Russell Clark Sculpture Broken in Opononi

The famous sculpture of Opo the dolphin with a boy swimmer has been beheaded.  It is unknown whether this was an accident or an act of purposeful vandalism.  It has happened before, about 20 years ago.  The town's handyman has been given the fragments which were found nearby.  North Advocate article here.

Unopened Parcel From the 40s Returned to Sender

An unopened parcel from Ballantynes sent to a customer in 1948 was returned to the department store by a Wanaka recycling centre.  Story from Timaru Herald here.

I Am In Christchurch For the Next Few Weeks

I will be in Christchurch until the 26th of October for the school holidays. If you have emailed or phoned me I will contact you on my return. Thanks.

Auction Postscript

Some of the 'estimate busters' from this month's Auckland sales...

Art + Object Ross Morrison Collection on the 6th of September featured many outstanding prices


Borge Mogensen sideboard sold for $6,800 (est $1600-2400)

Borge Mogensen Sleigh Chairs $4,700 (est $1800-3000)



Ernst Plischke Pendant lights from St Martin's Christchurch $3,900 (est $1000-2000)

Webb's Oceanic Sale, September 8th. 

Rare Hei Tiki Pounamu $5,900, Superb Northwest Coast Club $9,380 (est $8,000-10,000), Dogon Statue $9,380 (est $8,000-10,000) Prestigious Mere Pounamu - In the Name of Tinirau $51,590  (est $30,000-40,000)

Cordy's Sale September


Kiwi sold for $2900 (est $2000)



A pair of Italian Renaissance influenced armchairs $1450 (est $750)