Mossgreen-Webb’s: The rebirth of a New Zealand art icon

14 April 2016

The legacy of pioneering art dealer and auctioneer Peter Webb is set to enter an exciting new chapter with the launch this week of Mossgreen-Webb’s, and the return of Webb’s daughter Sophie Coupland to lead the Art Department there.

Webb’s was purchased in January 2016 by Australia’s highest grossing and largest multi-department auction house, Mossgreen. In Australia, Mossgreen has established a $50m business, specialising in Australian and international art, indigenous art, European decorative art, Asian art, jewellery and luxury accessories, antiques, stamps and coins, collectors’ cars and automobilia, and sporting memorabilia.

Mossgreen-Webb’s Chief Executive Officer Paul Sumner says he is thrilled and humbled to be taking up Peter Webb’s mantle as the business he founded prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Sumner’s first order of business was to re-engage Sophie Coupland, as she had previously held a similar senior role at Webb’s over 20 years.

“Sophie has assisted with the founding and growth of some of this country’s most significant art collections. I have known Sophie personally for more than two decades and have great respect for her integrity and market knowledge. Sophie is one of the most respected names in the New Zealand art market and her return to the business will be extremely well received by collectors.”

Coupland is delighted “to be back home”, and she says that while Mossgreen-Webb’s will retain the integrity, ethics and marketing strength of her family’s business, Mossgreen brings huge extra strength and capability, including a diverse offering across all its departments, giving New Zealanders access to high quality Australian and international art and collectibles.

“The launch of Mossgreen-Webb’s will deliver a boost to the whole auction market here: access to more diverse and interesting catalogues, improved customer service, investment advice and educational offerings; and a stronger more competitive market with obvious benefits for buyers and sellers,” Coupland says.

Sumner has also hired as Art Department Manager Kiwi-born Briar Williams, a regular commentator in the media on art auctions and says that together Coupland and Williams form a formidable art team at Mossgreen-Webbs.

Mossgreen’s significant growth and success in Australia is based on investment in expertise, marketing and client services, celebrating provenance and vendor and buyer trust. This same philosophy will be applied at Mossgreen-Webb’s, creating an outstanding auction house experience, Sumner says.

“The New Zealand market will benefit by both opening up a trans-Tasman market and the investment Mossgreen plans in marketing New Zealand art and luxury collectables into the much larger combined market.”

Sumner says that he looks forward to personally engaging with collectors, and demonstrating Mossgreen-Webb’s commitment to excellence and positioning the brand, once again, within the cultural fabric of the arts community in this country.

ENDS

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