ART+OBJECT NEWS

Hone Tuwhare Trust Secures Kaka Point Cottage

2012-02-15T09:26:00.003+13:00

Congratulations to the Tuwhare whanau and the Hone Tuwhare Charitable Trust who have, thanks to the generous asssitance of the Takutai Trust, managed to purchase Hone's old home in Kaka Point, close to Balclutha. The aim is to turn the cottage into a writer's residency. In April we will be offering a small selction of Contemporary New Zealand artworks donated by artists in support of the trust. You can learn more about the aims and objectives of the trust here: http://www.honetuwhare.org.nz/.

Latest Catalogue (s)

2012-02-15T08:40:00.003+13:00

We went to print last night for the upcoming suite of sales: The English Collection of Design, New Collectors' Art and Asian Art and Design. For our much-loved subscribers out there, expect not one but two catalogues in your mail box towards the end of the week.

Colin McCahon Elias Sale - The 5th Highest Selling Artwork at Auction

2012-02-08T13:16:00.006+13:00

The Australian Art Sales Digest has revised their list of the top ten highest selling artworks at auction in NZ with our sale, last April, of McCahon's iconic text painting, He Calls for Elias. Interestingly, it is the highest price a McCahon has sold for under the hammer in nearly fifteen years in this country. You can view the list here:

http://www.aasd.com.au/Top10NZ_Historical.cfm.

Further to this the top ten sale prices for 2011 can be found here:

http://www.aasd.com.au/Top10NZ_LastYear.cfm

The Times Group Collection

2012-02-08T11:35:00.003+13:00

John Ward Knox, No Title (4), oil on calico, 2011

On April 26th A+O will offer, as a component of the Important Paintings and Contemporary Art catalogue, the collection of The Times Group, an art buying collective disbanding after the requisite ten years together. The Times Group Collection features contemporary New Zealand works by Michael Parekowhai, Francis Upritchard, Peter Robinson, Heather Straka, Ani O'Neill, Michael Tuffery and many more.

The English Collection of 20th Century Design

2012-02-01T08:46:00.003+13:00

Interior view of the English's Design store 'Found' formerly of High Street, Christchurch.

We are currently in production mode for the catalogue for the English Design Collection which will be held on March 1st. Currently on the homepage are three lots from the sale: A two-piece fibreglass Memphis scultpure entitled 'The Lovers', a superb 1970s 'Confidential' sofa designed by Alberto Rosselli and manufactured in Italy by Saporiti, and lastly a pair of early Ron Arad 'Rover Chairs' designed in 1981 and manudactured by One-Off circa this time.

RARE BOOK SALE ONLINE CATALOGUE OUT NOW

2012-01-31T14:31:00.002+13:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More book

ART+OBJECT: Valuer of Choice for the Country's Art Galleries and Museums

2012-01-31T09:42:00.006+13:00

Colin McCahon's Parihaka triptych. Held in trust by the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery for the people of Parihaka.

ART+OBJECT's valuation department, lead by James Parkinson, has quickly and definitively established itself as the leading valuation service provider in this country across the areas of fine art, taonga and collectables. We are also the place that the country's leading museums, galleries and institutions continue to turn to when seeking to qualify the value of their respective asset bases and collections. In the past six months alone we have been commissioned by the following to complete valuations of their collections:

Te Manawa - Museum of Art, Science and History in Palmerston North
Govett Brewster Gallery in New Plymouth
The Len Lye Foundation in New Plymouth
The Sarjeant Gallery, Te Whare O Rehua in Whanganui
The University of Auckland
The Dowse Art Museum in Lower Hutt
The Tauranga Art Gallery, Toi Tauranga
Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) in Auckland

A+O to Undertake Roadshow in Tauranga

2012-01-25T10:20:00.003+13:00

If you live in Tauranga or the Bay of Plenty region diary Saturday 24th of March as ART+OBJECT will be in town conducting a good old-fashioned style antiques roadshow at the Tauranga Art Gallery. We haven't done one of these for a couple of years and last time, in Rotorua, we unearthed the wonderful Napoleonic collection which sold to collectors all around the globe. Look forward to seeing you there.

The Working Style Bespoke Club

2012-01-23T11:22:00.003+13:00

ART+OBJECT are a partner in the exclusive upcoming Working Style Bespoke Club, in asscoaition with Metro magazine, to be held at Coutts Mercedes-Benz, Newmarket in early March. Other partners include Moa Beer, Moet and Chandon, Mercedes-Benz with further luxury brand partners to be announced shortly. The event coincides with announcement of New Zealand's Best Dressed Businessman and includes a VIP client day in which each partner invites 100 clients to attend the event on Saturday 10th of March.

Two Major Book Libraries to be Offered on February 22nd

2012-01-20T13:05:00.006+13:00

Original photograph of The Discovery along with Antarctica by C. Reginald Ford.

Commander R. A Oliver from A Series of Lithographic Drawings from Sketches in New Zealand (1852).

ART+OBJECT is delighted to be offering a further selection of books and documents from two major New Zealand libraries.
The library of Arthur T. Pycroft was far too large to incorporate into one auction and as a result this sale includes further important early Maori printings, papers and documents, Maori war and World War I military histories, along with New Zealand and regional histories.
Also included in the catalogue are the contents of an impressive private South Island library of important contemporary New Zealand literature. It includes Caxton Club and Press publications, alongside other private presses, as well as early works by Allen Curnow, Denis Glover and James K. Baxter. Also of note are an original manuscript by Pat Lawlor for ‘Confessions of a Journalist’ and the proof edition of ‘Books and Bookmen’.
Further works from this large collection will be included in our June auction and entries for this sale are currently invited.
The auction is to be held on Wednesday the 22nd of February at 12 midday. It will consist of around 600 lots and we encourage inspection.
Viewing is on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th from 11.00am to 3.00pm and on Monday and Tuesday from 9.am to 5pm.
Direct all inquiries to:
Pam Plumbly
Rare Book Consultant
Art + Object
pam@artandobject.co.nz
Ph: +64 9 354 4646 Fax +64 9 354 4645
Mobile: 021 448200

A+O ANNOUNCE CONSIGNMENT OF SIGNIFICANT PRIVATE COLLECTION OF CONTEMPORARY ART

2012-01-18T17:11:00.003+13:00

Jae Hoon Lee, One of These Days (2007)

We are delighted to announce that on March 22nd we will be offering the private collection of Auckland collectors, Russell and Shirley Hodgson. Consisting of just over 90 lots, our first major art catalogue of the year will thus constitute a standalone single-vendor offering. The Hodgson collection consists of important contemporary Australasian works by: Liz Maw, Francis Upritchard, Peter Stichbury, Dale Frank, Peter Robinson, Kate Beynon, Jae Hoon Lee, Michael Parekowhai, Sara Hughes, Yvonne Todd, Fiona Pardington, Rohan Wealleans and many more. We will be following up this sale with our usual mixed, anonymous vendor catalogue of Important Paintings and Contemporary Art on the 26th of April. Further details and our calendar for the first half of the year will be released shortly, but should you have any queries relating to The Russell and Shirley Hodgson Collection or wish to discuss potential consignments for the April auction contact Ben Plumbly, ben@artandobject.co.nz.

