KEY POINTS:
Hamish Coney is a serial collector of art and toys. He bought his first painting at the age of 17. It was a Jeffrey Harris - which he no longer has in his possession.
A qualified art historian, Coney is one of four founding directors of Art +
Object, the first new auction house in the country for 30 years. They wanted a "newer, fresher" approach to the business of auctions and to be able to take the increasing interest in 20th century modernist design and furniture seriously.
The Newton-based Art + Object is just over a year old now and already it has been appointed to value the collections of the Hawkes Bay Museum, The Christchurch Art Gallery and the Sargeant gallery in Wanganui.
Coney, who has just won a Qantas Media Award for best Art Columnist 2008 for his column in Idealog magazine, likes the excitement of discovering a new treasure someone brings in for appraisal "and meeting the different collectors, who come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Some of their passion rubs off on us."
1 Le Corbusier architecture in Chandigarh, India.
Corbusier's response to ushering India into the modern age was a kind of architectural mysticism on a grand scale. The three days I spent exploring Chandigarh in 2006 was the most fun I've ever had in a building.
2 Art + Object catalogues.
We strive to make them the best in the biz with brilliant essays, design and artwork. It is music to our ears when clients tell us they love them.
3 Edward Gorey books.
The American illustrator was the master of the creepy Edwardian mystery. He died in 2000 but spent most of his free time day-dreaming of life circa 1910. His great masterpiece The Doubtful Guest helped me woo my wife. Other must-reads include The Dwindling Party and The Glorious Nosebleed. I'd love to start a fan club so if there are other fans out there please get in touch.
4 The pa site at Duders ARC park.
Maori pa builders had the pick of some of the best real estate on the planet. This site on the Whakakaiwhara peninsular just east of Auckland is a giant earth sculpture with the best view of the Hauraki Gulf I've ever seen. Compulsory viewing for all Aucklanders.
5 The Auckland Museum.
I must have visited the museum 1000 times since I was three, but I always look forward to it. The most recent excursion was during Anzac week to see the Peter Jackson restored 1915 film Heroes of Gallipoli.
6 Gerry Anderson-themed Dinky toys.
The Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and Joe 90 were mandatory viewing in my childhood - and much of my university years. Today I relive those fun times by collecting MIB (mint in box) vintage toys. So far I have Thunderbird 2, Lady Penelope's car and the Spectrum Pursuit Vehicle from Captain Scarlet.
7 Karl Fritsch jewellery.
This master contemporary German jeweller has a Kiwi connection (his wife is NZ jeweller Lisa Walker) so we get a peek of his work from time to time at Fingers Gallery. He made our wedding rings and they are great conversation starters.
8 Colin McCahon's 'Here I Give Thanks to Mondrian'.
I was 12 when I first saw this great 1961 masterpiece at the Auckland City Art Gallery. I still remember the sense of awe I felt.
9 1965 Buick Riviera Gran Sport.
Weighing in at a massively environmentally unfriendly seven litres of V8 madness the 'Riv' is the T-Rex of American muscle cars. If I ever manage to acquire "the gentleman's hotrod", I promise to be ashamed of myself for having way too much fun.
10 My wife - the artist Sarah Smuts-Kennedy.
Sarah has just opened her fifth solo show at GBK Gallery in Sydney. I work in the art market but through Sarah I get to experience the ups, downs and sideways of a practicing artist. This reminds me to be thankful every day for the creativity and courage of artists.
