NZ’s most expensive art collection up for auction

TODAY, collectors have the chance to bid on pieces from the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ) Art Collection at a once-in-a-lifetime auction.

Auction house Webb’s will put the pieces under the hammer, marking the first time the collection, which features some of New Zealand’s most talented artists, has been available to purchase.

Webb’s Director of Art Charles Ninow said the collection was ‘‘simply gobsmacking’’.

After being the proud caretakers of the collection for more than 40 years, BNZ believed it was time to pass on the privilege to others, while taking advantage of the boom in the New Zealand art market.

‘‘There are a significant number of genuine masterpieces in this collection, by the best-known artists in this country’s history,’’ Ninow said. ‘‘There is nothing else like it, and it’s unlikely there will ever be again.’’

The 300 pieces were collected by art dealer Peter McLeavey in the 1980s, to adorn the walls of BNZ centres and show the bank’s commitment to a ‘‘fuller quality of life’’ to staff, clients and visitors.

‘‘It wasn’t that Peter McLeavey was curating a collection of the best artists in New Zealand, it was that he was curating the best artwork from the best artists,’’ a spokesperson from Webb’s explained.

The collection, curated between 1981 and 1987, represented a time when Aotearoa ‘‘transformed from its roots as a tightly controlled, agrarian enclave into an outwardlooking knowledge economy’’,

Webb’s said in a statement. ‘‘The collection presents a view on an important and consequential moment for New Zealand’s culture. This was a time of coming to terms with the increasingly multicultural society that New Zealand was developing into.’’

Standout artworks include Rita Angus’ watercolour, Orchid, which is estimated to sell between $45,000 and $65,000; Robin White’s Glenda at Tahakopa, estimated at $250,000 to $350,000, and Gordon Walter’s Makora, which Webb’s believe could crack $1 million.

However, the ‘‘jewel of the collection’’ is Colin McCahon’s Is There Anything of Which One Can Say Look This is New?

Webb’s predicted the piece could break the record for New Zealand’s most valuable artwork, which currently sits at slightly more than $2m.

The money raised from pieces sold at auction will go straight back into the community, in the form of a new charitable project.

‘‘BNZ will be investing all proceeds into a philanthropic foundation that will respond to the needs of the local community,’’ said a Webb’s spokesperson, who shared that the auction house will also make a significant donation to the foundation. The auction will be held in two parts, with the ‘‘big tickets’’ up for sale today at 2pm, and the more affordable pieces selling on Tuesday September 27, at

6.30pm.

It’s the first time in 40 years any of the artworks, which were put together by Peter McLeavey, left – regarded as one of New Zealand’s best art curators, have been available to purchase. Key artworks include, above right, Colin McCahon’s Is There Anything of Which One Can Say Look This is New?, which could set a new record, and left and right, Tony Fomison’s The Fugitive and Rita Angus’ Orchid.

SUPPLIED, MAARTEN HOLL / STUFF