Fine Art Auction Thursday, 24 October 2024 - 6:00 PM start
Sir Miles Warren: Untitled (2001) (Cottage in Diamond Harbour)
Lot Details
Sir Miles Warren ONZ KBE FNZIA (1929 – 2022) Untitled (2001) (Cottage in Diamond Harbour) Watercolor on paper Signed & dated front lower right 255mm x 355mm (excluding mount) Provenance: Given to the vendor by the artist Sir Miles Warren, the foremost New Zealand architect of his generation. Founding partner with Maurice Mahoney, of Warren and Mahoney. They went on to design many of New Zealand's most notable buildings including College House, Christchurch Town Hall, and the Michael Fowler Centre in Wellington. Sir Miles was Knighted in 1986 for his outstanding contribution to architecture. He was admitted to the Order of New Zealand in 1995 and awarded the NZIA Gold Medal in 2000. He was made a living icon of the New Zealand Arts Foundation in 2003. Throughout his career, Sir Miles produced fine watercolours that both documented and promoted his buildings. He was an accomplished watercolourist in full control of his medium and employed a restrained, considered palette to great effect. His approach was always architectural, “He cannot resist the detail”, an art teacher remarked of one of his student watercolour sketches. Fifty years later, Sir Miles was happy to admit, “I still cannot.” He also painted for his own enjoyment and delighted in spontaneously gifting works to friends or as a thank you for a lovely dinner or a box load of cuttings for the garden. His watercolours rarely come to market - Cottage at Diamond Harbour is therefore a special opportunity. For a closer look at his architectural legacy, watch Brutal Beauty: The Architecture of Sir Miles Warren on nzonscreen.com. Additionally, the recent, much acclaimed film “Maurice and I”, co produced by Maurice Mahoney's daughter Jane, offers a fascinating glimpse into their lives and work.
