Consign Now
Cover: Tony Fomison The Veil of Saint Veronica After an Old Engraving of a (illegible) at the Vatican / oil on cotton stretched over card in found frame / signed Tony Fomison, dated 7.4.73 ~ Good Friday 1974 and coloured in on 16.5.73 and inscribed the Veil of Saint Veronica ~ after an old engraving of a (illegible) at the Vatican in brushpoint on frame / 190mm x 140mm $20,000 - $30,000
Ralph Hotere Black painting / acrylic on canvas signed Hotere, dated 1969 and inscribed Black Painting in brushpoint / 1115mm x 915mm $80,000 - $120,000
Webb’s is pleased to report strong market results for the first quarter of 2012 with over $4.1 million in sales recorded. The art department, led by Sophie Coupland, exceeded the $1.6 million mark once again. The auction of Oceanic arts also achieved record results with a sale total of $600,000; vendors benefited from a 70% sell-through rate and a 107% return against estimates. The stand-alone jewellery auction held in May reaffirmed Webb’s reputation for exceptional performance, realising a sale total of $460,000. Wine, rare books, modern design and vintage motorcycles all outperformed market expectation reflecting a trend that sees Webb’s clientele developing complementary areas of specialised collecting and investment. Entries are now invited for Webb’s winter suite of sales which will offer a strong selection of important artworks and objects. The winter season traditionally sees strong consignment and enjoys a high level of engagement with collectors. Webb’s experts are available to discuss current market conditions and to provide valuations in confidence. Specialists will be visiting the main centers of New Zealand to appraise pieces in anticipation of our upcoming auctions.
Charles F Goldie No Koora te Cigaretti, A Portrait of Mihipeka Wairama, Tuhourangi signed C.F. Goldie and dated 1915; signed C.F. Goldie and inscribed No Koora te Cigaretti, No 1, Sale price £13.13.0 in ink on original artist’s label verso / 240mm x 190mm $170,000 - $200,000
Webb’s next Important Paintings and Contemporary Art sale, to be held on 31 July, will constitute a significant offering of modern, historical and contemporary artworks. Already consigned is a superior selection of modernist works, including a rare early portrait by Tony Fomison, completed between 1973 and 1974. Based on an etching of the Veil of Saint Veronica, the work depicts the face of Jesus Christ rendered in heavy chiaroscuro. Two fine examples of Colin McCahon’s practice are included: Truth from King Country: Load Bearing Structures 4, dated 1978, and an ink drawing from the artist’s Northland series, dated 1959. Also featured is Three Figures by Louise Henderson, the most highly resolved example of this artist’s work to be offered in recent history, and Black Painting, a major work from Ralph Hotere’s early series of chromatic paintings. These works will be complemented by a comprehensive offering of New Zealand art from the last two decades. Early consignments include Winter at Burkes Pass by Grahame Sydney, from the scarcely
Important Paintings & Contemporary Art 31 July
available, latter part of Sydney’s career, Feast by Max Gimblett, a work built on the subtle qualities that are synonymous with Gimblett’s mid-career practice, Gains and Losses (Aequus), an expansive work from Gretchen Albrecht’s coveted early-1990’s period, NZ Co by Tony de Lautour, a formative work that engages with New Zealand’s national identity, Ariel by Elizabeth Thomson, which examines the poetic qualities of molecular structures, and an untitled work by Allen Maddox, completed in the same year the artist died. Webb’s is especially delighted to announce the consignment of an exceptional early portrait by Charles F Goldie, No Koora te Cigaretti, Tuhourangi, A Portrait of Mihipeka Wairama, which is sure to attract considerable attention. A pioneer in the sale of New Zealand artworks, Webb’s remains the pre-eminent auctioneer of historical, modern and contemporary art in this country. Initial results for 2012 indicate that, in line with international trends, there continues to be strong demand in the upper tier of the market. In particular, Webb’s has observed growth in the level of appreciation and demand for fine examples of modernist and historical practice with exemplary provenance. The first Important Paintings and Contemporary Art sale for 2012 saw a number of such works achieve notable prices. A rare early portrait by Charles F Goldie, measuring just 19 by 14 centimetres, realised the outstanding price of $160,000, while Colin McCahon’s
Opposite page - upper left: Peter Stichbury Untitled “Girl In a Coat” graphite on paper / signed P. Stichbury and dated 2003 in graphite lower left; Temple Gallery label affixed verso / 560mm x 420mm / Provenance: Private Collection Auckland. Purchased by the current owner from Temple Gallery, Dunedin. Gallery label affixed verso. $4,000 - $6,000
Opposite page - upper right: Max Gimblett Feast / two-pot resin, gold leaf and graphite on shaped plywood / signed © Max Gimblett, dated 2002/03 and inscribed Feast and P3726 in ink verso / 635mm x 635mm $12,000 - $18,000 Opposite page - middle: Gretchen Albrecht Gains and Losses (Aequus) signed Albrecht, dated 98 in ink lower right; dated 98 and inscribed Gains and losses (aequus) in ink on stretcher verso / 1360mm x 2375mm (oval) / $30,000 - $40,000
