Dunedin Art Gallery Buys Hodgkins

Dunedin Public Art Gallery shows off their latest acquisition in the ODT online.

Augustus Earle's Australian Lithographs Find Aussie Buyers From Oxford

Four hand-coloured lithographs of Sydney circa 1826 by Augustus Earle (1793-1838) sold in Oxford for £26,000.

These lithographs with a pre-sale estimate of £200-300, saw five phone bidders from Down Under compete in buying the works, knocked down in the end for £26,000.

The itinerant artist familiar to us in New Zealand painted scenes of our life between 1827 and 1828.

Antique & Art Valuations For Christchurch Earthquake

I will be in Christchurch for a week in mid October to provide valuations for anyone putting in their claims for antique items damaged in the Christchurch Earthquake. You will need one for the Earthquake Commission or your insurance company to complete a claim. Please call me on (09) 9488829 or email me on at erika@antiqueandart.co.nz to book your appointment. If you just need some advice concerning one please feel free to call or email too.

Don't Buy New, Buy Old!

Of course we all knew that Antiques are a green option but now an independent report has confirmed this. It claims antique furniture is likely to have a carbon footprint 16 times lower than that of a newly manufactured item. "Buying antiques reduces landfill, reduces carbon emissions and reduces consumption of new goods from abroad. The antiques trade is the oldest recycling business in the world and the ultimate in terms of preserving our heritage for future generations. This report provides further proof that antiques should be recognised for their genuine green hallmark – sustainable, re-usable and re-saleable." Antiques Trade Gazette article here.

Ivory Stolen From Hokianga Historic Place

This carved whalebone whip handle has been stolen from Clendon House in Rawene and The New Zealand Historic Places Trust would like it returned. NZHPT Northern Heritage Destinations Manager Gordon Hewston says "The real value of this object is the connection it has with the house and its cultural significance. We really just want this object returned to us as soon as possible - even if it's brought back anonymously." If you have seen it or know where it is please contact your local police station, or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
UPDATE: This was returned to to the Historic Places Trust a few weeks later, possibly because of a threat of its tapu.

Found Antiquities Made Into Jewellery Banned From Museum Shop

The British Museum has stopped stocking jewellery made from items of antiquity. The items incorporated in the jewellery have very low intrinsic value and little value to a museum, but museums should not be trading in these items even in this form, the museum has decided. Article from The Telegraph. Pictured is an example of the type of work available from the website English Relics - necklace made from a Roman Theatre Mask retailing for £18o.