Lipton auction

That's really cool.

john lucas

I looked at it the other day. These were state of the art back in the early 90's. We have all changed a lot since then.

Re: Lipton auction

Don Orr

Very interesting to see the final prices for which the items sold. Much lower than the estimates by far. Kind of sad for so much wonderful work. Even I could have afforded to buy some of them. Had I known about the auction I might have bid on some.

Re: Lipton auction

George Guadiane

I just finished looking myself... got the same impression.

Some of the pieces went unsold.

Sad.

Re: Lipton auction

Barry Irby

I only saw one that brought more than the estimate and about two others that were in the range.

I wonder what effect the estimates had on the sale? If they were outrageously high, did that discourage bidding?

Or, is the market just down? Or have we moved on and these are no longer in style?

Barry, I believe all 3 of your speculations.....

JamieDonaldson

...are in play with the current state of non-functional turning.

Only worth what someone is willing to pay for it.

Steven Antonucci

There is a lesson\message in this auction.

Steve

4th Speculation

Karl_TN

Is it possible the low prices had something to do with the auction site iCollector.com not being well known by people wanting woodturnings? After all, it's the first time many of us have heard it.

Re: 4th Speculation

Barry Irby

The value of anything is what a willing knowledgeable buyer will pay a willing knowledgeable seller.

I suspect the unknown nature of the site hurt them. Also, I think the enormous estimates may have put people off. It would be interesting to run the auction again on a better known site with either no estimates or much lower ones. I would not bother bidding $200 if I thought it might sell for $2000. But If I had bid $200 and somebody pushed me I might go to $400.

Unknown site?

Dick Coers

Unknown to us, but I bet collectors are well aware of that auction site. When I see discussions like this on woodworking forums, I always think of Wendell Castle's #1 rule; 1. If you’re in love with an idea, you are no judge of its beauty or value. We are not good judges of wood art acceptance. I attend SOFA a lot in Chicago. Wood art has always appeared to be the red headed step child at that show. Huge steps have been made of course, but it's a great distance from being considered fine art. I dropped out of our local art scene. It's just too demoralizing knocking myself out on what I consider my most creative work, then only selling a few pendant necklaces on a gallery night. The market is incredibly small, and with the aging of major collectors, getting smaller.

Re: Unknown site?

Robert Lalonde

I think you got it right Dick. I was a little surprised to see Ray Allen's work go for so little. I wonder what it sold for when he was alive. Also, I agree that the site wasn't helpful.

Lipton auction Thanks Joe

Ken Vaughan

I am apparently among the few who bid on a few items and won a couple with minimum bids. Thanks for the heads up Joe.

As a mid range turner in an isolated location, it was an opportunity to get a couple of great examples of skills at a low ball price. They arrived today and my spouse is pleased that I bought them.

Thanks again Joe!!!

Re:  Lipton auction Thanks Joe

Joe Fleming

Ken, No problem. I bid on several items and lost them all. Go figure.