We're Back...

2012-01-16T09:04:00.003+13:00

As of today, Monday the 16th, we are back up and running, not quite at full capacity but nonetheless we will be open for full business hours. Next week all hands are back on deck as we work towards a full suite of sales across March and April.

Steak on a Plate

2011-12-22T12:42:00.002+13:00

Michael Smither's much-discussed Steak is going to a new home in time for Chrsitmas. It sold in a negotiated sale today for $52 000.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2011-12-21T12:08:00.003+13:00

Hamish, James, Ben, Leigh, Giulia and Pam wish everyone a wonderful Christmas, safe and happy holidays and thank you for your generous support in 2011. We close on Thursday afternoon at 3:00pm and reopen on Monday 16th of January. We have a very exciting auction schedule for the early part of next year and will post further details of this in early 2012.

ART+OBJECT FINISH THE YEAR AS NZ'S LEADING ART AUCTION HOUSE

2011-12-19T08:14:00.013+13:00

With 2011 drawing to a close ART+OBJECT are proud to announce that they have finished the year as the top fine art auction house in New Zealand. A+O acheived significantly more in the way of total sales through auction than any of its competitors. Further to this it secured three of the four top spots for the highest value paintings sold at auction in this country, including the number one spot for He Calls for Elias at $571 000. The sale, under the hammer, of McCahon's 1959 masterpiece in our April auction also sees us enter the top five prices ever acheived at auction in this country for the first time. Our market dominance in 2011 further extends into record new prices for individual artist's where five of the eight new high prices realized occured in A+O's saleroom, these included: Peter Robinson, Peter Stichbury, Judy Millar, Gavin Hipkins and Liz Maw. All results come from the respected Australian Art Sales Digest database, for whom all art auction houses in Australasia supply their results.

RARE BOOK AUCTION: 22nd of February

2011-12-13T16:45:00.005+13:00

ART+OBJECT announce the auction of further and final books from the Rare Book Library of Arthur T. Pycroft. This superb library was too large to offer in its entirety in the one catalogue and the remainder will now be offered on Wednesday 22nd of February at 12:00pm alongside a small selection of complimentary entries from other collections. Viewing will be held on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and the Tuesday morning prior to the auction commencing.

Walter Lawry Buller – A History of the Birds of New Zealand. 2nd edition 1888.

Walter Lawry Buller – A History of the Birds of New Zealand. 1st edition 1873.

A rare Australian pamphlet – The Burke and Wills Exploring Expedition. Melbourne, Wilson and Mackinnon Printers 1861.

The catalogue will also include important Military History, Natural History and Maori Wars items as well as photographs, Maori printings, documents, maps and a large collection of regional New Zealand histories.

New Collectors' Art and Design and Decorative Arts: Preliminary Results

2011-12-09T08:45:00.002+13:00

We capped off our final act of the year last night with part two of our December New Collectors' Art and Decorative Arts and Design catalogue. Last night's auction will be our last until late February and rounds off what has been our best year, amidst difficult trading circumstances, in our near five year history. Some of the highlights from Tuesday and Wednesday night's sales included:

lot 5 Ralph Hotere $4100
lot 12 Grahame Sydney $2460
lot 33 Charles Tole $2630
lot 34 Seraphine Pick $4340
lot 39 Michael Harrison $3400
lot 44 Robin White $6450
lot 45 Robin White $5275
lot 48 Theo Schoon $2990
lot 49 Peter Stichbury $3225
lot 51 A. Lois White $4690
lot 57 Gavin Hipkins $3515
lot 64 Gretchen Albrecht $2695
lot 65 Julian Dashper $3520
lot 76 Shane Cotton $2930
lot 106 Philip Clairmont $2345
lot 122 Gavin Hurley $3225
lot 246.1 Len Castle (cover lot) $5570
lot 249 Len Castle Crater Bowl $5275
lot 287 Ann Robinson $9380
lot 295 Art Deco Lounge Suite $3985
lot 297 Bauhaus attributed Giraffe $4455
lot 302 Bob Roukema Chair $3515
lot 304 Ernst Plischke Suite $8500
lot 394 Italian Lamp $4395
lot 395 Saarinen Table and Chairs $5860
lot 413 Pr os Sleigh Chairs $4100
lot 419 Mogen Hansen Leather Sofa $6445
lot 545 French Patio Chairs $2635
lot 548 Lalique Bowl $4925
lot 550 Apostle Spoon $3165

Auction Tonight and Tomorrow Night

2011-12-07T09:22:00.002+13:00

In our final act of 2011, nearly 700 lots of art and design go under the hammer tonight and tomorrow night. We start at 6:30 for the art tonight and 6:00 tomorrow night for the design and decorative arts.

New Collectors' Art and Decorative Arts and Design

2011-11-24T10:33:00.002+13:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More affordable

On page 3 of this morning's NZ Herald

2011-11-23T09:35:00.002+13:00

Important Paintings and Contemporary Art: Preliminary Highlights

2011-11-23T08:55:00.007+13:00

We had a good and pretty full house for the final major art sale of 2011 last night. Results were up and down reflecting the variable state of the New Zealand art market amidst the continued global volatility. Top sale price of the night went to Ralph Hotere's resplendant Black Painting (above) and a few further highlights from last night included:

Lot 2, Bill Hammond (Puppet) $2970

Lot 7, Yuk King Tan (Cover Lot) $6860

Lot 9, Jae Hoon Lee $11 430
Lot 17, Andy Warhol (Flowers) $28 595
Lot 19, Michael Parekowhai (Elmer Keith No. 2) $17 725
Lot 21, Peter Siddell $28 020
Lot 25, Adele Younghusband $24 020
Lot 26, Philip Clairmont $38 315
Lot 38, Ricky Swallow (Ape with Discman) $8005
Lot 52, Ralph Hotere (Black Painting) $114 000
Lot 55, Colin McCahon (King Country) $57 120
Lot 56, Colin McCahon (Kauri Tree) $68 625
Lot 73, Simon Kaan $17 725
Lot 79, Gretchen Albrecht $8575
* A full list of prices realised will be published shortly

Stream Tomorrow Night's Important Paintings Auction Live

2011-11-21T12:22:00.003+13:00

If you can't make it to the saleroom for tomorrow night's sale you can log onto http://www.liveauctioneers.com/ and stream the auction in realtime. Applications are available for iphones and blackberry's.

