Our People
Robin du Plessis
Our Director, Robin has successfully combined a career and committee membership with raising five children. In 1966 she commenced serving as a director of an auctioneering and stock liquidating company in Toronto, Canada. In 1976 she obtained her auctioneer’s licence – believed to be the one of the first granted to a woman in Australia. She served on the committee of the Society of Auctioneers and Appraisers (SA) for most of the 1980s, including as editor of its newsletter and presenting workshops at the Real Estate Institute’s auction school. Robin is a Fellow & Life member of the Society of Auctioneers and Appraisers (SA) and in 2010 was recipient of a Tribute Award, Recognising dedication to the Society and the professions of Auctioneering & Appraising.
Marc du Plessis
As General Manager, Marc is heavily involved with the day-to-day workings of our company and with much of the customer contact. It’s a position we like to think he was born for, as he attended his first company auction at just two days old. Now having tallied up thirty five plus years in the industry and with particular expertise in European paintings, 18th century & earlier furniture, and sporting memorabilia, he is responsible for maintaining our high standard of items for sale. Marc is also our auctioneer with his own unique style whilst offering some light-hearted moments. Marc is a past President and current Fellow of the Society of Auctioneers and Appraisers (SA), a multi-award winning auctioneer (including twice winning The Golden Gavel Auctioneer of the Year), and also a multi-award winning appraiser.
Melinda du Plessis
Melinda heads up our Client Services department. With many years’ experience in office administration and management for a leading Adelaide law firm and other private companies ensures everything runs smoothly on auction and viewing days. With a ready smile, she’s the ‘go-to’ person for our clients and is everyones first point of contact.
Peter du Plessis (1941 – 2016)
Peter together with his wife, Robin, founded du Plessis Auction Gallery. He was a Fellow & Life member of the Society of Auctioneers and Appraisers (SA) and a multi-award winning auctioneer. In 2009 was recognised with the award, “Corporate Auctioneer Ambassador for Excellence in the Field of Antiques & Fine Arts” at the Golden Gavel Awards. Peter, throughout his life, had given freely of his time in raising funds for charities, not only through ‘black tie’ auctions, but also with lectures covering the many fields of collecting and at valuation days at country events.
Shipping & Transport
We strongly suggest you use a transport company that will treat your items with care and respect. We can recommend independent companies for local, interstate and overseas deliveries. Please contact us for more information.