Phillips Fox painting hits record $1m in surprise auction result
Australian Financial Review | Peter Fish
Numerous major paintings were on offer, including an epic Arthur Boyd, a trio of paintings by Russell Drysdale and a host of works by Brett Whiteley – but it was the unexpected high-flyers that electrified auction-goers at Sotheby's last week.
The Australian-owned firm, which last year emerged at the top of the major league of art auctioneers by turnover, has a reputation for attracting top works and pitching its estimates at close to what buyers are likely to pay. While many of the prices realised at its sale in Sydney on August 16 were broadly in line with expectations, the firm's chairman, Geoffrey Smith – whose meticulous research is a byword in the business – clearly got a few surprises.
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Geoffrey SmithChairman Australian & International ArtMelbourne | Sydney T: +61 (0)3 9508 9900 T: +61 (0)2 9302 2402 E: Geoffrey Smith |
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Gary SingerChief Executive Officer & Director Australian & International ArtMelbourne | Sydney T: +61 (0)3 9508 9900 T: +61 (0)2 9302 2402 E: Gary Singer |
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Emily WalkerAdministrator Australian & International ArtMelbourne T: +61 (0)3 9508 9900 E: Emily Walker |
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David MackayGallery Manager Sydney |