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What’s selling At 3 Of The Top Auction Houses In Africa

What’s selling At 3 Of The Top Auction Houses In Africa

"So Full Of Youth, Not Yet Abused By Time," by Nelson Makamo, 1982. stephanwelzandco.co.za
“So Full Of Youth, Not Yet Abused By Time,” by Nelson Makamo, 1982. stephanwelzandco.co.za

Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa

Stephan Welz & Co.

 

DIRECTOR: Anton Welz
ESTABLISHED: 1968
SPECIALTIES: South African masters and contemporary art
CONTACT: stephanwelzandco.co.za, jhb@stephanwelzandco.co.za, +27 11 880 3125

Q & A with Anton Welz

What was your most successful auction in the past year?

Anton Welz: Probably the sale of the Pitzer Paul collection of Cape furniture and Africana, which we sold in Cape Town— 98 percent of the collection sold, and the collection fetched more than double the low estimate.

Which lot was the most exciting or surprising?

Anton Welz: A Cape table that was estimated at $900–$1,300, which sold for $8,600 including buyer’s premium.

Is there an artist, market, or medium you think is overlooked right now? Something you’d invest in?

Anton Welz: Certainly contemporary African art. There are a good few undervalued artists in that category.

How have online auctions changed the way you do business?

Anton Welz: We are seeing an increase in the number of bidders and buyers online during live auctions, and we have a small online presence.

What other trends do you see influencing the market?
Contemporary 20th-century design, photography, and vintage clothing. All three categories have yet to really develop in the South African market.

What part of your business saw the most growth in 2014?

Anton Welz: Contemporary art.

Where would you like to take the company in the next several years?

Anton Welz:  A greater presence in the online arena and an increase in our market share.

What one thing do you wish more collectors knew?

Anton Welz: Buy quality and take advice from professionals in the industry.

Do you have a collecting obsession? If so, what purchase are you most proud of?

Anton Welz: Not really, but I do like my Jürgen Schadeberg image of Nelson Mandela during the treason trial, taken in 1958.

Source: BlouinArt