Sotheby’s present a terrific offering in two parts in Sydney on 3 May: the David Newby collection of Australian art with 30 lots, and the mixed vendor sale comprising lots 31 to 108.
The catalogue essay traces David Newby’s collecting which started in the early 1980s, with important purchases from renowned Paddington art dealer Barry Stern, for example Albert Tucker, Ray Crooke and Jeffrey Smart. Apart from Australian modernism, the collection comprises several works by the major Australian impressionists, often also purchased at auction.
This makes this Sotheby’s sale somewhat of a must-see exhibition of iconic Australian art. The art market in Australia is in good form and has recovered well from its post-global financial crisis malaise, where clearance rates at auction hovered around 60% and 40% for Aboriginal art.
The auction rooms are full again with keen buyers, and this is bringing out high quality paintings. Clearance rates are now regularly around 80% which represents a healthy but not over-heated market.
I strongly recommend viewing this latest offering, on view in Melbourne until 23 April at 41 Exhibition Street, and in Sydney from 27 April until 3 May at 30 & 34 Queen Street, Woollahra.
The auction is held on Wednesday, 3 May 2017, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Sydney, starting 6.30 pm.
Myself and Brigitte will as usual be on hand for your questions about any artwork regarding condition, value and whether it is simply a good painting by the artist. Our independent advice is always appreciated. Just give us a ring on 02 9977 7764 or email to info@bhfineart.com
And Dave’s Faves are:
Lot 1 – Elioth Gruner, Fisherman, Coogee Beach 1913, est. $60,000-80,000. No Sea of Green
Lot 2 – Justin O’Brien, Palm Sunday (1962), est. $60,000-80,000. Invest in GoldLot 3 – Sali Herman, Woolloomooloo 1947, est. $50,000-70,000. When the Wharfi met SaliLot 12 – Jeffrey Smart, Study for Holiday (1969 – 1970), estimate $200,000-300,000. Living it up at the Hotel CaliforniaLot 13 – Albert Tucker, Explorer, 1964, estimate $150,000-200,000. The IconicLot 19 – Ray Crooke, The Wedding, Thursday Island (1958), estimate $20,000-30,000. Fun in the SunLot 21 – Jeffrey Smart, The Santiago Flight (1989), est. $120,000-160,000. It’s not United Airlines, is it?Lot 31 – John Brack, After the Race, 1956, est. $60,000-80,000. Back to BrackLot 36 – Brett Whiteley, Summer’s Bay (1963), est. $100,000-150,000. Sprightly WhiteleyLot 37 – Rosalie Gascoigne, Summer Fat 1995, estimate $350,000-400,000. Sschh…….Lot 53 – John Perceval, Neil Douglas’ Garden 1958, est. $22,000-28,000. Perceval at his peakLot 56 – Sidney Nolan, Kelly Study 1962, est. $200,000-250,000. Give Ned the NodLot 67 – Philip Wolfhagen, Untitled 1993, est. $20,000-30,000. Green DayLot 79 – Penleigh Boyd, “It Stood – A Thing Apart – Unsullied by the Common Growth”, 1922, est. $40,000-50,000. The Trees that pleaseLot 82 – Norman Lindsay, (Four Nudes) 1937, est. $40,000-60,000. A Lindsay to loveLot 92 – Adrian Feint, The Striped Camellia 1947, est. $8,000-12,000. Posy PoetryLot 93 – Fred Williams, Turbulent Waters, Marshall Bay, Flinders Island (1977), est. $25,000-35,000. Williams’ Wonderful WatersLot 95 – Sidney Nolan, Inland Landscape 1950, est. $10,000-15,000. Nolan 1950 Landscape, need I say more…
