Auction back with ‘eclectic’ range
Hospice Taranaki is asking locals to whip out their credit cards and find their “Dutch courage” as its annual antiques auction approaches.
The auction, to be hosted on Sunday at The Devon Hotel in New Plymouth, will raise money to help Te Kahu Pairuri Hospice Taranaki continue to provide essential care, support patients and their wider whānau, Rose Whitaker said, the community partnerships lead for Hospice Taranaki.
The auction will directly support the ongoing care of more than 260 patients in Taranaki Hospice care, she said.
“The money raised from Hospice Shop auctions were crucial for sustaining the compassionate and aroha-filled services we offer to over 650 patients and their families annually,” Whitaker said.
It’s the 16th year the auction has been held, with last year raising $30,000 after 220 items went to the auction block.
However, with this year’s range, Hospice Taranaki’s retail group manager Jessica Sinclair hoped they could beat it.
Alongside appraiser Tom Philipson, Sinclair had pulled together more than 200 antiques, and she promised an “eclectic” range of art, antiques and collectibles.
“Bring your credit cards and your Dutch courage,” Sinclair said.
The oldest dated item in the auction’s catalogue was an early framed map and sketch of the Battle of Trafalgar, along with a rare, first-hand printed account of the battle from 1805.
Last year, a Swiss mechanical music box went for $3500 after a bidding frenzy, but Sinclair said there could be many cheaper gains for a keen antiques-lover if there was only one person eyeing up the prize.
“It’s a well-loved event. If there’s only one bidding you can get a real bargain.”
Sinclair said phone bidding on the day will be available, and Hospice staff can bid on people’s behalf if they are unable to attend.
One of Philipson’s top picks was a Tiffany designed cash register which came from the estate of New Plymouth’s Mike Yianett.
His family was grateful for his care and decided to give back, he said.
Amidst the jewellery, decorative items, pottery and art deco treasures was a plethora of paintings and pictures.
The iconic Bernard Aris painting of Taranaki Maunga through to a framed pencil-and-paint artwork gifted to the hospice by New Plymouth’s celebrated mural painter Milarky were also on offer.
Lovers of the written word had also not been forgotten, with the inclusion of five Ian Fleming James Bond books, featuring two first editions and three early reprints.
The auction’s doors will open on Sunday, June 23, from 10am for viewing, before bidding begins from noon in the Hobson Room.