When Gregsons Auctioneers operated on Beaufort Street in Perth, Leon Pericles could often be found sorting through items at their thrice-weekly estate and monthly antique auctions. He wasn’t interested in furniture, antiques, or electrical goods. Instead, he was on the lookout for small objects to use as embellishments on his printed works—things like buttons, medals, postage stamps, shells, and any other quirky items that could enhance the narrative.

He would store these objects in his studio until the need arose. ... Given the diversity and quantity of items he bought, his storage cabinets likely remain full.

A familiar figure on the auction floor, Pericles was well-known for his friendly interactions with both fellow patrons and the auction staff. Leon was also a shrewd businessman when it came to his art. During the difficult times for artists in the '90s, he produced a series of smaller etchings, allowing him to reduce his prices and maintain a steady cash flow. He was concerned that many of his artist friends didn’t have similar optionsnor saw the logic of his decision.

"Still Life with Farmhouse" bears the unmistakable Pericles touch—a masterfully crafted painting, thoughtfully designed with pleasing colours, and infused with the subtle humour for which Pericles is renowned.