Both Australian and international collectors responded to this unique and diverse offering that was completely fresh to the market and recently repatriated to Australia. The attractive estimates of $15,000– 25,000 for each of the 42 works in the sale, proved irresistible to both experienced and new collectors. Head (1977), proved particularly appealing and sold under the hammer for $46,000 (Lot 34 ).
The overwhelming response from collectors resulted in the sale achieving the rare distinction of a ‘white glove sale’ with all of the 42 paintings successfully sold on the night and in doing so, significantly exceeding and more than doubling its low estimate to realise $1,448,750 (against an estimate of $630,000–1,050,000) with 100% sold by volume and 229% by value. Sidney Nolan (1917-1992), Crocodile 1963 was the best performing lot in the sale, exceeding its low estimate by over four times to hammer $74,000 (Lot 7 ).
The collection included significant examples from Nolan’s African, Bathers, Eliza Fraser, Gallipoli, Ned Kelly, Oedipus and Silk Road series, with works from each series among the best performing lots: Elephant and White Cliffs (1963), $60,000 (Lot 8 ); Ned Kelly (Cover Design) (1961), $52,000 (Lot 6 ); Convict Head (Mrs Fraser) 1957, $47,000 (Lot 3 ); Gallipoli Soldier (1977), $42,000 (Lot 33 ); Bird (1975), $38,000 (Lot 16 ); Bather (1975), $32,000 (Lot 15 ) and Cave (Silk Road Series) 1987, $30,000 (Lot 39 ).
Consigned by an international vendor, the collection was initially assembled by Nolan’s greatest patron Lord Alistair McAlpine of West Green, a British investor, politician, author, and raconteur, who is credited with transforming Broome from a pearling centre and remote coastal town into the modern tourism marvel it is today. McAlpine was also the most energetic, enthusiastic, and devoted collector of the work of Sidney Nolan and donated numerous works by the artist to public institutions in Australia and the United Kingdom.
All prices shown are hammer prices unless otherwise indicated.
