CHICAGO – 2022 was a historic year for Hindman. The auction house reported more than $100 million in total sales, marking a record revenue for the second year in a row. The firm also grew significantly across the country to a total of 16 offices and presented major collections for sale. The majority of the 140 auctions in 2022 exceeded their estimates, with a 121% average sell-through rate by value and an 89% average sell-through rate by lot. More than 30 new records were set. Throughout the year, buyers from more than 70 countries competed for works.
“2022 was without a doubt a year of milestones at Hindman,” said Executive Chairman Jay Krehbiel. “From a record in sales to the opening of new locations in New York, Boston and Miami, it was truly a momentous year. I’m thrilled that we are kicking off 2023 with Alyssa Quinlan, our former chief business development director, as CEO, and am looking forward to future successes.”
From Santa Fe, New Mexico, Hindman brought to market the lifetime collection of Forrest Fenn. The collection of Native American art realized more than $1.7 million during two auctions held in June and September 2022. Fenn was a prominent dealer, collector and storyteller who became internationally recognized for his hidden treasure.
Collectibles from revered athletic figures were also included in this year’s auctions. In August 2022, the Sports Memorabilia department featured a single-owner sale of Kobe Bryant rookie cards, which represented one of the most comprehensive offerings to ever be auctioned. The momentum continued into the fall with the presentation of the Mike Ditka collection, featuring property from the legendary Chicago figure and his restaurant.
The Western Art & Wildlife department realized a $1.2 million white glove auction featuring a unique collection from the former Wildlife Experience Museum collection in Parker, Colorado. Proceeds benefited the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.
The Asian Art department partnered with the Strong National Museum of Play to present a robust collection of Asian art, sold to benefit the collections fund. The collection originated from the museum’s founder, prominent collector and philanthropist Margaret Woodbury Strong. Bidders were impressed by the distinctive collection built by both Margaret and her mother, who worked with some of the top Asian dealers of the time. The sale doubled its expected estimate.
Gertrude Abercrombie, ‘Untitled (Woman with Tethered Horse and Moon),’ $437,500. Image courtesy of Hindman
The Fine Art department cemented its role as a leader in offering works by the late Surrealist artist Gertrude Abercrombie, including breaking its own record when it sold Untitled (Woman with Tethered Horse and Moon) for $437,500 in December 2022. With 28 Abercrombie works offered throughout the year, the Gertrude Abercrombie collection of Laura and Gary Maurer, the most comprehensive collection of works by Abercrombie to ever come to market, was a significant highlight in September 2022. The majority of works offered exceeded their estimates, realizing an average of $142,344 per lot, driving the sale total to more than $2.8 million.
The firm set a new house record for a week of fine art sales in May 2022, realizing nearly $14 million across four days of auctions. Highlights of the series included the sale of Ed Clark’s 2006 acrylic on canvas Creation, which realized $740,000 against an estimate of $150,000-$250,000, the second-highest price ever achieved for the artist. A new auction record was set for Fritz Scholder with the sale of Hollywood Indian and Horse #2, which realized $500,000 against an estimate of $50,000-$70,000. Iconic artists such as Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Pablo Picasso and Edward Hopper were also in high demand throughout the year.
Hindman continued its streak of selling Andrew Clemens sand bottles for impressive prices with the sale of three sand bottles realizing a total of $1,978,750 in its American Furniture, Folk & Decorative Arts auctions.
2022 brought more than $16.8 million in sales for the Hindman Jewelry and Watches department. Successes in jewelry included the sale of a Harry Winston diamond ring for $362,500 in September 2022. The watches department achieved strong prices for examples by manufacturers such as Patek Philippe, Rolex and Audemars Piguet. The October 2022 Watch sale was highlighted by a Richard Mille RM005 Felipe Massa wristwatch that earned $100,000.
One of Hindman’s newest departments, Antiquities and Ancient Art, realized more than $1.5 million in its May 2022 auction. An Egyptian gilt cartonnage mummy mask was among the notable sales, realizing $175,000 against an estimate of $50,000-$60,000.
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