DESIGN HIGH SOCIETY Mr Bigglesworthy Collaborative Auction Online auction opens 12 November, concludes 20 November
Photography: Campaign/ Detail: Stephen Tilley + Product: Dan Eagle Styling PROCESS Creative
WELCOME Mr. Bigglesworthy is very pleased to present ‘High Society’. This auction is our most ambitious event to date, a highly curated collection of important furniture and art. This collaboration utilises the strengths of three unique partners – Dan and Emma Eagle of Mr. Bigglesworthy, collector Neil Campbell of Buddybid and Fairfax Media. Enjoy.
PREVIEW EVENT We’d love you to join us to preview the ‘High Society’ auction collection. A big thank you to our wine sponsor Terra Sancta 6–8pm Thursday 13 November Mr. Bigglesworthy Gallery 15 Williamson Ave, Ponsonby, Auckland
VIEWING All lots will be available to view in person from Friday 14 to Thursday 20 November. Viewing is available during store opening hours Tuesday to Friday 10–5pm Saturday 10–3pm Location : Mr. Bigglesworthy Gallery 15 Williamson Ave, Ponsonby, Auckland
BID / BUY NOW Online bidding for all lots will be available from Wednesday 12 November. Auctions will close on or before Thursday 20 November. All bidding is hosted by the GetStuff social media page on Facebook. Bidders will need access to a Facebook account to place bids. We are happy to accept absentee bids. Please email hello@mrbigglesworthy.co.nz or call Mr. Bigglesworthy on 021 672 446
NO BUYER’S PREMIUM The winning bid is the winning price. We are pleased to let you know that we are not charging any buyer’s premium.
TERMS OF SALES All terms of sale are outlined on the GetStuff Facebook page. This is located at the bottom of the page.
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HIGH SOCIETY – AN INTRODUCTION Mr. Bigglesworthy is pleased to introduce the ‘High Society’ collection. This tightly curated offering draws on a diverse range of influences with a central focus on premium modernist design accented with contemporary and Oceanic art. The event is tied together by collectors’ passion for the rare, eclectic and well-crafted. Dan and Emma Eagle of Mr. Bigglesworthy have worked closely with Neil Campbell to bring together objects chosen for their significant rarity and historic importance. The event is also an opportunity to re-imagine the auction platform utilising emerging technology and social media channels. The sale is being conducted by media giant, Fairfax through Facebook on the new Buddybid auction platform. This is a world first which allows us to offer our social audience the ability to transact with us in their preferred social space. We have also created an entirely interactive catalogue. With that, along with visiting our gallery and leaving bids you can now bid directly through this publication simply by clicking on the estimate. Modern design highlights include two rare and exceptional pieces from influential American designer Milo Baughman which demonstrate a commitment to luxury balanced with an understated, modernist aesthetic. The luminary and pre-eminent husband and wife team, Charles and Ray Eames, are also represented with a standout offering including an early edition Lounge Chair (670) and Ottoman (671) in coveted rosewood. Contemporary and Oceanic artworks provide depth and historic significance to the collection. Work by Bill Hammond (NZ), David Ellis (USA), Peter Madden (NZ), Andrew McLeod, Rohan Wealleans (NZ), Peter Robinson (NZ) and Tony de Lautour (NZ) provide a layer of senior contemporary practice. From an emerging perspective Elliott Francis Stuart (Little Elloitt), Hannan Jenson and others are represented. Few, if any, external influences on the work of 20th century modern painters and sculptors have been more critical than that of the tribal art of Africa and Oceania. Picasso, Matisse, Braque, Derain and Ernst all built substantial personal collections of tribal art which were openly referenced in their practice. The resulting pictorial flatness, vivid color palette, and fragmented Cubist shapes helped to define early modernism. The waka huia presented in this collection marks the work of a senior master-carver of the late 18th or early 19th century. The execution and scale of the piece is emblematic of the sophistication and precision of the very best of Oceanic heritage art practice.
