ART+OBJECT: The 21st Century Auction House

The Story of ART+OBJECT

ART+OBJECT's founding directors bring over fifty years industry experience to the company. Their professional and academic qualifications and the expertise they have acquired over a lifetime of collecting and advising collectors ensures A+O clients an unrivalled level of service.

The founding directors of ART OBJECT. From left, Ben Plumbly, James Parkinson and Hamish Coney.

Ben Plumbly - Director Art. Ben heads A O's art division with a key focus on contemporary art and new genres to the auction market such as photography as well as stimulating the mainstream art market. Ben has a first class honours degree in art history from Otago University and has undertaken post graduate study on new photo media in Melbourne.

He is a passionate collector and supporter of photographic and digital media. Ben comes from a long family tradition in the auction sector, his family company Plumbly's in Dunedin has been in operation for over 12 years.

Contact Ben on DDI 64 9 306 6191 email ben@artandobject.co.nz mobile 021 222 8183

James Parkinson - Director of Valuations and Collections Management. James has 15 years experience as an auctioneer and valuer. He is a fully qualified and accredited Property Institute valuer and the only so qualified valuer in New Zealand who specializes in art, antiques, institutional and estate valuations.

Recent major valuation assignments include the Hocken Library, Auckland City Art Gallery, Rotorua Bathhouse Museum, Taupo Museum, Dunedin Public Art Gallery and St Cuthberts School.

James is responsible for establishing A+ O's valuation practice and working to establish a lively calendar of themed auction sales.

James is regularly heard on talkback radio discussing collecting trends and has conducted numerous charity auctions.

Contact James on DDI 64 9 306 6192 email james@artandobject.co.nz mobile 021 222 8184

Hamish Coney - Managing Director. Hamish is a degree qualified art historian who has worked in recent years as a private client consultant and a writer on art and architecture for magazines such as URBIS, Architecture NZ, FQ Men, Herald on Sunday and Idealog. He was also the writer of a regular column on the auction scene for Art News. Hamish works closely with Ben Plumbly in the art sector as well as managing the day-to-day operations of the company.

In 2005 he managed New Zealand's largest ever charity art auction for The Louise Perkins Foundation and curated an exhibition of contemporary Australian art for Anna Bibby Gallery.

He is a collector of contemporary New Zealand and Australian art.

Contact Hamish on DDI 64 9 306 6193 email hamish@artandobject.co.nz mobile 021 509 550

Leigh Melville - Front of House Manager. As A+O's Front of House manager Leigh works with the directors to manage the auctions and client services.  Leigh has almost 15 years experience in the Auckland art market, having worked several dealer galleries before joining Art + Object.

Leigh is actively involved with supporting a number of philanthropic organisations including the Louise Perkins Foundation and the NBR New Zealand Opera.

She is a collector of contemporary New Zealand paintings, photography and glass.

Contact Leigh on 64 9 354 4646 email leigh@artandobject.co.nz mobile 021 406 678.

Giulia Rodighiero - Operations Executive. Giulia specializes in Chinese Art and worked for more than two years in the Asian Art Department at Christie's South Kensington, London. She graduated in Chinese Studies from Ca' Foscari University, Venice, and she obtained a master degree in Asian Arts and Archaeology from SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies), University of London. She also spent a year in China studying Chinese Art at the Beijing University.

Giulia works closely to the directors and the front of the house manager to prepare the auctions and deliver client services.

Contact Giulia on +64 354 4646 email giulia@artandobject.co.nz