Video Preview: Important Paintings and Contemporary Art

2011-11-18T11:31:00.003+13:00

You can watch A+O Directors Ben Plumbly and Hamish Coney discussing some of the works in Tuesday night's Important Paintings and Contemporary Art sale above, or a higher-res version here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9mYj7sYaYQ.

Important Paintings and Contemporary Art: Exhibition Installation Shots

2011-11-16T09:58:00.010+13:00

We are on view through the week 9:00am - 5:30pm, and over the weekend, 11:00am - 4:00pm.

Important Paintings and Contemporary Art: Opens Wednesday

2011-11-14T17:19:00.003+13:00

Our 50th auction, Important Paintings and Contemporary Art goes on view on Wednesday and we are previewing the auction on Wednesday night. The collection should present beautifully in the gallery so come and join us for a glass of Invivo wine or Moa beer and celebrate our wee milestone with us. RSVP to Hamish hamish@artandobject.co.nz.

The Christchurch Court Theatre Fundraising Evening: Pah Homestead

2011-11-14T08:31:00.003+13:00

In an effort to return live theatre to Christchurch following the devastation of the February 22nd quake, James Wallace and the Pah Homestead hold a gala fundraiser to support this worthy cause this Saturday night. Tickets are $250 for a wonderful evening's entertainment which will include several performances from the Court Theatre's repertoire. ART+OBJECT will also be there as auctioneers for three lots including a lunch with the Prime Minister John Key. You can make a donation and learn more about the Court Theatre's plans here: www.icanhelpthecourt.com.

Important Paintings and Contemporary Art - November 22nd Catalogue Online Now

2011-11-09T09:03:00.002+13:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More angus

World Class Jade Collection to be Offered in Early 2012

2011-11-07T17:13:00.003+13:00

In February of next year we will be offering a large and impressive private collection of jade. Assembled in the 1950s, The Leo Tattersfield Jade Collection comprises over 250 pieces collected in China. The collection has wonderful provenance and was on display in Auckland Museum for 15 years. The collection will be accompanied by The Pat Booth Oriental Art Collection. Further suitable entries are now invited.

Catalogue No. 50 Going to Press

2011-11-07T12:12:00.001+13:00

Catalogue No. 50, Important Paintings and Contemporary Art goes to press tonight. We hope to have the catalogue live online by Wednesday and hard copies with the majority of you by the end of the week.

The Pycroft Collection: Evening Two

2011-11-04T09:12:00.002+13:00

The second installment of the extraordinary Pycroft Collection last night witnessed the sale total climb to well in excess of $600 000, nearly ten times that which a standard book auction normally does. Such is the size and scope of the collection that a further 200 books from the Pycroft Collection will feature in our next rare book auction in the New Year along with a substantial collection from the South Island. A few of last night's highlights included:

343. Sir Walter Buller, A History of Birds $8488
348. Sir Walter Buller, A Supplement to the Birds of NZ $8185
360. Arthur T. Pycroft, Visits to Taranga on Hen Island $3760
437. Henry Stoney, Taranaki: A Tale of War $3153
494. Early Photographs of Auckland $13 340
499. Auckland Fee Press Vol 1 $4125
553. E Grimstone, The Southern Settlements of NZ $1880
566. John Wood, 12 Months in Wellington $2060

Pycroft Collection Breaks All Records for a New Zealand Book Auction on First Night

2011-11-03T09:12:00.003+13:00

The Pycroft Collection more than lived up to its billing as 'the most important private library' to come to market in this country, The first evening witnessed turnover in excess of $450 000 as collectors and book dealers from around the world competed to create a sale atmosphere seldom seen in any auction arena, let alone in the book market. A very few preliminary highlights included:

9. E. H Shackleton, Signed Discover Photograph $2970
11. 1st, 2nd, 3rd Cook's Voyages $19 400
15. James Burney, History of the Discoveries in the South Seas $11 520
16. Alexander Dalrymple, Collection of Voyages in South Pacific Ocean $21 220
75. David Collins, An Account of the English Colony $8790
119. John Carne Bidwell, Rambles in New Zealand $5455
123. Barnet Burnes, A Brief Narrative $5940
128. Augustus Earle, Sketches Illustrative of the Native Inhabitants $36 380
149. Edward Wakefield, Adventure to NZ $10 610
220. George French Angas, The New Zealander's $24 850
270. Alexander Mackay, Compendium of Official Documents $31 530

Part two is tonight at 6:30 and i will endeavour to post a few highlights in the morning but a full list of prices realized will be available in the days after the sale (email pam@artandobject.co.nz).

PYCROFT COLLECTION AUCTION TONIGHT: 6-30pm

2011-11-02T08:51:00.004+13:00

Part One of the Pycroft Collection of Rare Books takes place tonight. Lots 1 - 342 will be auctioned from 6-30pm tonight and Part Two, Lots 343 - 632 are to be auctioned tomorrow night from 6-30pm.

Pycroft Collection Heads Herald's Arts Section

2011-11-01T08:15:00.003+13:00

In Saturday's NZ Herald Linda Herrick kicked off the Arts' section with an article on Wednesday and Thursday night's auctions of the phenomenal Pycroft library. If you missed it you can read it here:http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10762456

A+O Secures Major Private Design Collection

2011-10-28T10:51:00.003+13:00

ART+OBJECT is delighted to have secured the consignment of one of the leading private collections of 20th and 21st Century Design in NZ for sale in early 2012. The English Collection of Important Design will be held in March and features many of the world's leading designers including: Finn Juhl, Hans Wegner, Robin Day, Ron Arad, Joe Colombo and many, many more. The sale follows on from the incredibly successful Ross Morrison Collection and similarly, will be presented in the context of a single catalogue, single exhibition and auction. For further information contact James Parkinson: james@artandobject.co.nz.

Illustrated: Finn Juhl for France and Sons (Denmark), The Bwana Chair and Ottoman (1962) $5000 - $8000.

Pycroft Collection - Evening Preview

2011-10-26T10:05:00.004+13:00

This Friday night from 5:30 we are previewing the Pycroft Collection of Rare Books. Feel free to to come and join us for a glass of Invivio and to enjoy the opportunity to engage with one of the most impressive private libraries in New Zealand. RSVP hamish@artandobject.co.nz.

James Parkinson comments on the extraordinary Baldwin Collection in Saturday's Herald

2011-10-25T12:45:00.005+13:00

You can read about the extraordinary and previously unseen photographs of Allan Baldwin, here:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10760821

Tauranga Appraisals

2011-10-18T13:42:00.002+13:00

Ben Plumbly will be in Tauranga next week conducting a valuation of the Tauranga Art Gallery Trust Collection. He will also be undertaking limited private valuations and appraisals. To make an appointment contact him at ben@artandobject.co.nz.