Opposite page - lower left: Tony de Lautour NZ Co / oil on unstretched canvas / signed Tony de Lautour, dated 1990 (indistinct) and inscribed NZ Co in brushpoint lower right 1050mm x 2140mm $18,000 - $25,000 Above: Colin McCahon Truth from the King Country: Load Bearing Structures 4 / title inscribed, signed and dated 78 in brushpoint verso 195mm x 245mm / $50,000 - $70,000
A Poem of Kaipara Flat 16 achieved $103,000: the highest price recorded for a work from this series in almost a decade. In 2011, Webb’s transacted significantly more sales by value, and a staggering 37% more individual sales over $100,000, than did any other auction house nationally. This continued success reflects the intrinsic value of over 35 years of market experience, as well as our scholarly approach to the presentation of works and our firm commitment to achieving outstanding results. To obtain comprehensive information regarding current market values and dynamics, and to discuss the consignment of works, contact Sophie Coupland, Director of Fine Art. Contact Sophie Coupland scoupland@webbs.co.nz | 021 510 876
Opposite page - top: Grahame Sydney Winter At Burkes Pass / oil on linen / signed Grahame Sydney and dated 2009 in brushpoint lower right; signed Grahame Sydney, dated 2009 and inscribed “Winter at Burkes Pass”oil on linen, ©, Grahame Sydney, Cambrian Valley, Central Otago, NZ in marker pen lower right verso 560mm x 760mm $45,000 - $65,000 Opposite page - lower left: Elizabeth Thomson Ariel / cast bronze on spray-coated MDF panel / 1100mm x 1100mm $12,000 - $18,000 Opposite page - lower right: Colin McCahon Northland ink wash on paper / signed McCahon, dated April ‘59 and inscribed Northland in ink lower right / 630mm x 490mm / $40,000 - $60,000 Right: Allen Maddox Untitled oil on canvas / signed A. M and dated 2.00 in marker pen verso / 910mm x 915mm $15,000 - $20,000 Lower right: Louise Henderson Three Figures / oil on canvas 855mm x 950mm / Provenance: Gifted from the artist and passed to the current owner $35,000 - $45,000
Interiors: Modern Design 7 August
Following the success of the Interiors: Modern Design sale held in March, which saw a large number of new bidders compete vigorously with seasoned collectors for rare and important examples of mid-century design, Webb’s and Mr. Bigglesworthy are pleased to announce another specialist auction in this category, to be held on 7 August. Entries are now invited for the sale, which will include a select range of local and international pieces, including chairs, sideboards, dining suites, glassware and lighting, with a focus on premium 20th-century design and craftsmanship. Early consignments include a top-of-the-line G-Plan armchair, model 6250, by Paul Conti, United Kingdom, 1962. This luxurious and masculine armchair, made famous by
super-villain Blofeld in the James Bond film You Only Live Twice, captures the glamorous yet understated style of 1960s’ Britain. Other key pieces include a rare Arne Norell ‘Ari’ leather three-seat sofa, circa 1971, a vintage Charles Eames 670 and 671 leather armchair and ottoman, and a Verner Panton single-spiral pendant light by Verpan. Highlights from the March sale include a Falcon chair and footstool, which soared past the upper estimate to reach a sale price of $4,600, a pair of Milo Baughman black leather armchairs, which fetched $3,100, and a sleek Archie Shine Hamilton sideboard by Robert Heritage, which achieved $5,200. To discuss market dynamics, current values and the consignment process, contact modern design specialist Josh Williams. Contact Josh Williams jwilliams@webbs.co.nz | 021 073 6545
G-Plan Armchair / Model 6250, by Paul Conti, United Kingdom, 1962 / $2,500 - $2,800
Private sales, outside of our auction calendar, constitute a pivotal area of Webb’s business. Countless private transactions have been brokered through Webb’s on behalf of clients and our direct access to the nation’s most active collectors and institutions uniquely qualifies Webb’s to facilitate lucrative transactions outside of an auction setting. This service is discreet and all aspects of a private sale are kept in the strictest confidence. We welcome enquiries from those looking to buy and sell privately. Contact Sophie Coupland scoupland@webbs.co.nz | 021 510 876
Available for private sale: Colin McCahon Annunciation charcoal on paper on cardboard / McCahon 49 / Annunciation upper centre; drawing Annunciation, Colin McCahon, 6gns verso; original Manawatu Art Gallery Travelling Exhibition label affixed to backing board inscribed Annunciation McCahon, Religious cat no. 37; and inscribed crate 4 in red ink 650 x 520mm Exhibited: 1949 Wellington: McCahon Woollaston Exhibition, The Gallery of Helen Hitchings, 30 July - 5 August 1949, 6 gns. 1951 Christchurch: Group Show 51, Canterbury Society of Arts Gallery, Durham Street, 15 - 26 October 1951, cat. no. 62, 6 gns. 1975 Palmerston North: McCahon: ‘Religious’ works 1946 -1952, Manawatu Art Gallery, 24 March April 1975, cat. no. 37. Illustrated: Colin McCahon website reference www.mccahon.co.nz/cm000511 Provenance: Purchased by the present owner from the Eric Scholes Gallery, Rotorua, 1964.