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HIGH SOCIETY – ILLUSTRATED AUCTION LOTS
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CURTIS JERE LOT 01 / Birds in Flight Signed Wall Sculpture by Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels (USA) for Artisan House (USA), 1968. Brass. W 1450mm, H 650mm, D 150mm. Estimate $1400–1800 BID / BUY NOW Five streamlined birds fold in a symphony of flight. Cut and welded in solid brass, this striking piece exemplifies the organic shapes and graphic simplicity found in the inspired wall sculptures designed by Curtis Jere for Artisan house during the mid-century modern era. Curtis Feiler and Jerry Fels created the nom de plume Curtis Jere to promote their vivid midcentury sculptures. They designed and made large-scale metal art, which was sold through high end retailers like Raymor in New York City and which was flaunted in design conscious interiors throughout the United States. 10
ROTH LOT 02 / Two West German ‘Fat Lava’ Pottery Vases by Roth, 1960s. H 200mm. Estimate $240 – 320 BID / BUY NOW
The model 670 Lounge Chair and 671 Ottoman by Charles and Ray Eames is one of the most iconic designs of the 20th century. From its prized spot in the permanent collections of museums like MoMA to stylish interiors throughout the world, it embodies the modern design ethic of perfectly executed form and function. The lounge chair was the Eames’ first foray into the production of luxury furniture and conceived as a modern take on the classic club armchair. Charles’ vision was for a chair with “the warm, receptive look of a well-used first baseman’s mitt”. What emerged was a design breakthrough that balanced comfort with a sleek, stripped-back aesthetic of luxury and elegance: a design that looks as fresh today as the day it was conceived. This early model was produced in the mid 1960s. It features a rare and vibrantly grained rosewood shell with duck down filled, original leather cushions. Sit back and relax. 12
CHARLES & RAY EAMES Lot 03 / Model 670 Lounger and 671 Ottoman by Charles & Ray Eames (USA) for Herman Miller (USA), early 1960s. Rosewood, Steel and Black Leather. Chair W 840mm, D 740mm, H 845mm; Ottoman W 653mm, D 540mm, H 410mm. Estimate $6800–8000 BID / BUY NOW
DAVID ELLIS LOT 04 / Front Shadow by David Ellis (USA), b. 1971. Screenprint, edition of 30. Exhibited: OX Blood 2009, Webb’s, Auckland. Provenance: Private Collection, Auckland. Represented by Joshua Liner Gallery New York, U.S.A. H 1000mm, W 770mm. Estimate $800–1000 BID / BUY NOW 14
PHILIPPE STARCK LOT 05 / Juicy Salif by Philippe Starck (France) for Alessi (Italy), 1990. Cast Aluminium. H 290mm. Estimate $50–70. No Reserve BID / BUY NOW
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AMERICAN OF MARTINSVILLE LOT 06 / ‘X’ Inlay Tallboy Drawers by Merton Gershun (USA) for American of Martinsville, 1960s. Walnut, Rattan and Brushed Aluminium. W 920mm, D 480mm, H 1130mm. Estimate $1800– 2400 BID / BUY NOW LOT 07 / ‘X’ Inlay Walnut Bedside Cabinets by Merton Gershun (USA) for American of Martinsville, 1960s. Walnut and Brushed Aluminium. W 510mm, D 410mm, H 615mm. Estimate $1800– 2400 BID / BUY NOW
JENS QUISTGAARD LOT 08 / Platter by Jens Qvistgaard (Denmark) for Dansk Design (Denmark), 1960s. Rosewood and Teak. W 400mm, H50mm. Estimate $180–240 BID / BUY NOW 18
CHARLES & RAY EAMES LOT 09 / Contract Table by Charles & Ray Eames (USA) for Herman Miller (USA), Oak and Stainless Steel. 1964 (1990s Issue. W 1210mm, H 720mm. Estimate $800–1200 BID / BUY NOW
OCEANIC ART LOT 10 / Solomon Island Adornment. A hand-cut shell necklace with intricate designs to top surface. Malaita, Solomon Islands. Presented on stand by Stephen Brookbanks, Object Support. Provenance: Private collection, New Zealand. W 195mm, H 150mm. Estimate $1000– 1500 BID / BUY NOW 20