First New Zealand Representative Cap Heads Results in Successful Rugby Auction

2011-10-14T16:17:00.003+13:00

Continuing along the successful path of small and tightly-focused, niche auction catalogues, last night's rugby auction again served to stimulate the market and make for an exciting event in collector's calendars. Several strong prices resulted in a sale which attracted collector and media interest from all over the world. Some preliminary highlights include:

Lot 81: 1971 Lions signed ball $1210
Lot 82: Miniature souvenir ball 1924 - 1925 $6665
Lot 100: Signed Stan Meads' All Black Jersey $1815
Lot 105: Colin Meads' Boots $2665
Lot 107: Sean Fitzpatrick 1987 Jersey $3150
Lot 111: 1884 NZ representative cap $20 905
Lot 112: 1896 NZ representative cap $9330
Lot 121: Invincibles Team photo $4848
Lot 124: Originals Team photo $7878
Lot 124.1: 1905 and 1924 signed tour schedules $8000
Lot 137: Ans Westra Athletic Park photo, 1971 $5575

International Coverage of Rugby Auction

2011-10-13T09:16:00.002+13:00

The strong interest in all things rugby has resulted, as expected, in much interest from around the globe in tonight's rugby auction. Today, the ESPN driven international rugby news site SCRUM, has picked up the ball and run with it. You can read the coverage as well as in depth anaysis of this weekend's semi finals and Richie McCaw's foot here:
http://www.espnscrum.com/newzealand/rugby/story/151980.html

An Unprecendented Rare Book Library: Pycroft Collection Catalogue Online Now

2011-10-12T11:13:00.003+13:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More antarctica

In Today's Paper...

2011-10-05T10:00:00.001+13:00

Rugby, rugby, rugby, and an auction...

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10756605

Shane Cotton Donates Painting for Auction in Upcoming November Sale

2011-10-03T14:47:00.004+13:00

Shane Cotton has very generously donated a work which we will auction as part of the November 22nd Important Paintings and Contemporary Art auction with all proceeds going to The Hone Tuwhare Charitable Trust. This trust was recently established to purchase and restore Hone Tuwhare’s crib at Kaka Point, develop resources for schools and initiate events throughout Aotearoa that celebrate Hone and his contribution to the Arts.

RUGBY CATALOGUE ONLINE NOW

2011-09-29T09:50:00.002+13:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More bush

Important Paintings and Contemporary Art: Final Entries Invited

2011-09-27T10:54:00.002+13:00

Entries for our final major art sale of 2011 close on October 25th.
Image: Andy Warhol, Flowers (1972). Aetna screenprint in colours from an edition of 250 with 26 artist's proofs.

The Pycroft Collection: An Extraordinary Library

2011-09-26T17:17:00.004+13:00

In a two day sale to be held on November 3rd and 4th, A+O will offer the entire Arthur T Pycroft Collection of Rare New Zealand, Australian and Pacific, Books, Manuscripts and Photographs.

Arthur Pycroft (1875-1971) was the “essential gentleman amateur”. Like many other untrained enthusiasts, he made considerable contributions as a naturalist, scholar, historian and conservationist. Pycroft was extremely well informed and on friendly terms with the leading New Zealand men of science, naturalists and museum directors of his era. From an early age he developed a “hands on” approach to all his interests. He corresponded with the famous ornithologist Sir Walter Buller regarding his re discovery of the Little Black Shag in the Bay of Islands and other species later included in Buller’s 1905 Supplement. He learnt the art of taxidermy and practised it “on the side” to supplement his then modest income. He liked to tell the story of how he had eaten a Huia, New Zealand’s rare and extinct bird; one had been sent to him for mounting and after extracting the body he handed it to his land lady with the request that she cook it for him.

New Zealand’s many off shore islands also fascinated him. In the summer of 1903-04 he spent nearly six weeks on Taranga (Hen Island), the first of several visits. In 1928 he went to Little Barrier, in 1929 to the Kermadecs with Guthrie Smith, and in 1932 he was in Melanesia. When Sir Robert Falla named a newly discovered species of petrel ( Pterodroma pycrofti) it was in recognition of Pycroft’s long service to ornithology and the fact he had organised the expedition to Hen Island on which the birds had been discovered. He was also a member of the “Moa Searching Committee” whose objectives included to seek evidence that moas of one species or another had been killed and eaten by the Polynesian invaders. The quest for Moa skeletons took him from Doubtless Bay to the limestone caves of the King Country and Waikaremoana.
Another special area of study lay mostly in Auckland city and to the far north whose history and development he observed closely for more than eight decades.

Arthur Pycroft and his wife Minna, herself a recognised ornithological and botanical artist, spent four years in England in the 1930s. This English sojourn was a halcyon time in which the New Zealander frequented second hand book shops in search of rare books. The sheer scope of the collection is a reflection of the depth of all these interests in combination with a dedicated and acutely sensitivity to acquisitions. The hitherto untouched library is rich in rare books, pamphlets, manuscripts and photographs. Many of the more notable items have a unique association with personalities who helped shape early New Zealand and Pacific history.

ART+OBJECT Favoured with Major Valuation Commission

2011-09-22T11:01:00.003+12:00

ART+OBJECT have just been appointed to value the entire collection of Te Wananga O Aotearoa. Te Wananga is the largest tertiary educational provider in the country and hold an extensive collection of art and taonga across multiple campuses around New Zealand.

New Collectors Art - December 6th: Entries Now Invited

2011-09-19T14:03:00.004+12:00

We will be holding our third and final New Collectors' art sale for 2011 on December 6th. The catalogue will be limited to around 100 entries and consignments are now invited.
(Image: Shane Cotton, Prayer Tiki)

Important Paintings and Contemporary Art Brochure for November 22nd Online Now

2011-09-15T15:02:00.002+12:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More november 22

ART+OBJECT Broker Sale of Major Colin McCahon Painting

2011-09-13T12:55:00.006+12:00

We've never been big on brandying around the 'private treaty' sale thing but today we are celebrating successfully concluding the brokering of a sale of a very important Colin McCahon work. One year in the making, the deal involved the passing from one private collector to another one of the more important McCahon paintings left in private hands. Details of the deal remain confidential but we can confirm a seven figure sale price. Following on from the public sale of the Elias painting in April for $570 000, it has been a great year for art sales at A+O as well as for the market of New Zealand's most important and widely-respected artist which had been somewhat depressed in previous years...

The Departed

2011-09-13T12:46:00.002+12:00

Sold in a negotiated sale today was John Pule's Kavaka which graced the cover of our last art catalogue, for $34 875.

