'End of an era' for treasured Melbourne antique house
As shops and cafes came and went over the decades on Malvern Road in Malvern, it seemed fitting that John D. Dunn Antiques stood the test of time.
When it opened in 1958, the unassuming two-level store was among Melbourne’s leading antique houses, supplying well-heeled collectors across the country.
After 65 years of trading, the retirement of Francis Dunn heralded the closure of the business last year. The shop’s remaining pieces were auctioned off – with huge success – and now, the building that once housed treasured items from bygone centuries is for sale.
“The closing and subsequent sale of the building housing John D. Dunn Antiques marks the end of an era for two outstanding antique dealers,” said Keren Lewis, general manager of the Australian Antiques & Art Dealers Association.
“The late John D. Dunn traded in traditional English antiques from 1958 and passed his business to his son Francis Dunn, who then became a leader in the trade of classic French & English antique furniture & decorative antiques.”
The now-vacant property is for sale through selling agents Nick Breheny and Robert Kelly of GormanKelly.
“We probably think it’s somewhere in the mid-$1million range,” Breheny said.
“It’s a hard one to pick because it’s two wide open floors, it’s very versatile. It may well be that another antique dealer comes and takes advantage of 65 years of goodwill. It traded exceptionally well right up until [Francis] retired.”
As a young man, John Dunn took up an apprenticeship under antiques dealer Cyril Lander in Toorak village, meeting luminary collectors such as Sir Keith Murdoch and influential landscape painter Sir Arthur Streeton. He then went to work at a well known antiques establishment in South Yarra, the Connoisseur Store, before opening the Malvern shop with his wife Eilleen in 1958.
In 1967, their son Francis joined the business while their other son Peter established Prinny’s Antiques on Malvern Road.
Francis Dunn continued to carry on his father’s legacy, serving as director of John D. Dunn Antiques for many years. He was recently awarded emeritus membership of the Australian Antique & Art Dealers Association.
His retirement “leaves a legacy of being an outstanding dealer in the antiques trade and a mentor to many,” Lewis said. “He will be missed.”
The premises covers 330 square metres over two levels with rear lane access, and is expected to appeal to owner occupiers and investors.
Breheny said the commercial market had picked up in recent months. “We’ve had quite a few sales come out of Christmas. It was a bit scary slowing down in the last few months of last year.”
Enquiry levels have been stronger than they were at the end of last year, he said.
Gorman Kelly are offering 1431 Malvern Road to the market via an Expressions of Interest campaign closing Wednesday March 15.
