A+O Contemporary Art & Objects

The latest catalogue from Art & Object is now online at :

http://www.artandobject.co.nz/Auctions/Browse/ID/50

There is a good mix of contemporary art and sculpture in the art sale. I do enjoy Francis Upritchard's work combining Old and New. The photography section is a particularly good mix featuring some interesting works from my favourite artist Ben Cauchi which I haven't seen before. I will have to go and see them in the flesh. The Objects section has a lot of 70s pottery and 80s 90s glass which will thrill you if that is what you are into.

Viewing starts Friday 5th of June.

Sale of Marcel Marceau Estate Ordered To Pay Off Debts

The famous hat with red flower sells for 3201 Euros in a sale raising 500,000 Euros to pay off debtors.

See the article here: http://www.cbc.ca/arts/artdesign/story/2009/05/27/marceau-mime-auction-results.html

I suppose it is in the same vein as the Prince of Pop's Neverland Contents sale - which did not end up going ahead, for reasons given here http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7999315.stm

I recommend taking some time to look through the catalogues.

http://www.juliensauctions.com/auctions/2009/michael-jackson/catalog-list.html

It is an amazing collection of stuff.

Hunting Antiques In New Zealand

We did a bit of Op shopping this weekend and took a trip to the Whangaparaoa Hospice Shop. It is one of the largest Hospice Shops I found and they always seem to have a good selection of books, amongst other things. The only down side is that I think the entire penninsula go there on Saturday mornings.

My find was a copy of 'Hunting Antiques on New Zealand' by Truus Daalder for $3 (without dust jacket). I thought it might be amusing to compare the market in 1970 to the market now. I will keep you updated as I read through it. The acknowledgements mention only two familiar names to me John Dixon Antiques (the man with the stickers) and my old boss Mr S.P. Webb then of John Cordy Ltd.

Hawkins & Hawkins

I came across this article in Vogue March 2009 (a bit later than March as I borrow Vogue from the library). What an inspiration. It is very rare to find another young woman interested in the antique world, especially one with such a keen eye, unbridled passion and a sense of humour. She has carved out a niche in this particular market in the United Kingdom. Her website is http://www.emmahawkins.demon.co.uk/ Coincidently, her father is Mr Hawkins of J.B. Hawkins Antiques http://www.jbhawkinsantiques.com/ You may remember that he featured briefly on an episode of ‘Auction House’ when Dunbar Sloane came calling. I remember he had a beautiful box filled with greenstone jewellery that the Sloane’s were very keen to sell on his behalf. I haven’t seen them at auction yet…

The complete article has been uploaded by pdf at http://www.drummonds-arch.co.uk/webpics2/cuttings/voguemar09.pdf

The Rayner Brothers at Seed Gallery

I visited Seed Gallery in Crowhurst Street, Newmarket for the first time last week. The show featured the ceramic work of Paul & Mark Rayner. The email invite had mentioned Paul’s practice being “centred on ceramic pieces referencing Toby jugs, Staffordshire figurines”. This had me intrigued. One of Paul’s pieces was a reinterpretation of the famous Staffordshire Figure of The Death of Munro (the most collectable Staffordshire Figure). Paul’s work is entitled ‘The Mauling Roy Horn’. Very clever.
http://www.seedgallery.co.nz/content/06ba6c91-9041-4a42-a31c-6ae9b9c33eac.html

Also check out the David Bain teapots with knitted ‘jumper’ cosies.

Wedgwood The Story So Far

I was interested as to how Wedgwood was doing especially as sellers on Trade Me have already raised their financial expectations for the pieces they are selling. In January the company which includes the big brands Waterford Crystal and Royal Doulton went into administration. They managed to find a private equity buyer who did not purchase the Waterford asset. It seems that they are still in talks but jobs have been lost – however they are still hanging on in there. Such a sad end for a two hundred year old company. For recent news see:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2009/jan/15/ceramics-industry-waterford-wedgwood

Many comments have been made about the products being old fashioned and not in line with the modern way of living. Perhaps they needed some new creative blood to put a contemporary spin on their style – a Keith Murray for the ‘00s. Personally I like the jasper ware but in a kitsch sort of way. The market value of the small jasperware pieces is only tens of dollars. I did have my eye on some silhouette plaques of famous people (expect to pay over $100 for these depending on subject). My favourite is the Winston Churchill basalt plate ($120 - 150). I have found one at Foragers in Christchurch - http://www.foragers.co.nz/wedgwood.htm

or maybe one of the ‘Am I not a Man and a Brother’ plate ($100-$150 for a 20th C version) either of which I would give wall space to.

Did you know? Charles Darwin married Josiah Wedgwood’s granddaughter Emma and the large inheritance funded much of his work. Wedgwood had his right leg amputated after smallpox weakened his knee.

The Salerooms

On Thursday night Webb's held their latest antique or newly entitled "Traditional Design" auction. There was a good turn out, with punters there for the good mix of quality furniture and maritime items on offer. Some highlights (i.e. items over estimate) were:

Lot 511, A George III Sterling Silver Pair of Wine Coasters by J.T.Younge & Co. Estimated at $700 - $1,000 they sold for $2100.

Most of the Maritime Paintings sold well above estimate. Lot 623 A Naïve Watercolour entitled 'Barque Newton Captn. R.J Doughty Entering Malta Harbour 1867' Estimated at $800 - $1,200 Sold for $2,500 to a telephone bidder.

And lot 624 - a Frank Barnes oil of 'Manuka' Sold for $3100 carrying an estimate of $1000 - 2000.

My favourite piece of furniture in the sale was lot 634, A Queen Anne Period Single Drop-Leaf Rectangular Table. Est $2500-4000. In very good condition and of subtle proportions someone bought well at $3250.