Welcome to Art+Object’s December auction of New Collectors Art and Applied Art. We begin this auction with Upside Crown: The Paul Hartigan Collection of Crown Lynn Ceramics. Paul is a long-term friend and supporter of Art+Object and has been an important figure on the New Zealand art scene since the 1970’s. Throughout his career, Paul has held many interests and been an avid collector; from cars to ceramics and we are delighted to offer for sale his collection of Crown Lynn, lovingly compiled over 40 years. Included are many of the shapes we all grew up with and I am sure that viewing this collection will bring back memories, and further ignite a desire to collect. As Paul says, gathered here are many elegant pieces collected in passionate pursuit, now off to find new homes. The art auction begins with items from the Estate of John and June Ritchie. Both dedicated arts professionals, they enjoyed a life-time as artists, while sharing their knowledge with many others through teaching. John Ritchie was born in Christchurch and graduated from Canterbury School of Art in 1940. He served in the Armed Forces in World War II, recording his experiences in watercolour. Returning to Auckland, John worked as a lecturer and head of the Art Department at Auckland Teachers College. In 1965 he was awarded a QEII Arts Council Grant and together with wife June and their children, he travelled and studied in Japan, before retiring from teaching in 1977. June Ritchie had a particular interest in print-making and much of her work centres around her love for the Taupo region, where the family spent holidays together. It is our pleasure to highlight the work of this Auckland couple who made a significant contribution to the Auckland art landscape during their lifetimes.