Ross Morrison Collection Exceeds All Expectations

2011-09-07T09:18:00.003+12:00

Last night's sale surpassed all expectaions with nearly every lot selling, and most well beyond their lower estimates proving that the market's insatiable appetite for quality single vendor catalogues and collections remains strong. A brief list of preliminary highlights follows:

Lot 4, French Empire Chair $2695

Lot 10, PH 5 Pendant Lamp $1640

Lot 12, Borge Morgensen Cabinet $7970

Lot 13 Atollo Lamp $2695

Lot 17, Rosewood Sideboard $8440

Lot 32, 1970s German Writing Desk $3750

Lot 37, C/Iron Bath $2345

Lot 38, Chrystable Aitken Plaster Relief $4690

Lot 41, 6 William IV Chairs $2580

Lot 46, Bruno Matheson Chair $2345

Lot 58, Italian Commode $1990

Lot 59, French Armoire $3810

Lot 66, Plycraft Chair and Ottoman $5040

Lot 68, Arne Vodder Office Chair $3165

Lot 81, Paliser Rosewood Wall Unit $4805

Lot 82, Borge Morgensen Sleigh Chairs $5510

Lot 85, Jorgen Gammelard Pendant Lights $3515

Lot 102, Hans Wegner Rocking Chair $2815

Lot 109.1, Pair of Louis XVI Style Fauteils 3750

Lot 121, English Library Table $2815

Lot 138 and 139, Dieter Rams Modular Sofas $4395 and $4105

Lot 141.1, T Chair $3635

Lot 144 and 145, Ernst Plishke Pendant Lights $4570 each

Lot 148 and 149, Sergio Rodriguez Chairs $7505 and $6565

Lot 153, Eero Saarinen Tulip Suite $8440

Lot 160, German Tramp Art Cabinet $4690

Lot 186, Morgen Hansen Lounge Chair $4220

Lot 207, Hans Wegner Pair of Chairs $2815

AUCTION TONIGHT - 6:30pm

2011-09-06T08:19:00.002+12:00

The Ross Morrison Collecton auction is tonight at 6:30pm. If you can't make it feel free to log onto the live auctioneers site and stream the auction www.liveauctioneers.com.

Video Preview: The Ross Morrison Collection

2011-09-02T09:23:00.003+12:00

You can watch ART+OBJECT Director James Parkinson together with the vendor Ross Morrison, discussing some of their favourite items and the history behind them in the above video. Alternatively you can click on the below link to watch a higher res version:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0aUOQe0RXs

Wellington Art Appraisals: 8th and 9th of September

2011-09-01T09:51:00.004+12:00

Next Thursday and Friday the 8th and 9th of September Director of Art, Ben Plumbly will be in Wellington conducting appraisals for the final major art sale of 2011, Important Paintings and Contemporary Art scheduled for November 22nd. To make an appointment contact him at ben@artandobject.co.nz or 021 222 8183.

The Ross Morrison Collection - Thursday Evening Preview

2011-08-31T11:28:00.004+12:00

Tommorow night between 6:00 and 8:00pm we open the Ross Morrison collection. Ross will be in attendance as will wines from Invivo. Please feel free to come down and join us for a glass and to take in the collection. Further to this we are on view Friday through to Tuesday lunchtime including weekend viewing between 11:00 - 4:00pm both days.
Image: Eero Sarrinen Tulip Dining Table and six maching pedestal chairs.

Important Paintings and Contemporary Art: November 22nd

2011-08-29T10:36:00.004+12:00

ART+OBJECT's final art sale of the year is shaping very well with several significant early consignments including major paintings by Bill Hammond, Gordon Walters, Colin McCahon and Richard Killeen. Among the rarer and more important paintings we've offered over the years though will be this rare portrait by Rita Angas of her brother, Alan. The painting has good provenance having been long-held in a private Wellington collection and will be offered with an estimate of $160 000 - $220 000. Further quality consignments of 20th and 21st Century art are now invited into what will be a small and high-quality catalogue.

The Ross Morrison Collection of Modern Design Catalogue Online Now

2011-08-25T11:26:00.001+12:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More design

OPEN CONVERSATIONS - Adam Art Gallery

2011-08-22T17:11:00.005+12:00

In conjunction with the Adam Art Gallery exhibition Behind Closed Doors: NZ Art from Private Collections in Wellington currently on show until December 18th, the Adam is running a series of events where Victoria University academics speak with art practitioners and those working in the field. On the 8th of September Art auctioneer and A+O Director Ben Plumbly will debate and review factors which have informed recent art market dynamics with economic theorist and academic, Morris Altman. It takes place at the Adam between 6:00 and 7:00pm on Thursday the 8th of September and is open to the public.

August 18th - Preliminary Results

2011-08-22T12:39:00.004+12:00

Our 'art' auction last Thursday night witnessed a healthy crowd, a high sell-through rate and some strong prices. Top selling lot on the night was Don Binney's above painting, The Madness of the Pipiwharauroa and a new artist record was comfortably acheived for Liz Maw's, Colleen from 2005. Here is a brief list of some of the highlights:

Lot 4, Peter Stichbury $8460
Lot 21, E. Mervyn Taylor (Tui) $2400
Lot 27, Gretchen Albrecht $9720
Lot 32, Brian Brake $4345
Lot 39, Ans Westra $2285
Lots 52 and 53, Gordon Walters $8005 each
Lot 56, Paul Dibble $14 010
Lot 64, Jude Rae $12 580
Lot 66, Richard Killeen $17 155
Lot 67, Pat Hanly $25 165
Lot 68, Colin McCahon $36 600
Lot 71, Liz Maw $33 170
Lot 75, Colin McCahon $45 750
Lot 82, Judy Millar $9720
Lot 93, Robert Ellis $15 440
Lot 98, Max Gimblett $14 870
Lot 103, Stanley Palmer $11 435
Lot 113, Luise Fong $3430
Lot 115, Louise Henderson $15 155
Lot 132, Robin White $7720

2011 Connell's Bay Sculpture Park Billboard Winner Announced

2011-08-22T08:30:00.004+12:00

Followers of our news site and catalogues will be aware of our place on the panel which assists Connell's Bay Sculpture Park trust members in selecting the winner of the bi-annual photographic installation at the sculpture park on Waiheke Island. At 2. 5 x 5 metres the commission represents a rare opportunity for photographers to produce an image on a mural scale. The inaugural winner was Anne Noble with Spool Henge. This year's winner is Gavin Hipkins who is familiar with working on this type of scale having produced similarly-scaled billboard images for Macraes Heritage and Art Park in Otago. The image will be installed in April of next year.
Illustrated above: Gavin Hipkins, The Colony

Auction Tonight

2011-08-18T12:01:00.003+12:00

Please note we will be kicking off tonight's auction at 6:00pm sharp (not the usual 6:30pm) due to the size of the sale.

