Latest news from International Art Centre Thu, 30 Oct 2008
Important, Early & Rare 2008 sales
Consolidating record results achieved at International Art Centre's Important, Early & Rare March & July auctions, the 14 October sale confirmed an increasing and unwavering confidence in quality 19th & 20th Century New Zealand paintings. During economically challenging times, a worldwide trend to acquire tangible investments is clearly being seen in our salesroom. The enthusiasm of the market is supported by International Art Centre's focused, experienced and dedicated team, committed to the requirements of both buyers and sellers.
International Art Centre's Important, Early & Rare auctions have met with unparalleled interest and success, both here and off shore. A clear focus on quality New Zealand 19th & 20th Century New Zealand paintings along with carefully selected offerings of contemporary masterpieces has seen sales exceed $5 million dollars in three Important, Early & Rare sales in March, July & October 2008. An extensive database of committed investors and collectors, compiled over 40 years, enjoy published and online catalogues of the highest quality.
Highlights were numerous including the spectacular live auction record for Charles F Goldie's 'Hori Pokai' fetching $400,000, the highest price for a New Zealand work of art at auction in five years. Charles Blomfield's 'The Domain, Auckland' made $70,000 in March, and Christopher Aubrey's 'Queenstown' fetched $72,000 against its presale estimate of $35,000 - 45,000. A Charles Barraud watercolour sold for $46,000. In the same sale a record $49,000 was achieved for Peter McIntyre's 'Otago Peninsula'. A pair of Blomfields of the Pink & White Terraces fetched $160,000.
July results were just as solid. $54,000 for a contemporary painting by Peter Siddell 'Western View' was a highlight as was $68,000 for a Charles Blomfield of the Pink Terrace. Two Goldie's made $165,000 & $285,000 respectively and a John Weeks went for $37,000. A small self portrait sketch by Russell Clark sold for $7,100, against its estimate of $2,500 - 3,500. Edward Bullmore's 'Florentine Market' made $74,000.
Results from October saw continued interest in these special sales resulting in the second highest auction total for 2008. $65,000 was bid for an important, early watercolour of New Plymouth by Edwin Harris, all of the Foster Clark Collection of Garth Tappers were sold under hammer as were the estate collection of Charles Blomfield's son, Alfred Yeoman. Top price of the evening was $291,000 for a Goldie 'Kapi Kapi', given its size of just 20 x 14.5 cm, it fetched a record for a painting of its size, $235,000 for another Goldie, and $145,000 for Evelyn Page's Nude in a Doorway. $68,000 was bid for Alfred Sharpe's 'Cadmans Creek'. $37,000 was bid for Ray Chings 'Calling the Names of Birds' and $35,000 for Peter Siddell's 'Westward' - contemporary masterpieces fared well.
Top 10 Prices at International Art Centre's Important, Early & Rare Art Auctions during 2008
- $400,000 Charles F Goldie Hori Pokai March
- $291,000 Charles F Goldie Kapi Kapi October
- $285,000 Charles F Goldie Harieta July
- $235,000 Charles F Goldie Tumai October
- $165,000 Charles F Goldie Time Tells July
- $160,000 Charles Blomfield Terraces March
- $145,000 Evelyn Page Nude October
- $87,500 Gottfried Lindauer Ana Rupene July
- $86,000 Gottfried Lindauer Ana Rupene March
- $74,000 Edward Bullmore Florence July
Prices quoted attract a buyers premium of 12% + GST (13.5% including GST)
Contemporary, Foreign & Collectable Art
In April and August International Art Centre introduced another sale category - Contemporary, Foreign & Collectable Art. These sales were derived from the Collectable Art Auctions introduced in 2003 offering collectors, first time buyers, investors an even bigger and more interesting selection than before]. Our next sale in this category will be held 20 November 2008. This large sale comprising of over 230 lots is a must view sale and will be on view from Friday 14 November. Catalogue available and online from 3 November.
Entries Now Invited
International Art Centre lead the New Zealand Art Auction Market in 2008 with consistent results. The results from our six auctions held during 2008 speak for themselves. Consign your works now for the first major sale of 2009.
Selected entries are now being accepted for the March Important, Early & Rare auction in 2009. Entries are also invited for Contemporary, Foreign & Collectable Art to be held soon after in April.
To include works in this sale: Ph +64 9 379-4010 Toll Free 0800 800 322
or email Richard Thomson richard@artcntr.co.nz
or complete our online appraisal form here
Business as usual despite the builders
From 24 October - 3 November the Scarborough Gallery Auction Room is getting an upgrade - the white walls are being completely replaced with a black fabric wall - allowing us more hanging space and a new and refreshing look for 2009. We are open business as usual during this time. Our thanks to Franix Construction for their hard work and dedication to this project.
The retail gallery is undergoing a new lighting upgrade so it to will be using the same latest art sensitive halogen lamps that the auction room is using. Our thanks to RLM Lighting for their consultancy and expertise. New security systems are also being installed.
Website
Our website developers Hotblack Solutions are currently working on fresh and new alternatives for viewing the catalogues and exhibitions online. Whilst much of the overall look of the site will remain the same (if it ain't broke don't fix it !), new and exciting features will assist your viewing pleasure. One of the new features includes a 'zoom in image' so you can inspect the work in finer detail if you are unable to attend an auction or exhibition viewing. Another feature will include being able to view catalogues and exhibitions in a unique easy to use new slideshow format. International Art Centre is also future-proofing the site - improving our iPhone compatibility - meaning you can view the site properly anywhere, anytime from the beach, the boat, at lunch or even while lying in bed ! We would never have dreamed that technology would play such a significant part in our business.