MARTIN POPPELWELL LOT 11 / Lowest Prices Are Just the Beginning by Martin Poppelwell (New Zealand), b. 1968. Exhibited 2009. D 310mm, H 50mm. Estimate $800 –1200 BID / BUY NOW This work was exhibited as part of the black-market exhibition at Anna Bibby Gallery in 2009, and takes its quote from Bunnings Warehouse advertising. Other works in the series employed similar quotes or quips to suggest that prices are in a state of free fall, and the idea of value and quality rests in a different place. ‘Why buy this when you can make your own worthless copies’ was a sister piece in the exhibition, along with ‘dung’ and ‘the sex was so good the neighbours had a cigarette’. The first of Poppelwell’s writing/drawings/scrawls on dishes were exhibited at Anna Bibby Gallery in 1999. These works commented on art dealers’ smoking habits, the market’s uncritical obsession with a ‘Maori’ narrative, and the collision of a craft/pottery practice with fine art discourse. 21
PETER PROTZMAN Lot 12 / Executive Desk by Peter Protzman (United States) for Herman Miller (United States), 1971. African Zebrawod, Chromed Steel, Smoked Lucite. W 1660mm, D 820mm, H 760 mm. Estimate $4000–6000 BID / BUY NOW The intricate and striking contrast of the zebrawood grain against the chrome perfectly defines the glamorous high-tech direction of modern design during the 1970s. In production for only two years (1970 and 1971), this mirrored chrome and exotic zebrawood desk by Peter Protzman is a very rare find. This elegant desk of grand proportions features an intensely vivid grain pattern, two deep, smoked Lucite drawers and a sleek pull-out tray. It’s time to sit back, kick your feet up and delegate. 22
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INGMAR RELLING LOT 13 / Siesta chair and Ottoman by Ingmar Relling (Norway) for Westnofa (Norway), 1964. Rosewood, Black Leather. W 650mm, D 750mm, H 965mm. Ottoman W 650mm, D 530mm, H 470mm. Estimate $1600–2200 BID / BUY NOW
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OCEANIC ART LOT 14 / Prestigious Waka Huia (Treasure Box). Containing A Matau (Fish Hook), A Toki Pounamu (Greenstone Adze) and Hei Tiki Pounamu (Greenstone Adornment). Provenance: Private collection, New Zealand. Presented on stand by Stephen Brookbanks, Object Support. L 573mm, W 237mm, H 115mm. Estimate $40,000 –60,000 BID / BUY NOW Of classical ovoid form with upper section offering six impressive raurau (foliage) motifs in the rare double haehae (parallel grooves) style. The tight pakati (dog-tooth notches) throughout the upper surface reflect the work of an early master-carver applying flat stone chisel technology. The base of the waka huia offers another six triple line raura forms framed by further tight geometric haehae. The body of the box is guarded by two wide-eyed Manaia (mythological creatures) with extended tongues and lips adorned with finely carved moko. The internal surfaces are dry and have a well-worn patina. The upper and lower sections interlock precisely, again indicating the work of an early 19th century master carver. Significant in scale, this is a rare and superior example of one of the most revered forms of Oceanic material cultural and artist’s practice.
MATAU (Fish Hook) A 19th century, iron, shark hook fashioned from an early whaler’s nail. A large example with double barb; remnants of muka (fiber) binding at top. L 142mm, W 64mm. Protected Objects Act, Registration No.Y16518. Provenance: Private collection, New Zealand.
HEI TIKI POUNAMU (Greenstone Adornment) By Charlie Wilson, contemporary master-carver. A carved greenstone, double-sided hei tiki, of traditional form with one side displaying left hand to thigh. Charles Raponi Wilson (Ngati Rangitihi, Tuhourangi) has been carving for over 30 years and is recognised as one New Zealand’s master carvers of hei tiki. Provenance: Private collection, New Zealand.
