Charity was the winner

August 11, 2004

Charity was the winner

The Cancer Society has benefited by $57,000 from three auctions of All Blacks rugby pictures taken by iconic photographer Peter Bush.

The figure includes a donation of $5,000 from the directors of auction sponsor Working Style.

The auctions in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch were timed to coincide with the All Blacks' Tri-Nations tests against England, Australia and South Africa in June and July.

The Peter Bush pictures feature celebrated clashes between the old rugby rivals and are part of the 'Memories from the Sideline' exhibition held at Working Style stores in the cities prior to the auctions.

Most popular lot was a celebrated picture taken in November 1972 of expelled All Black Keith Murdoch striding through morning travellers at London's Euston Station. In both Auckland and Christchurch, the picture fetched more than $4,000.

A charitable trust bought four pictures at the Auckland auction for $20,000.

Mr Dobbs says he is extremely grateful for the generosity of all those who attended.

"It was a big exercise but Peter's work is obviously well respected and combined with a good cause it made for a wonderful series of auctions and some fun nights.

"At each event Pinetree was in top form relating some of the great stories behind the games featured in the pictures. Peter also provided interesting insights into the life and times of a rugby photographer," Mr Dobbs says.

"We're indebted to Peter, Pinetree and everyone who attended the three auctions."

Mr Dobbs conceived the idea for the charity auction when he realised the England, Australia and South Africa rugby teams would all be in the country within a few weeks of each other.

"I've always admired Peter's work and I simply thought it would be a great opportunity to celebrate his talents and at the same time raise funds to help fight the menacing and deadly disease that is cancer.

"With Verna being a survivor and Colin such an icon of rugby in this country the fit just seemed natural."

ENDS

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