Online Bidding

2011-08-17T09:07:00.002+12:00

Snowed in? You can stream the auction live and bid in tomorrow night's art auction at http://www.liveauctioneers.com/, smartphone applications are also available. With just under 220 lots the auction will begin at 6:00pm sharp.

Video Presentation for August 18th Art Auction

2011-08-15T13:50:00.003+12:00

Or you can watch a higher res version by clicking here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICZmdjteXBI.

Installation Images: August 18th Art Auction

2011-08-13T14:31:00.007+12:00

We are on view Saturday and Sunday 11:00am - 4:00pm and throughout the week until the auction on Thursday evening at 6:00pm.

Rare Book Auction, Wednesday 24th August - CATALOGUE ONLINE NOW

2011-08-12T12:07:00.003+12:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More books

The Eastern Southland Gallery

2011-08-11T13:01:00.002+12:00

The Eastern Southland Gallery in Gore will be the new home of the 7.5 tonne, 135 year old lithographic press from Muka Studios here in Auckland. In order to house it they have recently acquired an old church and are working towards fitting it out with artist-in-residence accomodation. In order to assist with raising the considerable relocation fee for the press and for the new residence, the Eastern Southland Gallery are holding a fundraising auction on the weekend of the 25th of November which will be conducted by ART+OBJECT. A valuation day will also be conducted at the gallery whereby Southland residents can bring their artworks in for appraisal and for insurance valuations by the A+O team.

Latest Catalogue Online Now

2011-08-04T09:21:00.002+12:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More new zealand

Catalogue 46 Online Tomorrow

2011-08-03T11:45:00.003+12:00

Our 46th catalogue, simply entitled 'art', went to print last night. Tomorrow we will post an online version with complimentaries and subscribers receiving their physical copies later in the week. The sale is a departure from our usual tightly edited and focused art catalogues being more of a combination of our New Collectors and Important Paintings and Contemporary Art sale categories. Clocking in at some 220 lots, we would like to think there should something for everyone...

The Ross Morrison Collection - September 6th

2011-08-02T13:51:00.005+12:00

Ross Morrison has been a long standing friend, colleague and client of us here at A+O. Really, if you are a collector or have an interest in the very best of 20th Century and vintage design it would be impossible not to have come across him. Today Ross runs Mr Mod (http://www.mrmod.co.nz/) and like all Christchurch residents has found the realities of his business and day-to-day life somewhat different post the quakes. We are delighted to be offeirng on September 8th some of the very best design and objet d'art which Ross has come across in his 30 odd years of trading and collecting acround the globe. We will preview the sale in the upcoming art catalogue before going into production for a standalone Ross Morrison Collection catalogue late this month.

New Zealand Labour Party Art Auction Catalogue - Wellington - 13 August 2011

2011-08-01T13:29:00.002+12:00

On Saturday the 13th of August James Parkinson will conduct the Labour Party Art Auction at the Chaffers Dock Atrium in Wellington. You can view the catalogue here:

Open publication - Free publishing - More art

McCahon House Trust

2011-07-28T14:29:00.003+12:00

For those of you who've been following us lately you will have noticed our increasing involvement with the McCahon House Trust. Set up to preserve the modest house in French Bay where McCahon moved with his family in 1953 and to establish an artist's residency in his honour, you can become a friend of the McCahon House for as little as $100 per annum. We will feature an advertisement for the McCahon House Trust in our next catalogue and will offer a work on behalf of a very generous vendor who is donating the entire proceeds from the sale to supporting the House Trust. The House Trust has a website (www.mccahonhouse.org.nz) where you can learn more. After the success of the event we ran in conjunction with the trust where Peter Simpson discussed the Elias painting and other McCahon works in our April catalogue, we will be looking to hold further events with them later in the year.

Scape Recovery Auction Catalogue Now Online

2011-07-25T08:59:00.004+12:00

http://www.scapebiennial.org.nz/news/scape-christchurch-earthquake-recovery-auction

The catalogue and details for the Scape Biennale Recovery auction are now online. You can download the pdf at the above link:

August 18th - ART

2011-07-22T09:26:00.002+12:00

We are currently in production for catalogue 46, a mid-year mixed vendor art sale. With the David and Angela Wright Collection taking place only a few weeks back, we have decided to present a differently formatted catalogue and to depart from our standard Important Paintings and Contemporary Art catalogues so as not to bring too much pressure on the market, especially at the top end. Thus we will be presenting a larger catalogue comprising of some two hundred lots and featuring all manner of artworks from prints and sculptures to
important New Zealand paintings such as the above work which will be one of the feature lots.

Scape Biennial Receovery Auction

2011-07-18T14:26:00.002+12:00

Due to the extraordinary circumstances of the 4 September 2010 and 22 February 2011 earthquakes in Christchurch, the 6th SCAPE Christchurch Biennial was unable to go ahead as planned on both occasions. The SCAPE Christchurch Earthquake Recovery Auction is being held in Auckland to raise funds to go towards the future production of SCAPE artists' projects and programmes. ART+OBJECT will conduce the sale on the evening. Jessica Pearless is the auction coordinator and any enquiries can be directed to her at: jessica@jessicapearless.co.nz.

Labour's Proposed Capital Gain's Tax and its Impact on our Industry

2011-07-18T08:56:00.006+12:00

You can hear Ben Plumbly, along with other industry insiders, discuss the potential impact of the Labour Party's capital gains tax proposal on niche investments on Radio NZ's Friday checkpoint here:

http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/checkpoint/audio/2493648/niche-investments-escape-labour

Discovery and Oceanic Artefacts - Preliminary Highlights

2011-07-15T09:39:00.005+12:00

The now well-established trend for items pertaining to our own history being increasingly soughafter by collectors in New Zealand, continued last night in a strong sale with much interest coming in from around the country and around the world. A few of the preliminary highlights included:

Lot. 6 Pacific Clipper $7035

Lot 33. Resolution and Adventure Medal (illustrated above) $12 604

Lot 211. Anaha Te Rahui Figure Bowl (illustrated above) $50 417

Lot 215. 19th C waka huia $21 690

Lot. 257 Taxidermied Maori Kuri Dog $21 690

Lot. 316. Tongan Headrest $3986

J. Barry Ferguson Collection/Objects Highlights

2011-07-14T12:19:00.004+12:00

We had an excellent audience and a good strong sale last night in the first part of our two-evening July Decorative Arts catalogue. The Discovery and Oceanic Artefacts section is tonight at 6:30pm. Some of the preliminary highlights included:

Lot 48. Mary Grierson $1230

Lot 52. Andrey Avinoff $9085

Lot 58. E Cameron $2580

Lot 119. Len Castle $3750

Lot 256. Wharetana Dish $967

Lot 281. Bob Roukema $5628

Lot. 282 Pierre Paulin $4103

Lot 320. Clarice Cliff $1758

Lot 324. AWA Radio $2285

Sunday Star Times Runs Article on Success of Wright Collection

2011-07-11T14:06:00.003+12:00

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/news/5261507/Major-Kiwi-artworks-snapped-up

Leading Australian Arts Commentator labels ART+OBJECT as 'Inspirational' and 'Future' of Auction House Presentation

2011-07-09T15:18:00.003+12:00

Adrian Newstead - leading market expert, commentator and former Managing Director of Australia's leading auction house Menzies Arts Brands - commenting on the dire state of the Aboriginal art market and the predictable nature of Australian art auction catalogues, in an article entitled 'Bonhams Fire in Bid to Ignite Aboriginal Art World' closes his latest article with the following paragraph:

"To glimpse the future they would do well to take a look at the fresh and exciting way in which auctions are being presented by a true 21st Century auction house - New Zealand's Art+Object. Real inspiration is only as far away as our Antipodean neighbors."

High praise indeed... Thanks Adrian and that certainly ensures the continuation of your complimentary subscription.

Rugby Auction to Coincide with World Cup

2011-07-07T10:36:00.002+12:00

There has been a great deal of talk about how businesses in Auckland and around the world can maximize the economic benefits arising from the RWC and the resultant influx of tourists. The Directors at ART+OBJECT have been thinking long and hard about this and after great deliberation came up with the idea of an auction... We thus have pleasure in announcing a Special Rugby auction which will take place in August at the height of the RWC event at our salerooms in Newton a mere hop, skip and a jump to Eden Park. The sale will comprise of only 50 - 100 lots of the finest vintage rugby memorabilia and early entries include the above miniature signed Invincibles team ball from 1924 - 1925. Selected consignments are now invited, please contact: Hamish Coney hamish@artandobject.co.nz .

New Zealand's Leading Valuation Services

2011-07-06T12:57:00.003+12:00

ART+OBJECT offers the leading valuation service in New Zealand for fine, applied arts and collectables. The department is lead by James Parkinson, New Zealand's only property institute qualified valuer operating in this area. To discuss your valuation requirements contact James Parkinson james@artandobject.co.nz. We have completed in the last month valuations for:

- The Sarjeant Gallery: Te Whare O Rehua - Whanganui (entire collection of NZ art)

- The Govett-Brewster Gallery - New Plymouth (entire collection and long-term loan collection)

- Hawkes Bay Museum and Gallery - Napier (entire collection)

- The Real Art Road Show Collection - (Silver and Black Trucks)

Decorative Arts Catalogue Online Now

2011-07-01T16:44:00.003+12:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More botanical

Wright Collection Sees Several New Artist Records and Strong Sales Total

2011-07-01T08:46:00.021+12:00

The David and Angela Wright Collection served to stimulate the market last night resulting in several strong prices, a sale total in excess of one million under the hammer as well as numerous new records for artists work at auction. Some preliminary highlights included:

Ralph Hotere, Dawn Water Poem $293 125

Peter Robinson, Boy Am I Scarred Eh $82 075 (new artist record)

Gavin Hipkins, The Next Cabin $46 900 (new artist record)

Judy Millar, Untitled $42 210 (new artist record)

Bill Hammond, Singer Songwriter $322 437

John Pule, Hake Aga, Pato Pato $55 107

Allen Maddox, For Alexis $42 210

Ann Robinson, Agathis $28 140

Dick Frizzell, Chromorama $31 657

Tony Fomison, Isn't It My Turn $82 075

A full list of prices realized will follow in the coming days.

Auction Tonight - 6:30pm

2011-06-30T08:28:00.004+12:00

If you can't make it to the saleroom tonight you can log onto http://www.liveauctioneers.com/ and stream the auction in realtime. Applications are available for iphones and blackberry's.

Gavin Hipkins Talk

2011-06-26T15:19:00.003+12:00

About 25 people braved an inclement Auckland Saturday afternoon to enjoy a wonderfully articulate and insightful talk by Gavin Hipkins on his 20 part work in the Wright Collection. A big thanks to Gavin for giving up his Saturday afternoon. Stand by for more of these floor talks to coincide with future catalogues.

Video Preview for The Wright Collection Now Available Online

2011-06-24T15:03:00.003+12:00

You can watch A+O Directors Hamish Coney and Ben Plumbly discuss works from next week's auction of The David and Angela Wright Collection above or a higher res version here: http://createsend.nvinteractive.co.nz/t/r/l/jktjudl/dthrjjkh/y/

PRIVATE VIEW

2011-06-24T09:20:00.002+12:00

Last night ART+OBJECT held its first invitation only, private preview for family, friends and clients of the Wright family and A+O. Four dozen bottles of Taittinger was consumed and an excellent night was had by all. We will be reverting back to our standard all-welcome invitations for our next auction.

David and Angela Wright Collection to Open Tomorrow

2011-06-23T13:48:00.010+12:00

The David and Angela Wright Collection of Modern and Contemporary New Zealand Art goes on view to the public tomorrow. It will be on view Saturday 11:00 - 4:00pm (with Gavin Hipkins talking on his work at 4:00pm) and on Sunday from 11:00 - 4:00pm also.

GAVIN HIPKINS TO TALK ON THE NEXT CABIN: SATURDAY 4:00pm

2011-06-22T09:22:00.004+12:00

Gavin Hipkins will talk about his 20 part photographic installation, The Next Cabin (2000 - 2002) which features as part of The David and Angela Wright Collection and which graces the cover of the latest catalogue. The talk is open to everyone. Gavin Hipkins is one of New Zealand's leading contemporary artists and has exhibited all over the world including at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, in the Sao Paulo Bienal (2002) and in the 11th Biennale of Sydney (1998). He is represented by Starkwhite in Auckland and Hamish McKay Gallery in Wellington.