TOKI POUNAMU (Greenstone Adze) Provenance: Formerly in the collection of Kenneth Athol Webster (17 December 1906 - 5 October 1967). Webster was a collector and dealer of manuscripts, fine art and ethnographic artifacts associated with Oceanic peoples. Protected Objects Act, Y Registration No.Y15194 28
CHARLES & RAY EAMES LOT 15 / Padded ‘Group’ Chair by Charles & Ray Eames (United States), for Herman Miller, 1969 (1980s Issue). Aluminium, Leather. W 570mm, D 600mm, H 1020mm. Estimate $1200– 1600 BID / BUY NOW 30
PETER ROBINSON Lot 16 / Untitled by Peter Robinson (New Zealand), b. 1966. Seared wood, lead and nails. Private Collection, Auckland. Represented by Hopkinson Mossman, Auckland. Peter McLeavey Gallery, Wellington. H 300mm, D 580mm, W 500mm. Estimate $2000–3000 BID / BUY NOW
CHARLES & RAY EAMES LOT 17 / Eiffel Rocking Chair by Charles & Ray Eames (United States) for Herman Miller (United States), 1950 (1960s Issue). W 470mm, D 700mm, H 690mm. Estimate $600 – 800 BID / BUY NOW 32
JOHN REYNOLDS Lot 18 / Protect and Survive by John Reynolds (New Zealand), b. 1956. Title inscribed. Metallic ink on stretched canvas. Represented by Peter McLeavey Gallery, Wellington, Starkwhite, Auckland. W 100mm, H 100mm, D 35mm. Estimate $300–500 BID / BUY NOW
ADRIAN PEARSALL Lot 19 / 1828-C Contour Chaise Lounge by Adrian Pearsall (United States) for Craft Associates (United States), 1950s. Walnut, New Upholstery and Foam. W 1020mm, D 1430mm, H 740mm. Estimate $4500–6000 BID / BUY NOW With its flowing organic curves and elegantly raised profile, this grand contour chaise by Adrian Pearsall expresses the optimism and imagination of mid-century design in America. Pearsall is a master of free-form organic modernism and one of the prominent American designers responsible for bringing high style to the masses. His passion for clean-lined, highly sculptural design is showcased in the unique and beautiful furniture he produced for his company, Craft Associates, during the mid-20th century. 34
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CLASSIC
DUCATI Lot 20 / 1979 Ducati (Italy) MHR 900. ENG;089 770 DM 860. Frame: DM860SS 900115. Mileage: 26,000. Estimate $20,000–25,000 BID / BUY NOW
ROHAN WEALLEANS LOT 21 / Star Trek 2012 by Rohan Wealleans (New Zealand) b. 1966. Comic book cover and acrylic on polystyrene form. Presented in a sealed perspex presentation box. Represented by Ivan Anthony Gallery, Auckland. H 350mm, W 270mm, D 110mm. Estimate $1800–2500 BID / BUY NOW 40
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VATNE MOBLER LOT 22 / Leather Sofa by Fredrik Kayser (Norway) for Vatne Mobler (Norway), 1950s. Rosewood, Leather. W 1870mm, D 750mm, H 690mm. Estimate $2800–3800 BID / BUY NOW
HANNAH JENSEN LOT 23 / Kronic by Hannah Jensen (New Zealand / United Kingdom), b. 1974. Hand carved layered acrylic. Exhibited GRFF HEAD - Disrupt Gallery, 2006. Provenance: Private Collection, Auckland. W 470mm, H 470mm, D 45mm. Estimate $2000–4000 BID / BUY NOW 46
LAUREL LOT 24 / Mushroom Floor Lamp by Laurel (USA), 1960s. Rosewood, Stainless Steel, Glass. W 320mm, H 1400mm. Estimate $1200–1400 BID / BUY NOW
OCEANIC ART LOT 25 / Tongan Apprentice Waka. Waka model, joined by wooden poles lashed with string, upper and lower sections sewn together. Tonga, late 19th century. W 700mm, H 95mm. Estimate $300–500 BID / BUY NOW 48
BILL HAMMOND LOT 26 / Untitled by Bill Hammond (New Zealand) b. 1947. Ink on Paper, inscribed. Paper size W 210mm, H 295mm. Framed size W 510mm, H 610mm. Estimate $6500–7500 BID / BUY NOW
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ISAMU NOGUCHI Lot 27 / Coffee Table by Isamu Noguchi (United States/ Japan) for Herman Miller (United States), 1947 (2000s Issue). Ebonised Walnut, Glass. W 1260mm, D 910mm, H 400mm. Estimate $850–1250 BID / BUY NOW American-Japanese sculptor Isamu Noguchi believed that there is art in the everyday products we surround ourselves with – in his words: “everything is sculpture”. Noguchi’s biomorphic coffee table designed for Herman Miller in 1947 perfectly captures that spirit. The brilliantly simple design consists of only three elements, a thick freeform glass top and two sculpted interlocking base pieces. It’s a stunning design that has since become one of the defining icons of modern design – perfectly balancing art and furniture.
