Art Auctions in Australia

You can find dedicated fine art auctions in Australia at Lawsons, Shapiro, Menzies Art Brands, Leonard Joel, Bonham, Deutscher and Hackett, Smith and Singer, GFL Fine Art. Of course, you will also see individual pieces as part of larger sales such as private collections and estate sales.

Check our listings for auctioneers near you. When we see art for auction we post notices in our Art, Antiques & Collectables category

Latest Auction Notices

Keith Stackpole & Paul Kennelly Sporting Memorabilia Auction - Leski Auctions is rolling out a showcase of sporting memorabilia, with collections from Keith Stackpole and Paul Kennelly on offer.… ...
Important Australian, British, World & Ancient Coins, Banknotes, and Medals Auction - Noble Numismatics Auction Sale 141 in Sydney, NSW Sale 141 is now live and will take place online from the… ...
Two Day Special Melbourne Estate Auction - Two Day Special Auction by Ainger Ainger will conduct a two-day special auction on Saturday, 28 March, and Sunday, 29… ...
Antiques, Art, & Jewellery Auction – WA - Antique, Art, Jewellery Auction in Mount Lawley, WA An online auction hosted by Donelly Auctions is open for viewing and… ...
Upcoming Antique & Collectable Auctions in Australia (10 Event Listings) - This week there are 10 current and upcoming auctions in Australia featuring antiques and collectables, from 14/03/26. This list is… ...
Unique Items & Art Auction inc. 200 y/o Pistol, 1914-18 War Medals & More - Roxbury's Auction House will hold a Signature Sale featuring unique items and artworks, which includes a selection highlighted in this… ...
Upcoming Art Auction inc. works by Pro Hart, Paddy Carlton & More – WA - Upcoming Art Auction by GFL Fine Art in Nedlands, WA GFL Fine Art presents selected unsold lots from their recent… ...

Also see Art, Antiques & Collectables category.

First Time Art Buyer Tips

Art auction houses can acquire merchandise to sell at auction via consignment, complete estate or estates, excess or unsold stock from artist collections, galleries and private sellers.

Research of the item/s that you are interested in buying is important. Purchase the catalog and make use of reference books along with researching price guides and previous sales indexes to help establish value.

Obtain other opinions, talk to the auctioneer, appraisers etc. Obtain as much knowledge as you can about the item/s prior to the auction. Also factor in any restoration costs that may be required.

Art Almanac – Art Almanac is the definitive guide to Australia’s galleries. It lists most art galleries, and their current exhibitions, Australia-wide.

Auctions can be a good place to start in your pursuit of artwork. An auction can provide an opportunity to buy a less expensive piece for a few hundred dollars or so. Don’t forget these are unframed prices, so be prepared to spend another hundred for that expense. There are many online auctions, but you are relying on a picture for the only look at your art and the colors may not be accurate when the print arrives by mail. Try visiting a local gallery first and get familiar with certain artists you like.

When it comes to artists, there are famous Australian and International artists such as John Glover, Sidney Nolan, John Olsen, Lindy Lee, Ken Done, Brett Whiteley, and many others. These are easily researched and many of their works are documented and cataloged. Of course, they are more expensive and easily resold. Also check out local, lesser-known, or upcoming artists you may never have heard of, but whose work you like, and don’t really care much about resell value. It’s strictly your decision whether your collection will be of those whose value increases or one simply containing pieces for decorator appeal.

Either way, try to see the artwork in person to gain a true feel for the actual color and texture. Then you can go to eBay or other art auction sites for the final bidding. You can also scan the newspaper classified or the various art magazines available at the local bookstore. Once you buy an unframed item, consult your local frame shop for the best way to preserve and protect your investment, There are special acid-free mats and other secrets to ensuring the art’s integrity for the future.

Authored by

Rod L'Huillier

Rodney is the developer of AuctionFinder, with over 30 years experience in the auto trade working with Ford Motor Company, and later in I.T. He is a motor mechanic by trade who greatly enjoys restoring the value in used items and returning them to service. He did this for several years, purchasing used cars from Pickles and Manheim auctions, in both Melbourne and Brisbane, carrying out repairs, and finding new homes for them. In his mid-years, he studied Computer Science at the RMIT, and dabbled in buying bulk lots of computers at auction and sending them out to new homes via local marketplaces.

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