Journal
Articles & Interviews
Here at Webb’s we are fortunate to come into contact with a myriad of objects that carry with them a rich legacy of narratives, histories, traditions, and bursts of genius (or pure luck!).
In the following articles and interviews, we talk with our specialists to discuss their expert knowledge, we also explore insights from artists, academics, and trend-setters to discover what cultural alchemy is behind the objects that come through our doors.
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Introducing the Art Department's New Manager
Webb's is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Megan Shaw as the new manager of the art department.
Five Questions With: Lily McCowan
We speak to Webb’s recently appointed Specialist, Art Online.
Webb’s Celebrates 50 Years as New Zealand’s Leading Auction House
In 2026, Webb’s will celebrate its 50th anniversary as New Zealand’s premier auction house. To mark this milestone, we are curating a landmark exhibition that will reunite 50 of the most significant pieces ever sold through Webb’s — including artworks, jewellery, wine, cars, and decorative arts.
A limited edition opportunity- The Colin McCahon Legacy Project
In support of the Colin McCahon Legacy Project.
The Case for Craftsmanship in a Flatpack Age
In an era of fast-furniture and rising waste, choosing antique, vintage, mid-century classics and designer pieces is both a practical and principled act.
Alfa Romeo: Track-Bred, Road-Ready
It’s hard not to love Alfa Romeo, a marque commonly heralded—even in the 21st century —as a marque for drivers. That may seem an obvious objective of any car manufacturer, but technology has advanced rapidly in the past five decades, and with it the disconnect between pilot and machine.
Don Binney: Two Aspects of Tokatoka
Discover Don Binney’s Two Aspects of Tokatoka (1980), a striking diptych celebrating Northland’s Tokatoka Peak and Binney’s evolving landscape vision.
Catalogue Foreword—Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia
Welcome to our final Collectors’ Cars, Motorcycles & Automobilia of the year.
Michael Smither—Essay by Alison Bartley
Michael Smither is an artist who responds to his environment. The places he lived and the people close to him are often the subject matter for his hard-edge paintings and prints.
Interview: Karl Maughan & Toni Mackinnon
Toni MacKinnon, Director of The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū, speaks to artist Karl Maughan about his influences, his evolving approach to garden painting, and the interplay between constructed landscapes and artistic imagination.
Works of Art - Spring 2025 - Foreword
It is a great pleasure to present our spring Works of Art auction catalogue. It has been a busy and vibrant few months in the cultural sector, and this spring catalogue reflects these trends, offering a stellar lineup from the movers and shakers both past and present, who are influencing the artworld.
Webb’s is proud to present its last Material Culture auction for 2025 — a compelling exploration of global artistic and ancestral heritage.
Material Culture gives form to human experience. These objects are the physical traces of belief systems, social structures, spiritual life, and artistic vision. They carry the stories of makers and communities, of cultural continuity and change.
Guitar Prices Hit High Notes at Auction
Bids soar to $450,000 for sought-after vintage and rare guitars in a single, online auction.
Four-Course Dinner Introduced alongside Wine Live Auction
You have heard of ‘dinner and show,’ now meet ‘dinner and live auction.’ This exciting pop-up concept devised by Webb’s Auction House sees a sophisticated dinner menu, beverages and a live auction all expertly paired for maximum delectability. And… who knows, you might even walk away with that bottle you have always dreamed of for your personal collection.
Pretty in Pink: The Allure and Rarity of Pink Diamonds
Discover the mystique and value of pink diamonds featured in Webb’s Important Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories auction. With three exceptional pink stones on offer, this event showcases the rarity, beauty, and investment potential of nature’s most coveted gems.
Catalogue Foreword—Important Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories November
It is with immense pleasure we present our November Important Jewels, Watches & Luxury Accessories superb offering. This collection embodies a perfect blend centred around a Scandinavian design principle: simplicity and practicality, ensuring every element has a purpose.
Webb’s Returns to Dedicated Motorcycle Auctions
Submit your classic motorcycle to Webb’s 2026 online auction. Entries now open for standout motorcycles with history and style.
Interview: Yon Yi Sohn - The Wanderers
Yon Yi Sohn forms part of The Wanderers a selling exhibition at Webb’s Wellington. We spoke to the artist about her trajectory, ideas and processes behind the works in this exhibition.
Interview: Jae Hoon Lee - The Wanderers
Jae Hoon Lee forms part of The Wanderers a selling exhibition at Webb’s Wellington. We spoke to the artist about his trajectory, ideas and processes behind the works in this exhibition.
WORKS OF ART: Early Consignments
Explore standout early consignments by Karl Maughan, Don Binney, and Bill Culbert in our upcoming Works of Art live auction. Discover more.
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