Blow for Menzies as Turner bows out
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In a significant loss for Menzies Art Brands, Head of Art Justin Turner has quietly resigned from the company for personal reasons. The hard-working Turner consigned the sensation of last year, Brett Whiteley’s
Henri’s Armchair, 1974-1975, which realised $6.136 million (including buyer’s premium) at a gala solo auction in Sydney last November, making it the most expensive artwork ever sold on the secondary market in Australia.
Turner joined the company in 2013 as Head of Art at Lawson-Menzies and was appointed chief executive of Menzies Art Brands the following year. Last August he stepped down as chief executive to become Head of Art. Saleroom learnt of Turner’s exit when enquiring about his return from leave. The search is now on for a new Head of Art, and with owner Rod Menzies pulling back from the daily business due to ill health, one anticipates more changes to come at the company.