mixture of both New Zealand and Australian/ International art and Director Henry Newrick reported a good attendance with the auction room filled to capacity (80-100 people) at stages throughout the day.
Highlights of the sale include Colin McCahon’s lithographic book ’15 Drawings’ (Lot 74 ) published by the Hocken Library in 1976 which realised $8,000 and a naval battle scene by 17th century Dutch painter Aert van Antum (lot 76f) or $10,000. The two major paintings from the family of artist Charles Blomfield failed to sell, perhaps hampered by the travel restrictions in place for Auckland and parts of the Waikato, which meant that interested parties from these areas couldn’t travel to see the works in person.
Post sales are still being negotiated and with sales pending, the clearance rate is expected to get up to about 70% but on the day the sale turned over 58% and just under $100,000 NZD.
Prices quoted are hammer only in $NZ and do not include the buyer’s premium of 15% + gst.
