Photo Essay: Jane Ussher

The formidable photographer Jane Ussher, MNZM went on assignment for Webb's March 2026 Works of Art Live Auction catalogue, and captured these images of the late architect Sir Miles Warren's residence: Ōhinetahi House & Garden.


Installation view of artworks at Ōhinetahi. Photo by Jane Ussher MNZM. Lot 26. Pat Hanly, Protective Helmet , 1962, oil on canvas, 730 x 945mm. EST. $80,000—$100,000.

Lot 26. Pat Hanly, Protective Helmet, 1962, oil on canvas, 730 x 945mm. EST. $80,000—$100,000
Lot 29. Greer Twiss, Big Red, 2006, bronze, paint and patina, 380 x 325 x 295mm. EST. $3,000—$5,000


Ussher is widely recognised for her meticulous, often large-format, photographic work documenting New Zealand’s architectural and interior design heritage as well as some of our most celebrated artists. Here she displayed the same fine-tuned sensitivity to colour, light and composition she has brought to her extensive book and magazine work.

Works of Art Live Auction is offering a selection of artworks from Sir Miles’ personal collection, with proceeds supporting essential maintenance, future improvements, and the continued sharing of Ōhinetahi House & Garden with the public or Aotearoa.

This season’s catalogue invites viewers to experience Ōhinetahi through Ussher’s discerning lens—an intimate glimpse into the spaces that shaped Sir Miles Warren’s life and practice. Her photographs form a quiet dialogue with the artworks coming to auction, celebrating the legacy of one of Aotearoa’s most significant architectural figures while supporting the ongoing preservation of the place he called home.


Jane Ussher, MNZM, is one of New Zealand’s most acclaimed photographers, known for her refined visual language and deep engagement with the country’s cultural landscape.

Her career spans decades of editorial, architectural and portrait work, including landmark publications that document New Zealand homes, institutions and creative figures. Ussher’s practice is distinguished by her sensitivity to atmosphere, composition and the quiet narratives embedded within interior spaces.


30.03.26
Works of Art | Live Auction

Installation view of artworks at Ōhinetahi. Photo by Jane Ussher MNZM. Lot 25. Julian Dashper, Untitled, 1998, vinyl on drumskin, 580mm diameter. EST. $18,000—$24,000

Lot 25. Julian Dashper, Untitled, 1998, vinyl on drumskin, 580mm diameter. EST. $18,000—$24,000


Installation view of artworks at Ōhinetahi. Photo by Jane Ussher MNZM. Lot 28. Paul Dibble, Standing Figure, 1999, bronze, 705 x 350 x 110mm. EST. $20,000—$25,000

Lot 28. Paul Dibble, Standing Figure, 1999, bronze, 705 x 350 x 110mm. EST. $20,000—$25,000

Installation view of artworks at Ōhinetahi. Photo by Jane Ussher MNZM. Lot 27. Brent Wong, Coal , 1974, acrylic on board, 560 x 685mm.  EST. $50,000—$70,000

Lot 27. Brent Wong, Coal, 1974, acrylic on board, 560 x 685mm. 
EST. $50,000—$70,000


The internationally significant gardens at Ōhinetahi.

The internationally significant gardens at Ōhinetahi.


The internationally significant gardens at Ōhinetahi.
The internationally significant gardens at Ōhinetahi.
The internationally significant gardens at Ōhinetahi.

Installation view of artworks at Ōhinetahi. Photo by Jane Ussher MNZM. Lot 24. Pat Hanly, Fire This Time, 1984, enamel on board, 825 x 920mm. EST. $25,000—$35,000

Lot 24. Pat Hanly, Fire This Time, 1984, enamel on board, 825 x 920mm. EST. $25,000—$35,000
Lot 38. Andrew Drummond, Penetrated sample, 2007, stainless steel, patina, 190 x 510 x 265mm. EST. $2,000—$3,000


Installation view of artworks at Ōhinetahi. Photo by Jane Ussher MNZM. Lot 31. Don Peebles, Infinity, 1998, acrylic and pencil on canvas and board, 360 x 300mm. EST. $2,000—$3,000

Lot 31. Don Peebles, Infinity, 1998, acrylic and pencil on canvas and board, 360 x 300mm. EST. $2,000—$3,000


Installation view of artworks at Ōhinetahi. Photo by Jane Ussher MNZM. Lot 37. Don Peebles, Relief Construction, 1974–75, oil and acrylic on wood, 1330 x 1330mm. EST. $38,000—$44,000

Lot 37. Don Peebles, Relief Construction, 1974–75, oil and acrylic on wood, 1330 x 1330mm. EST. $38,000—$44,000

Lot 39. Kazu Nakagawa, Pair of chairs, 1989, ash and walnut, 1550 x 645 x 395mm. EST. $3,000—$5,000

Installation view of artworks at Ōhinetahi. Photo by Jane Ussher MNZM. Lot 35. Shane Cotton, Untitled, 1999, oil on canvas, 555 × 1010mm. EST. $18,000—$24,000

Lot 35. Shane Cotton, Untitled, 1999, oil on canvas, 555 × 1010mm.
EST. $18,000—$24,000

Installation view of artworks at Ōhinetahi. Photo by Jane Ussher MNZM. Lot 31. Pat Hanly, Summer Land, 1974, enamel on board, 440 x 440mm. EST. $38,000—$58,000

Lot 25. Pat Hanly, Summer Land, 1974, enamel on board, 440 x 440mm. EST. $38,000—$58,000


Gallery installation view at Ōhinetahi. All photos by Jane Ussher MNZM.

Gallery installation view at Ōhinetahi. All photos by Jane Ussher MNZM.


Printed Catalogue


Works of Art

Live Auction | Monday 30 March, 6.30pm
33a Normanby Road, Mount Eden, Auckland


Nationwide Tour, March 2026

Auckland 
Viewing | 25—29 Mar
Event | Wed 25 Mar, 6pm
33a Normanby Rd, Mt Eden

Queenstown
Viewing | 4—7 Mar
Event | Wed 4 Mar, 6.30pm 
Amisfield, 10 Lake Hayes Rd

Wellington
Viewing | 12—14 Mar
Event ‍| Wed 11 Mar, 5.30pm 
23 Marion Street, Te Aro

Christchurch, Ōhinetahi
Viewing | 18—21 Mar
Event | Sat 21 Mar, 11am
31 Governors Bay Teddington Rd


 
 
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Colin McCahon—Essay by Peter Simpson