ARNE VODDER LOT 28 / Two Armchairs by Arne Vodder (Denmark) for Glostrup Mobelfabrik (Denmark), 1960s. Teak, New Upholstery and Foam. W 640mm, D 750mm, H 760mm. Estimate $3200 – 4000 BID / BUY NOW 52
UNITED FURNITURE LOT 29 / Diamond Front Credenza by United Furniture (USA), 1960s. Walnut. W 1880mm, D 480mm, H 790mm. Estimate $1800–2400 BID / BUY NOW
ANDREW MCLEOD Lot 30 / Untitled by Andrew McLeod (New Zealand), b. 1976. Digital Print edition of 3. Represented by Ivan Anthony Gallery, Auckland. Paper size H 400mm, W 290mm. Framed size H 480mm, W 370mm. Estimate $1500–2500 BID / BUY NOW 54
ARNE VODDER LOT 31 / Two Seater Sofa by Arne Vodder (Denmark) for Glostrup Mobelfabrik (Denmark), 1960s. Teak, New Upholstery and Foam. W 1300mm, D 750mm, H 760mm. Estimate $3200 –4000 BID / BUY NOW
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MILO BAUGHMAN Lot 32 / Credenza by Milo Baughman (United States) for Thayer Coggin (United States), 1970s. Burl Ash, Italian Marble, Chromed Steel. W 1830mm, D 465mm, H 910mm. Estimate $9000–12,000 BID / BUY NOW
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LOT 33 / PSCC Task Chair by Charles and Ray Eames (USA) for Herman Miller (USA), 1950 (1960s Issue). Fibreglass, Steel, New Upholstery and Foam. H 1000mm, 600mm. Estimate $650–800 BID / BUY NOW 58
CEES BRAAKMAN LOT 34 / Magazine Rack by Cees Braakman (Netherlands) for Pastoe (Netherlands), 1950s. Birch. H 500mm, W 440mm. Estimate $350–450 BID / BUY NOW
AMERICAN MODERN LOT 35 / American Modern Mirror, 1960s. Walnut, Glass. H 1000mm, 600mm. Estimate $300 – 400 BID / BUY NOW 60
CURTIS JERE LOT 36 / Birds in Flight Signed Table Sculpture by Curtis Freiler and Jerry Fels for Artisan House (USA), 1981. W 370mm, D 370mm, H 580mm. Estimate $800 – 1200 BID / BUY NOW
OCEANIC ART LOT 37 / Carved Wahaika – Short Club, Hand Weapon, 1920s. Protected Objects Act, Registration No. Y 15069. Presented on stand by Stephen Brookbanks, Object Support. Provenance: Private collection, New Zealand. H 370mm, W 120mm. Estimate $1500–2000 BID / BUY NOW A Wahaika of orthodox form with the blade offering highly resolved and complex rauponga and whakarare styled carving. The inturn presents the manaia with paua eyes. Historically used in battle, Wahaika means ‘the mouth of the Fish’. The first opponent dispatched in battle was termed ‘the first fish’. Although traditionally reserved for warriors of high status they are now often given as gifts to symbolise courage and determination. 62
THEO SCHOON LOT 38 / Untitled (Mud Pool) by Theo Schoon (New Zealand), b. 1915. Vintage gelatin silver print. Signed and dated 1965 in the artist’s hand. H 454mm, W 454mm. Estimate $2000–3000 BID / BUY NOW Schoon’s photographs of the thermal areas near Rotorua are ranked amongst his most significant works. Schoon spent years recording the effects of light, colour and texture on mud pools and surrounding areas of thermal activity. These photographs show how far removed his vision is from that of the tourist or the superficial glance of the spectator. It is the eye for the unexpected, a detail, a texture or a fleeting pattern caused by a mud pool bubble bursting, that Schoon looked for and captures with his lens.
