Journal
Articles & Interviews
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.
In the following articles and interviews, we talk with our specialists to dive into their expert knowledge, and explore insights from artists and academics to discover what cultural alchemy is behind the objects that come through our doors.
Choose a department, or explore the tiles below
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.
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.
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.
How are gold prices set—and why do they fluctuate?
Gold hit an all-time high recently— but what drives its price? Discover how global markets, inflation, currency shifts, and geopolitical events shape the value of gold and gold jewellery.
The 1961 MGA Mark I Charity Auction: A Restoration with Purpose
Webb’s is auctioning a restored 1961 MGA Mark I to support youth education and trades training in Northland, with all proceeds benefiting the I Have a Dream Foundation and Tikipunga High School.
From Royal Tours to Race Tracks: The Power of Provenance in Car Collecting
Provenance gives classic cars their soul—linking them to royalty, racing legends, or design icons. Webb’s showcases how a vehicle’s history can drive both value and cultural significance.
Asian Art: The Nick and Susan Aucutt Collection
Webb’s presents the Nick and Susan Aucutt Collection—rare Asian ceramics and artefacts shaped by decades in Singapore. Join the live auction on Sunday 14 September, 2pm.
A Curated Auction of Iconic Design
Webb’s Design Edit showcases collectible design from New Zealand and beyond, including standout pieces by Eames, Backhouse, and the Bouroullec brothers.
Webb’s Partners with Te Uru
Webb’s is proud to support Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery’s 2025 art auction fundraiser, lending its auctioneering expertise for the second year running. Featuring works by leading contemporary artists, the ‘New Winds’ catalogue celebrates West Auckland’s vibrant arts scene and offers collectors a chance to invest in Aotearoa’s creative future.
Te Papa Foundation X Webb's—Auction & Partnership
Webb’s is proud to announce a landmark partnership with the Te Papa Foundation. From an online auction to a live fundraising auction, discover how this collaboration champions Aotearoa’s cultural heritage through art, generosity, and shared purpose.
Webb’s on Instagram
Watch videos and explore content below