Submitted by aarAdmin on Fri, 08/08/2014 - 00:00
Philips Auctions July sale was highlighted by a single vendor Aboriginal art collection that resulted in a 113 per cent by value and 95 per cent by volume windfall for the owner.
The collection belonged to the former South Melbourne-based Blue Door Gallery owner Steve Ralph who has now moved to the United Kingdom following his wife Rachael’s new position as head of HR for one of Australia’s largest and most successful consumer law firms.
So successful has auctioneer Tony Philips become at disposing of single vendor Aboriginal art collections, that he is more than willing to do them on a regular basis.
“About 50 or 60 lots is enough as it is ideal for our venue and mixes well with our fine and decorative arts sales,” he said.
This sale, which ended up 25 per cent higher than the low estimate of $32,000, was notable for the fact that works by established artists performed particularly well.
A good example was Gabriella Possum’s Seven Sisters, which sold for $3776 on a $1500-$2500 estimate, and Dorothy Napangardi’s Salt on Mina Mina that changed hands for $2478.
Other works of note included Johnny Warangkura Tjupurrula’ Tingari Man at Tjakarri ($2596) and Kathleen Petyarrre’s Bush Seed (My Country) ($2242).
Rene Nelson’s Women’s Ceremony ($944) was another good result, along with Polly Ngale’s Bush Flowers ($2124) and Gloria Petyarre’s Bush Medicine Leaves ($1180).
The fine and decorative arts section of the auction achieved a 75 per cent clearance rate and jewellery also was very popular (see Philips Auctions August newsletter on Philips Auctions website).
