Tāmaki Makaurau – An event on Sunday will be one of the biggest and one of the most special antique occasions to be held in New Zealand.
Webb’s auctions in Auckland have organised a special celebration of the life of belonging to the late antique dealer, artist, museum curator, quirky obsessive collector and valuer John Perry.
Hundreds of people are expected to attend the event.
New Zealand’s artistic and cultural landscape was diminished, when Perry passed away at home above his shop Global Village Antiques in the old Regent Cinema in Helensville, Auckland, earlier this month.
His all-time favourite piece was a Navajo blanket he bought in the 1970s for $1.50 at a flea market.
Perry could see value and importance in everyday pieces, and he was a champion for them. He had an eye for what was special.
Not just a collector, he was an oral historian. Perry was educated at Cornwall Primary, Remuera Intermediate and Auckland Grammar and went to Elam Art School at Auckland University in 1960. He was the director of the Rotorua Museum.
He was once quote saying his favourite item was the one he bought last night. And his philosophy on life was: leave only footprints and fond memories.
For further information contact Webbs’ Christine Kearney on 027 929 5604 or Make Lemonade editor-in-chief Kip Brook on 0275 030188
Photo: John Perry at his home at home, in his shop in Helensville, west Auckland
