Staff Contacts

Peter Webb’s contribution to the development of the Contemporary art market in this country is extensive. In the early 50’s Peter held a curatorial position at the Auckland Art Gallery under its first director Eric Westbrook. In 1958 Peter started one of New Zealand’s first dealer galleries opening with Colin McCahon’s first Auckland exhibition, paintings of French Bay. He was the founding director of auction house John Cordy Limited in 1963 and resigned to take up the post of Exhibitions Officer at the Auckland Art Gallery in 1970-74, during which time he arranged the biggest exhibition of John Constable’s paintings ever held outside of Great Britain, John Constable, The Natural Painter. Unwilling to complete a degree, he quit the world of academia to launch the Barrington Gallery for its owners in 1975 bringing three major exhibitions to Auckland from New York, Jim Dine, Works on Paper; Photo-Realism; and Picasso’s sixty-six etchings for La Celine. With the demise of funding for the Barrington Gallery, he reopened his own gallery in High Street in 1974, and with the late Ross Fraser as editor, he launched the quarterly art magazine, Art New Zealand. He introduced a regular program of Newje Zealand art auctions and these very successful sales gradually brought about a conversion of the gallery into a fine art auction company. In 1980, during one of the gallery’s last major shows, Colin McCahon’s New Paintings, he met Ann Webb who joined the company that year and whom in 1990 he married, building with her the business that would become the country’s foremost specialist auction house.

With fifteen years experience in the valuation and marketing of fine art Sophie has managed the sale and placement of many of the country’s finest and most coveted works of art. Heading the fine art department through the rise of the market between 1999 and 2004, Sophie’s knowledge of the New Zealand’ fine art market and art works from the 19th to 21st centuries is extensive and highly referenced.

Over the last fifteen years Neil has worked extensively in and alongside a range of creative sectors including film, television, publishing and music. Acting for some of the largest names in the business, Neil holds a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Economics which he has continuously applied to issues of importance in the creative sectors. With a strong interest in the arts, and particularly New Zealand’s contemporary art practice, Neil has curated a range of one off international and local exhibitions. Neil is responsible for all aspects of the Webb’s operation as New Zealand’s premier auction house and largest privately operated gallery.

Chris Allsop comes to Webb’s with over twenty years experience in accounting, administration and business management. Having been with Webb’s for two years he brings to the business exceptional financial and management skills.

Prior to joining Webb’s Emma held positions at the Auckland University, Guggenheim Museum, New York and managed leading New Zealand galleries including Jensen Gallery and Gow Langsford Gallery. Emma was also involved with managing The Gibb’s Collection, one of New Zealand’s finest private collections. With extensive knowledge and passion for the industry Emma’s expertise traverses all areas of New Zealand art practice from historical to modern and contemporary. Emma also has a keen interest in photography and sculpture. Emma holds a Masters degree in Art History (Hons) from the University of Auckland.

Jessica Pearless has ten years experience in the fine arts sector. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in painting from Elam School of Fine Arts, Auckland University and is currently undertaking postgraduate study towards a Master of Fine Arts at Elam. She came to Webb’s in 2004 after managing an Auckland dealer gallery. A specialist in New Zealand emergent, contemporary and modern art, she fosters an interest in modern abstraction. Her interests cover contemporary art practices including installation work, sculpture, painting and photography alongside Modern architecture and furniture design. In addition to managing marketing and operational activities for the fine art department, Jessica is available to provide appraisals for sale and insurance purposes. A practicing artist herself, Jessica is always keen to discuss what's happening in the art scene and offer advice on market trends, collection management, restoration and the appraisal of works of art.

Originally from Charlotte North Carolina, Sarah came to New Zealand in 2007 after completeing her Master's degree in Classical Art and Archaeology from the University College of London. In addition to her love of all things ancient Sarah has a strong interest in all areas of art, sculpture, photography and literature. Sarah is available to provide assisstance with queries regarding Bethune's@Webb's, art and Webb's valuation services.

James Hogan has over 20 years’ experience in marketing of antiques and collectables. He headed Webb's collectables department for over 15 years during which time he built a wealth of knowledge covering the fields of antiques and decorative arts. James is now a highly experienced generalist valuer and appraiser of antiques and decorative arts from the 18th to the 21st centuries. James' particular areas of interest are in New Zealand colonial furniture, English and continental furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries and retro and Modernist furniture and furnishings. As Webb's head valuer, James is available to provide information and advice to clients on all manner of antiques and decorative arts.

