44
It is entirely appropriate that a tribute to the late
Peter Webb should appear in this magazine, as he
founded Art New Zealand in 1976 with Ross Fraser as
editor. That was a bold venture at the time, and just
one of Peter’s major contributions to our culture. He
was a visionary who, as early as 1958, could see the
beginnings of a mature contemporary art scene in
New Zealand. He made it his life’s work to nurture
that vision, laying the foundations for today’s art
market. Although he was a businessman, the pursuit
of profit was a secondary consideration. He believed
that art was not something to make occasional brief
expeditions into, but something one believes in
before everything else—a way of life. He imparted
this passion to many people: friends, acquaintances,
collectors, staff and artists. His formidable
optimism harnessed success from the most unlikely
opportunities.
Peter trained as a typographer and potter. He
acquired his art knowledge and impeccable taste
in his youth while working as an assistant at the
Auckland City Art Gallery (1954–57), as the proprietor
of his own art gallery in Argus House (1957–58) and
as a junior auctioneer at George Walker’s Queen Street
Peter Webb
(1933–2019)
rooms (1959–61). While at the city gallery Peter met
Colin McCahon. They travelled to work together by
bus from Titirangi and, in spite of the age difference,
a lifelong friendship developed. Peter thought
of McCahon as his guru, and described his art as
‘profound’.
Encouraged by McCahon, Peter opened Auckland’s
first dedicated contemporary art gallery in 1957.
Artists exhibited there included Rita Angus,
McCahon, Milan Mrkusich and Toss Woollaston. Peter
was well ahead of his time. Sales were practically non-
existent and the 23-year-old owner had to work until
midnight as a proofreader at the New Zealand Herald
to make ends meet, then sleep in the gallery. The
enterprise lasted 18 months.
While working later at Walkers, who were
general auctioneers, Peter decided that there was
an opening for a specialised art and antique auction
house. With some financial support from friends, he
started Cordy’s auctioneers, which rapidly became
the leading fine art auctioneers in Auckland. Peter
moved on from there in the late 1960s to return to
the Auckland City Art Gallery as an exhibitions
officer. There he was responsible for putting together