Hotere works reach auction after year's delay

The coming fortnight sees the auction market spring into action. First out of the blocks next Thursday is Art+Object, with 87 lots described as important paintings and contemporary art.

The next week sees the International Art Centre and Webb's entering the field, and Cordy's round out March with toys and antiques.

Not the least interesting aspect of Art+Object's varied collection is the first 23 lots, all works by Ralph Hotere from the collection This Land. Market followers will recall that the full collection of 40 works, given by Hotere to his friend Annette Ferguson in the 1960s, was due to be sold by Art+Object last year when the vendor and the auction house were served with a last-minute legal injunction. The move was roundly condemned by the arts community, since the ownership of the works seemed beyond doubt.

But the matter has never come to court, and Art+Object will say no more than: "We are happy to report that the matter has been resolved and we are pleased to be able to finally offer these splendid works."

However resolved, it does not appear to have been to the disadvantage of either the auction house or Ferguson, and other houses may be relieved that some of the issues raised by the injunction, such as the copyright of images of art works, did not become the subject of argument and court ruling. Other than the lawyers, no one could be said to be a winner in the matter, least of all the artist and those who represent him.

The background to the Hotere works will inevitably generate interest, but there are other good offerings, including several Hanlys and a big koru painting by Gordon Walters. The latter is estimated at from $300,000 to $400,000.

The International Art Centre's sale includes about 110 works, many of them historical but with a good smattering of modern works.

A charming early water-colour by Frances Hodgkins, Market Scene, Dordrecht, takes the eye, as does Charles Goldie's Kapi Kapi. Estimates are $40,000 to $60,000 for the Hodgkins, and $180,000 to $240,000 for the Goldie.

There are several works by John Weeks, including a poignant painting from 1949, After the Elam fire. Weeks lost about 200 paintings and drawings in the blaze.

Webb's online catalogue for its March 30 sale allows buyers to place bids online, an interesting innovation. This is a high-value offering, with at least six works that could top the $100,000 mark, including Bill Hammond's dark A Lullaby of Birdland ($240,000 to $340,000).

COMING UP

March 25: Art+Object, important paintings.
March 29: International Art Centre, important, early and rare art.
March 30: Webb's, important art; Cordy's, toys and antiques.
March 31: Webb's, jewellery.
April 1: Webb's, antiques and modern design.
April 19-21: Dunbar Sloane, Auckland, antiques and collectables.
April 21-22: Dunbar Sloane, Wellington, fine, applied and affordable arts.
April 27: Cordy's, antiques and art.
April 28: International Art Centre, contemporary, foreign and collectable art.