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
Upcoming Antique & Collectable Auctions in Australia (12 Event Listings) - This week there are 12 current and upcoming auctions in Australia featuring antiques and collectables, from 26/04/26. This list is… ...
Antique Online Auction – WA - Get ready for Donelly Auctions' upcoming Antique Online Auction, which is your chance to snag some fine treasures. The auction… ...
GFL Fine Art April Timed Auction - GFL Fine Art is kicking off its inaugural Warehouse Series with a timed auction set to start Tuesday, April 21… ...
Collectable Toy Car Auction in Hawthorn VIC - Leonard Joel’s upcoming online auction features a golden opportunity for fans of nostalgia, with a distinct collection of toy cars… ...
Australian Motorsport Memorabilia & Artifacts – Mark Higgins Collection Auction - Donington Auctions is rolling out the red carpet for a collection that motorsport enthusiasts and die-hard fans won’t want to… ...
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… ...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.
