A spirited night of bidding marked our 25 November Important & Rare Art auction, with collectors in the room, online, and on the phones driving exceptional results across the catalogue.
The evening delivered a landmark moment for Peter Stichbury, whose portrait Savannah achieved $210,000 (plus buyer’s premium), setting a new artist auction record and confirming his strong upward trajectory among contemporary collectors.
Another standout was Michael Smither’s Untitled – Rock Pools, which soared to $220,000 (plus BP) after determined competition from multiple quarters. The rare appearance of an early-career work by Don Binney, Pipiwharauroa - Shining Cuckoo<.i>, with its striking composition, sold for $300,000 (plus BP).
Further highlights included Jenny Doležel’s The Art of Living, which far outpaced expectations. Against an estimate of $8,000–12,000, the work climbed swiftly to a confident $30,000, an impressive result reflecting the artist’s growing collector base. Sculpture also enjoyed a strong showing, with both of Terry Stringer’s works achieving prices well above their high estimates.
Our warm thanks to everyone who joined us for our final auction of 2025, whether in the room or via our live stream. We look forward to welcoming you back to our auction room in 2026, with our first sale, Art at Home, taking place on the 17th of February. For enquiries, auction appraisals or consignments, please get in touch.
Pictured:
MICHAEL SMITHER
Untitled, Rock Pools
Oil on board 122 x 91.5
Signed & dated 68 lower left