Private Sales at Webb’s
Fine Jewellery & Watches 20 June Catalogue online 11 June On view 15 June
Imperial Period Fabergé box work-master Henrik Wigström, lapis lazuli and yellow gold, engraved crystal lid bordered by seed pearls, and thumbpiece set with diamonds. (Shown approximately twice actual size) $10,000 - $20,000
The 20 June catalogue will include an interesting range of Objects de Virtu, pieces for the collector’s cabinet, desirable diamond solitaires, fine antique and modern jewellery, and valuable wrist and pocket-watches. A clear highlight of the sale is an exquisite Imperial Period Fabergé box, composed of panels of lapis lazuli framed in yellow gold, the lid
of engraved crystal bordered by seed pearls and the thumbpiece set with diamonds. The work bears the marks for Fabergé (in Cyrillic), work-master Henrik Wigström, St Petersburg, 1908 -1917, 56 zolotniks (14ct), and a further inventory number 20203. The piece was discovered amongst a consignment from an estate: a find that caused considerable excitement, not least for
the vendor, who was unaware of the item’s significance. As such pieces are highly sought-after, and appear on the market only very rarely, the box is anticipated to pique the interest of collectors and connoisseurs both nationally and internationally. Other highlights include a charming Regency-period brooch/pendant set, with diamonds enclosing a blue panel
Ring of three early-European brilliant cut diamonds centred by a stone of approx 2.80ct, total around 4.04ct / $24,000 - $28,000 Art Deco-period diamond and sapphire ring $5,500 - $7,500 Regency period brooch/pendant set with diamonds enclosing a blue panel enhanced with a floral spray of seed pearls / $3,000 - $4,000 A heavy 19th-century hinged bangle of 18ct gold set with four hand-painted miniature panels in oils on ivory depicting Indian royal personages and the Qutab Minar, arches and iron pillar at the Quwwatul-Islam in Delhi / $5,000 - $6,000
enhanced with a floral spray of seed pearls, a ring of three early-European brilliant cut diamonds centred by a stone of approximately 2.80ct (total around 4.04ct), an Art Deco-period diamond and sapphire ring, and a heavy 19thcentury hinged bangle of 18ct gold, set with four hand-painted miniature panels in oils on ivory, depicting Indian royal personages and scenes.
Entries are now invited for the next sale in this category, to be held on 26 September. Contact Christopher Devereaux cdevereaux@webbs.co.nz | 09 529 5606
Oceanic & African Art 4 September A Maori Carved Tekoteko - Ancestral Figure L. 595mm W. 135mm D. 110mm Realised: $36,900, March 2012
Following the unprecedented and strong results of the Oceanic Arts auction held in March, entries are now invited for the next sale in this category, to be held on 4 September. The upcoming sale will feature premium-quality Taonga Maori, Polynesian and Melanesian artefacts, and African arts. The March auction showed that there has been sustained growth in demand for fine tribal arts and artefacts, achieving a sale total of $600,000. Vendors enjoyed a sell-through rate of 70% and a return of 107%, on average, against reserves. Collectors showed particular interest in very rare, pre-contact Maori pieces, and in fishhooks from Maori and Pacific cultures. Determined bidding from new and established collectors saw many items double their estimates, including a finely carved tekoteko ancestral figure, which achieved $36,900.The highest price achieved was for an exquisite collection of 33 Oceanic fish-hooks, which fetched $72,700. Over the past three years, Webb’s has established a reputation as a leader in this specialist field, and the results of the March auction confirm our pre-eminent position both nationally and globally. To discuss market dynamics, current values and the consignment process, contact Oceanic and African Arts specialist Jeff Hobbs. Contact Jeff Hobbs jhobbs@webbs.co.nz | 021 503 251 Neil Campbell ncampbell@webbs.co.nz | 021 875 966
Webb’s fine wine department, led by Simon Ward, presents New Zealand’s strongest auction market sales for fine collectable wines. Sales include well-cellared premium wines, whisky and champagne. This department has seen remarkable growth over the past two years as Simon has developed an unrivalled service, offering clients direct access to some of the best private cellars in the country and supplying that extra-special ‘drop’. Simon is available to provide appraisals of cellars for private collectors or valuations for insurance requirements. Contact Simon Ward wine@webbs.co.nz | 09 529 5600
