Matthew Perceval (b. 1945), Black Boys at Vincent’s Lookout I, Oil on Board up for auction on ALLBIDS
The estate of a local art collector and former Gallery Manager at Solander Gallery in Yarralumla has recently gone up for auction on ALLBIDS.
It includes an exciting collection of artwork, featuring oil paintings, lithographs, screenprints, etchings, glass, sculptures, and more. There is also a range of history books and antique furniture on offer.
ALLBIDS’ art and antique appraiser, Andrew Whitehead, says it’s a really interesting collection from someone who obviously knew what to look for when buying art.
“Buying art as an investment is a bit like buying a lottery ticket. However, there are some things you can do to shorten the odds. For example, this collector has chosen high-quality artwork – which is the best hedge as it stands the test of time – from both contemporary and classic artists who have been backed by established art galleries,” he says.
“It also helps if you are immersed in the art scene, and have a good eye for spotting pioneers of new art movements. Looking at the pieces as a collective, you can see that he has bought with quite a degree of insight.
“Some of the pieces will prove to be a fabulous investment, though I can’t say for sure which ones.”
Fred Cress (1938-2009), Chases 1988, Colour Lithograph Edition 13/97 up for auction on ALLBIDS
Andrew particularly likes a piece from Marie Hagerty, and an oil on canvas by Ben Taylor (son of Michael Taylor who was also a prominent artist) called Abalone Diver.
The collector has also left pertinent information on the backs of many of the paintings, such as when and where he bought them, or a news clipping about the artist or exhibition.
“The quality of art is highly subjective,” says Andrew. “Some artists have become famous because of their technique, being graduates of an art school or the like. Others become famous by thumbing their nose at the conservative establishment and starting a new movement, like Jackson Pollock.
“In terms of opportunity from this collection, it would be reasonable to select pieces with the mindset that this collector had a significant depth of knowledge, and knew full well what he was buying.”
Judy Watson (b. 1959) Partland, Triptych Tinted Etching Edition 23/60 up for auction on ALLBIDS
Of collecting art in general, Andrew says that it’s nice to be able to enjoy your investment – perhaps more than you might be able to enjoy looking at a stock portfolio!
“In affluent societies, people surround themselves with beautiful things. They look for different ways to invest their money – particularly in ways they enjoy. When we hang a piece of artwork on the wall, it tends to reflect who we are, because we choose things we can relate to in some way,”he says.
To bid on an artwork or antique from the estate, visit AllBids.
There will also be a live viewing at the estate this Wednesday from 4pm-6pm. Call ALLBIDS on 02 6239 2262 to learn more. The auction ends Thursday 11 October at about 7pm.
This is a sponsored article, though all opinions are the author’s own. For more information on paid content, see our sponsored content policy.
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