With over a decade managing the sale and placement of many of New Zealand’s most coveted works, Toby Macalister has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the valuation and marketing of fine art.
His family background includes two generations of jewellers, as well as renowned textile designers, artists and architects. A concern for function, form and aesthetics is in his blood.
This capability has seen Toby step to the international stage, being responsible for the sale of works from the European old masters, Durer, Rembrandt and Goya. He has also sold such 20th Century luminaries as Renoir, Picasso and Chagall at live auctions.
After positions in South Africa and America, Toby returned to Christchurch and purchased Watson’s Auctioneers and Valuers in 2006. He remains involved in the daily operations of this leading South Island Auction House.
Toby’s central zeal is to curate premium collections for auction however, with a particular focus on New Zealand fine art from the 19th through 21st Century. To pursue this vision he has started boutique auction house, W.T. Macalister.
Toby’s eye for detail and steady hand as curator is ideally suited for bringing to market the most desirable of fine art and rare objects and, with further auctions in development, W.T. Macalister is set to command a strong reputation in the future.