Josh holds a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Auckland and a Post Graduate Certificate in Museum Studies form the University of Sydney. Josh has held positions at Auckland Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, various antique shops in London and dealing from Portobello Market. A return to New Zealand in 2005 lead to Josh joining Webb’s in 2006. Josh’s particular interests are Georgian furniture and antiques, modern and contemporary art and design and New Zealand history. Josh is always available for advice on the value of items, their history, market values and trends.

Christopher Devereaux is well known as an independently licensed auctioneer involved in the industry for over 35 years, of which the past 18 years have been spent in association with Webb's as a Jewellery Consultant. Widely acknowledged as the most experienced and professional auctioneer of major diamonds, antique and modern jewellery, watches and objects of virtu in New Zealand, he has been responsible for the achievement of several New Zealand record prices for both individual pieces and important collections. His regular trips to London, Europe and the East ensure that he is conversant with the latest overseas trends and fashions, and also provides an opportunity for him to meet with the increasing number of international buyers and sellers who see Webb's as an important source and market place in those areas of interest. His association with Webb's has seen the Jewellery section of Webb’s catalogues grow substantially to become a major part of the sales program, eagerly anticipated by both buyers and sellers.

Responsible for the management of Webb's rare book auction programme, Francis ensures that long-standing Bethunes (established 1877) continues to deliver the best collectable books, maps and related material to its local and international client base. Francis is responsible for overseeing the modernisation of the Bethunes business, providing a 21st century sale and acquisition service within this specialist field of collecting. Francis has several years' experience working in the new and second-hand book trades. He has a lifelong love of books and a particular interest in New Zealand, literary and fine press publications.

Jan Dickens's love of objects from the past was kindled as a teenager while looking at an early New Zealand photograph album. She attended courses run by Donald Kerr, then Rare Books Librarian at Auckland Public Library, and went on to deal in rare books. A foundation member of the North Shore Branch of the NZ Society of Genealogists and a committee member of the Auckland Ex Libris Society, Jan enjoys the study of history and all aspects of collecting and preserving rare books.

Simon Ward joined Webb's as director of the Fine Wine Department in 2009. He has over twenty years experience in the wine industry, initially in production before concentrating on sales and marketing and more recently winery management. Simon holds an Associate Diploma of Wine Marketing from Roseworthy College, South Australia and his experience incorporates a significant international focus including four years based in Italy. As the director of the Fine Wine Division, Simon is available to provide expert opinion and advice to clients.

James Hogan has over twenty years experience with Webb’s in marketing antiques and collectables covering all aspects of traditional and modern design. James is a highly experienced valuer and appraiser of antiques and decorative arts from the 18th to the 21st century. Of particular interest for James is New Zealand colonial furniture, English and Continental furniture from the 18th and 19th century and retro and Modernist furniture and interior objects. As Webb’s senior valuer, James is available to provide expert opinion and advice to clients on all manner of antiques, decorative arts and collectables.

Steve Galpin has 6 years’ experience as Webb's senior in house valuer of decorative arts and antiques. He has formerly worked with the Police Department but made the shift to Webb's in 1991 to fulfil a lifetime ambition to work with antiques. Steve has extensive generalist's knowledge of decorative arts from the 18th to the 20th centuries and is one of New Zealand's most broadly knowledgeable experts on antiques, decorative arts and the sale of antiques at auction. As Webb's in-house appraiser, Steve is always available for advice on the value of items, their history, market values and trends.

Brian has had a passion for art and antiques from an early age and opened his first antique shop when he was 21. After a few successful years he moved to London to continue in this area. On his return to New Zealand he completed a Fine Arts Degree majoring in ceramics at the School of Art, Otago Polytechnic. Whilst studying Brian curated, toured and assisted with ceramic exhibitions. In 2008 he won the inaugural Blumhardt Foundation Ceramic Scholarship. During 2009 he managed the James Wallace Arts Trust and Collection. Brian has a personal interest in Contemporary New Zealand Art, Ceramics and Furniture. He is a collector, curator and creator. Please feel free to contact him anytime.

Jamie-Lee Smith joined Webb’s to assist the Decorative Arts Department in 2008, having previously held an accounting position. Her interest in art includes all forms, with a particular interest in Modern and Contemporary Design.

Katrina Sewell has assisted the front of house team at Webb’s for ten years and holds a wealth of knowledge about the auction industry. With a personal interest in both art and antiques and being familiar with Webb’s regular customers. Katrina is available to provide assistance with all aspects of doing business with Webb’s.

Rachael Leach has provided accounts and business services to Webb’s since 2006. Managing the catalogue subscriptions department, Rachael is available to answer questions relating to the subscribing to Webb’s catalogue publications.