Fine & Rare Wine 25 June Richard Hennessy Cognac Crystal Decanter This extremely fine cognac is made up of more than 100 of the most exceptional eaux-de-vie, some of which date from the early 19th century. Each one has been selected for its unique qualities. The finesse of the finished cognac is a testament to years spent slowly maturing in oak barrels. $3,000 - $4,000
Bethunes Rare Books 13 September
Entries are now invited for the next Bethunes at Webb’s sale, to be held on 13 September. Already consigned is a significant collection of historical letters and documents relating to Arthur Follett Halcombe and Edith Stanway Halcombe, contained in a monogrammed suitcase and dating from the 1860s to 1890s. This month, Webb’s welcomes Joss Campbell to the rare book department. With over 30 years’ experience with rare books, Joss is a valuable addition to the Webb’s team. He is available to appraise rare and collectable books, documents, ephemera, maps, plans, historical photographs, postcards, prints and posters. Contact Joss Campbell bethunes@webbs.co.nz | 09 524 6804
Militaria 9 August
Entries are now invited for a specialist sale of military collectables, to be held on 9 August. The auction will feature a historically and culturally diverse range of arms, armour, medals and other materials. Already consigned is a selection of rifles, muskets and flintlock pistols, a miniature naval cannon, Gothic Revival, composite Cromwellian and composite 16th-century suits of armour, and an assortment of collectable medals. Also on offer are quality dress swords, including an 18th-century Hussars Mameluke sword and scabbard, a Grenadier Guards’ 1st Boer War sword, an 1850s’ English naval dirk and a French Napoleonic heavy cavalry sword and scabbard.
19th-century Flintlock Pistols $600 - $900 each
Contact James Hogan jhogan@webbs.co.nz | 021 510 477 Jeff Hobbs jhobbs@webbs.co.nz | 021 503 251
Interiors: Antiques & Decorative Arts 2 August
Entries are now invited for the next Interiors: Antiques & Decorative Arts sale, to be held on 2 August. The catalogue will showcase highquality pieces across the diverse genres, including fine and collectable sterling silver, porcelain, furniture and Asian antiques. Early entries include a collection of late 18th to 19th-century Italian marquetry furniture, with intricate ornamentation in wood veneers of various species. The collection features a particularly fine Dutch marquetry chest of drawers, which dates to around 1850. Also of interest to collectors is a large black basalt ewer by Josiah Wedgwood and Sons, circa 1840, with applied and moulded decoration in relief. The auction also features an offering of impressive ceramic pieces from the Royal Worcester and Royal Doulton factories, including a large vase decorated with Highland cattle by John Stinton Senior. Contact Josh Williams jwilliams@webbs.co.nz | 021 073 6545
Vintage Motorcycles & Industrial Design 25 October
Continuing our passion for all things well made, Webb’s is pleased to announce a new event which will focus on industrial design and engineering, building on our highly popular motorcycle sales. Vintage tools, instruments, machines and home-made inventions will be offered in conjunction with a collection of over 30 vintage motorcycles. Already consigned is a selection of apprentice-made steam engines, rare and unusual scientific equipment and a lifetime collection of master craftsman’s vintage tools. For more information on this new event, contact Neil Campbell, James Hogan or our Wellington-based specialist Jeff Hobbs. Contact Neil Campbell ncampbell@webbs.co.nz | 021 875 966
A Wedgwood Basalt Ewer $2,000 - $3,000
Winter Season Fine Jewellery & Watches
20 June
Fine & Rare Wine
25 June
Fine & Rare Wine
30 July
Important Paintings & Contemporary Art
31 July
Fine Jewellery & Watches
1 Aug
Interiors: Antiques & Decorative Arts
2 Aug
Interiors: Modern Design
7 Aug
Militaria
9 Aug
Oceanic & African Art
4 Sept
Bethunes Rare Books
13 Sept
A2 Art
25 Sept
Fine Jewellery & Watches
26 Sept
Interiors: Antiques & Decorative Arts
27 Sept
Vintage Motorcycles & Industrial Design
25 Oct
Consign Now Important Paintings & Contemporary Art Fine Jewellery & Watches Interiors: Modern Design Interiors: Antiques & Decorative Arts Vintage Motorcycles & Industrial Design Oceanic & African Art Fine & Rare Wine Militaria
New Zealand’s Premier Auction House 18 Manukau Road Newmarket, Auckland +649 524 6804 auctions@webbs.co.nz www.webbs.co.nz