June 28th 2002
Art and Collectibles in Great Demand
A 3.252 Million New Zealand Record Art and Jewellery Sale
Webb’s is proud to announce that the three day sale of fine New Zealand paintings together with jewellery and decorative
arts realized record sale totals in two of the three categories.
The art sale last Tuesday comprising one hundred and sixty works by leading New Zealand contemporary and historical
artists achieved a record total of $2,534,600. An increase of $700,000 over the previous highest total set in March of
2000.
A new record price for a work of art by a living local artist was set when Ralph Hotere’s 1982 painting ‘Viva Aramoana’
sold for $210,000 (lot 31). The previous highest price was $180,000 paid for a work by Bill Hammond earlier this year. A
Bill Hammond acrylic painting on paper dated 1996, titled ‘Placemakers 3’ sold on Tuesday night for $100,000 (lot 20).
Top price in the sale for a work by Colin McCahon was the $180,000 paid for his 1974 ‘Comet’ (lot 28). The second best
price on the night was $190,000 paid for Evelyn Page’s 1985 ‘Nude with Magnolias’ (lot 33).
Further details relating to the above artworks, and all other items in Webb’s auction can be found on our website:
www.webbs.co.nz.
On Wednesday a record was also achieved for an item of jewellery. A 6.29 carat solataire diamond ring sold for $90,750.
Last night, Thursday, antiques and decorative arts pieces realized a total of $252,000 with a Bavarian carved wooden
bear hall seat selling for $7500 and a Weymss ceramic pig decorated with roses fetching $8000. I have attached an image
of the Bavarian bear hall seat which is suitable for downloading and reproduction.
On top of the above hammer prices, buyers paid an additional 10% buyer’s premium and G.S.T on the premium.
Ends