MILO BAUGHMAN Lot 39 / Case Sofa by Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggin (United States), 1960s. Rosewood, Chromed Steel, New Upholstery and Foam. W 2140mm, D 870mm, H 730mm. Estimate $9000–12,000 BID / BUY NOW Clean lines perfectly captured in glamorous materials define the highly iconic work of American designer Milo Baughman. Baughman was one of the leading lights of modern design during the mid-20th century. His work helped define a uniquely American take on the modernist aesthetic and introduced the public to a new era in furniture design. Baughman’s work spans an epic six decades. His forward focused, distinctive and ultimately timeless designs have created a legacy that is still inspiring today. This lavishly grained rosewood sofa for Thayer-Coggin is a rare and highly sought after example of the luxurious designs produced by Baughman during the 1960s. 64
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IB KOFOD LARSEN LOT 40 / Six Danish Range Dining Chairs by Ib Kofod Larsen (Denmark) for G-Plan (UK), 1962. Teak, Black Vinyl Upholstery. W 515mm, D 510mm, H 745mm. Estimate $2200–2800 BID / BUY NOW LOT 41 / Extending Danish Range Dining Table by Ib Kofod Larsen (Denmark) for G-Plan (UK), 1962. W 2450mm (Extended), W 1530mm (Compacted), H 720mm, D 890mm, Estimate $2200–2600 BID / BUY NOW
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PRAGOTRON LOT 42 / Double Sided Railway Clock by Pragotron (Czechoslovakia), 1960s. Steel, Glass. W 435mm, H 620mm, D 150mm. Estimate $900– 1200 BID / BUY NOW 70
HENRY KLEIN Lot 43 / Parquet Coffee Table by Henry Klein (Denmark) for Bramin (Denmark), 1968. Rosewood. W 1600mm, D 620mm, H 510mm. Estimate $800–1200 BID / BUY NOW
ARNE HOVMAND-OLSEN Lot 44 / Longline Sideboard by Arne Hovmand-Olsen (Denmark) for Mogens Kold (Denmark), 1960s. Rosewood. W 2400mm, D 460mm, H 710mm. Estimate $6000–8000 BID / BUY NOW This stunning linear sideboard is a case study in sublime Danish style minimalism. The elegant streamlined design is uninterrupted by adornment, allowing the clean lines and stunning grain of the rosewood to speak for itself. Every detail has been carefully considered and pared back – the result is spectacular. The Danish furniture maker Mogens Kold produced some of the most coveted furniture of the mid-century era. They often collaborated with leading architects such as Arne Hovmand-Olsen to produce high-end, progressive furniture design. This stunning offering is no exception. 72
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KEITH RICHARDS LOT 45 / Untitled, by Keith Richards (United Kingdom), b. 1943. Pastel on paper, Sheet Size H 290mm, D 190mm. Framed Size H 362mm D 262mm. Accompanied by Rolling Stones, ‘Let it Bleed’, vinyl record, singed by Keith Richards. Estimate $500–1500 BID / BUY NOW LOT 46 / Untitled, by Keith Richards (United Kingdom), b. 1943. Pastel on paper, Sheet Size H 190mm, D 290mm. Framed size H 262mm W 362mm. Accompanied by Rolling Stones, ‘Let it Bleed’, vinyl record, singed by Keith Richards. Estimate $500–1500 BID / BUY NOW Provenance: Acquired by the current owner in 2006 while working as grounds manager and maître d’hôtel at Cotter House, Luxury Retreat, Auckland during Keith Richards’ three week stay in May 2006. During this time the owner was responsible for assisting Richards with his art requirements. The acquisition came about through a trade of two of the owner’s own artworks.
ELLIOTT FRANCIS STUART LOT 47 / This Guy by Elliott Francis Stuart (Little Elliott) (New Zealand) b.1982. Acrylic on found timber internal door support. 2014. H 1980mm, W 710mm. Estimate $1000 – 2000 BID / BUY NOW 76
MODELINE LOT 49 / Two Sculptural Table Lamps by Modeline (USA), 1960s. Walnut, Brass, Original Shade. H 910mm, W 210mm. Estimate $800–1000 BID / BUY NOW
THANKS! We hope you have enjoyed the High Society auction collection. Thanks for your support!