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Mirka Mora's Sons File Supreme Court Action Over Estate Administration

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Legal Dispute Over Artist Mirka Mora's Estate Reaches Supreme Court

The two surviving sons of the late artist Mirka Mora have initiated legal proceedings in the Supreme Court of Victoria concerning the administration of their mother's estate. The action questions the fulfillment of duties by executors and trustees, while the respondents have described the application as "misconceived."

Parties to the Legal Action

  • Applicants: Philippe Mora and Tiriel Mora, the surviving sons of Mirka Mora.
  • Respondents: The legal action names several respondents:
    • Anna Mortley-Mora, the widow of Mirka Mora's third son, William Mora, and sole director of William Mora Galleries.
    • Current trustees Anthony William Parsons and Allan Verstandig.
    • Former trustees Bernard Marin and Christopher Vincent Maher.

Background and Estate Details

Mirka Mora, a prominent Australian artist known for her paintings, drawings, dolls, and ceramics, died in August 2018 at the age of 90. Her son, gallerist William Mora, died in April 2023.

An inventory from 2019 valued the art owned by the estate at approximately $6 million.

According to court documents, the estate's assets include works from a Heide exhibition, pieces from Mirka Mora's former home, and works in storage at William Mora Galleries.

William Mora Galleries was appointed as the agent for the Mora estate in 2023. The current trustees, Parsons and Verstandig, were appointed in February 2024 following the resignation of the original trustees, Marin and Maher.

Legal Questions Raised

The legal documents filed by Philippe and Tiriel Mora question whether the executors and trustees have properly discharged their duties. Specific areas of inquiry include:

  • The creation of a comprehensive and accurate inventory of artworks.
  • The handling of copyright fees, royalties, and trademarks using the word "Mirka."
  • The appointment of William Mora Galleries as the estate's agent.
  • Licensing agreements between the estate and companies including Kip & Co, Kozminsky Jewellery, and Third Drawer Down.

Statements from Legal Representatives

Stewart Levitt, of Levitt Robinson, representing Philippe and Tiriel Mora, stated his clients consider "they have been hard done by in terms of the way the estate has been administered." The sons have proposed that alternative trustees—art dealer Tim Olsen and chartered accountant Danny Lustig—be appointed to administer the estate.

Nancy Collins, legal representative for the former trustees Bernard Marin and Christopher Vincent Maher, issued a statement in response. It said:

"The original trustees were appointed in accordance with the express wishes of Mirka Mora herself. They have, at all times, acted diligently, responsibly and in good faith in administering the estate for the benefit of all beneficiaries while faithfully adhering to Mirka's will."

The statement from the former trustees' representative added, "We consider the application to be misconceived. It is framed as a request for guidance but in substance raises broad and unfocused allegations. We are confident that the Court will find that the estate has been properly administered."

Other Responses

Anna Mortley-Mora, Anthony William Parsons, and Allan Verstandig have all declined to comment on the legal proceedings.