Hone Tuwhare Tribute Evening and Auction

2011-06-21T08:19:00.001+12:00

Some of New Zealand's top musicians and poets will perform in a tribute concert for late Otago poet Hone Tuwhare.
Dunedin musicians Martin Phillipps and David Kilgour will join Graham Brazier, Herbs, Sam Hunt, Glenn Colquhoun and Whirimako Black in the benefit concert in Auckland on July 7.
"Koha for the Crib" will officially launch the Hone Tuwhare Charitable Trust, which was established to create a writer's residency at Tuwhare's Kaka Point home.
The poet's son, Rob Tuwhare, said about $170,000 was needed to buy and renovate the crib.
"A lot of musicians and artists and poets wanted to help with this concert, to raise funds and get some publicity for the trust," he said yesterday.
"We're looking at having a concert in Dunedin down the road, too, and bring some Auckland musicians down for that."
Tuwhare lived the last 16 years of his life in the modest seaside crib.
He moved to Kaka Point in 1992 and lived there until his death in Dunedin, aged 85, in January 2008.
"The crib needs insulating and double glazing. All these little cribs around the country are disappearing, so we want to keep it how dad had it.
"It's hard to get seed funding for a new trust, so we've got to do it in little pieces and put the jigsaw into place," Mr Tuwhare said.
The trust appealed to the Dunedin City Council at the 2011-2012 annual plan hearings last month for help to establish the writer's residency.
An auction of artworks donated by New Zealand artists will also be held by ART+OBJECT during the concert. The evening will be compered by broadcaster and Hone Tuwhare Trust member Carol Hirschfeld.

The David and Angela Wright Collection of Modern and Contemporary New Zealand Art Catalogue Online Now

2011-06-16T17:00:00.003+12:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More art

Catalogue Available Today: The David and Angela Wright Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art

2011-06-16T09:12:00.005+12:00

Gavin Hipkins, The Next Cabin, twenty type C prints, (2000 - 2002)

The David and Angela Wright Collection of Modern and Contemporary Art is perhaps the most significant collection of Twentieth Century New Zealand art to be bought to market in its entirety. It features major examples by almost all of our most esteemed artists of the last thirty years. The catalogue went to print last night and we will be posting it on the website this afternoon.

Extraordinary Results Recorded in June Ceramic and Photography Auctions

2011-06-13T14:05:00.006+12:00

Dame Lucie Rie and Hans Coper, Coffee Set: Realised $16 415

Hans Coper, Angular Stoneware Vase: Realised $11 725

Bill Brandt, A Snicket in Halifax: Realised $21 105

Last Wednesday and Thursday's twin sales of The Martin Hill Collection of International and New Zealand Ceramics, The Michael Seresin Collection of International Black and White Photography and Important Photographs witnessed some incredible results, particularly in the international areas. The Martin Hill Collection witnessed some of the most extraordinary and heated bidding ever seen locally in this area as the phone, internet and room battled it out to realise a phenomenal sell through rate in excess of %95 under the hammer, with many of the estimates being eclipsed two and three fold. Some of the highlights included: Michael Cardew, Slipware Water Jar $3865; Abuja Pottery Vase $1875; Dame Lucie Rie, Teapot $7325; Shoji Hamada, Bottle Vase $4690; Barry Brickell, Teapot $1230; Roy Cowan, Floor Vase $2460. On Thursday night some of the highlights from both photography sales included: Bill Henson, Untitled 2/1 $37 520; Atget, Parc de St Cloud $19 930; Andre Kertesz, Satiric Dancer $14 070; Brassai, Fille au Billiards $11 135; W. Eugene Smith, Thelonius Monk... $15 240; O. Winston Link, Hot Shot $11 430; Robin Morrison, Rachael and Fanny Short $5275; Laurence Aberhart, Memorial, Amberley... $4980; Brian Brake, Monsoon Girl $9380; Yvonne Todd, Werta $10 550; Michael Parekowhai, What's the Time Mr Woolf? $13 480. A full list of prices realised will be available shortly.

TV 3 Covers Tomorrow Night's Photography Auction

2011-06-08T09:25:00.003+12:00

You can view the clip on the tv on demand site here: http://www.3news.co.nz/Local-auction-photography-expected-to-go-for-thousands/tabid/312/articleID/214205/Default.aspx

Exhibition Installation Shots

2011-06-07T10:28:00.008+12:00

Leigh Melville Updates from The Venice Biennale - Performers in Action

2011-06-07T09:22:00.004+12:00

Performance art was one of the themes that emerged from this year's Biennale, a bold or noisy exhibition certainly enhances your chances of getting noticed in the sea of art that seems to emerge from every doorway and palazzo in Venice. Queues outside your exhibition also garner much interest and conversation. Some of the biggest queues were for Britain, where the line seemed to snake right back to the gates of the Giardini, and for the USA, where the wait was made more interesting by the clatter of an overturned British Centurion battle tank. The American pavilion showed work by Jennifer Allora and Guillermo Calzadilla, titled Gloria. The work composed four parts and somehow I convinced the Husband to queue alongside me. I don't mind queueing in Venice (sometimes), there is always so much to see and take in, if you don't mind inhaling the cigarettes that much of Europe seems to persist with.

Outside the pavillion an athlete wearing a USA track and field uniform clambered aboard the tank and ran on a treadmill, causing an almighty racket and grabbing the attention of those far and wide. Inside the building we were ushered into a room where a gymnast performed amazing feats atop an airline seat carved out of wood. In the last room you could make a real ATM withdrawal which caused an organ to play.

A feast for the senses but the Husband definitely needed a large Pinot Grigio after all that.

Video Preview: Martin Hill Collection/Michael Seresin Collection/Photographs

2011-06-03T16:18:00.004+12:00

You can watch A+O Director's James Parkinson, Hamish Coney and Ben Plumbly discuss next week's suite of sales in the latest video preview above or watch a higher res version here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgpyiNOJuDg.

Stuff cover Photography Festival and Seresin Collection

2011-06-03T13:27:00.003+12:00

Here's a link to an article on the Stuff website today covering the Seresin Collection and this Tuesday's Gravity Festival:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/5085821/Photography-event-back-on-the-road

Home Magazine Design Awards/Opening Preview

2011-06-03T09:12:00.005+12:00

We had one of our best opening previews last night which we held in association with the Home Magazine Design Awards function for 2011. About 150 art/design/ceramic lovers enjoyed more than a few glasses of Daniel le Brun and some great company. Home Magazine editor Jeremy Hansen announced the winner as Sam Haughton/IMO for his A2 stool whose brief was to create "a light,cost-effective and colourful seat."

Leigh Melville Updates from The Venice Biennale - New Zealand Exhibition Officially Opens

2011-06-02T17:48:00.003+12:00

Hundreds gathered last night for the official opening of the New Zealand exhibition. As Michael Parekowhai intended the exhibition came alive with the playing of the red piano, accompanied last night by opera singer Aviale Cole. It was a superb evening.

Yesterday many of us had a first look around at the Giardini and there have been lots of animated conversations among us here, sharing what we have seen, what you must see and what you have seen that you wished you hadn't. For those not so keen on the art, the people watching is pretty good too.

This morning we will visit the curated exhibition at the Arsenale, no doubt a trip that will inspire many more conversations.

Leigh Melville