Staff Profile | Charlotte Dippie
Webb's is pleased to announce the appointment of Charlotte Dippie to role of Specialist, The Estate. Starting in 2022 as an Administrator, Charlotte cut her teeth on auctions such as the Jack C. Richards Collection—building up her knowledge of local and international works and in particular growing an interest in ceramics. In her new role Charlotte will work predominantly across our hugely popular Estate auctions, and we're sure these very busy and dynamic sales will benefit hugely from her expertise and cool, calm demeanour.
We sat down with Charlotte to learn more about her background and what she's looking forward to in her new role.
Hey Charlotte! Could you please tell me a bit about yourself and your career to date?
I grew up in the South Island, between Dunedin and Wanaka. After finishing school, I moved to Wellington to study at Victoria University of Wellington. In 2022 I graduated with a conjoint Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Art History and History, and a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Management with a minor in Marketing. While studying I worked across a few different retail roles, including the Te Papa Store, as well as doing as much voluntary work as I could!
Have you always had an interest in Decorative Arts?
Yes always an interest, but initially more so in Art Historical field, as evidenced by what I studied. I enjoy the process of visually unpacking a work, and examining the social perspective, alongside the context of the time-period.
I have been lucky enough to visit some amazing Decorative Art collections such as The Frick and the Victoria and Albert Museum, which among other things, prompted me to consider the concept of furniture being an artform in more detail. I found this increasingly thought provoking, and gained a new found appreciation for the brilliance of innovation.
In Wellington, I spent some time volunteering at the Katherine Mansfield House & Garden, and saw Decorative Art, for instance antiques in the context of a period home. I liked this relationship between utility and art, and that we can live and surround ourselves within artforms that could perhaps be considered more subtle.
What led you to working at Webb’s?
I started with Webb’s in February 2022 as a graduate. My first position was an administrator, and I moved to Auckland for the role. I had finished my study, and was considering what the next chapter would be after I decided not to pursue further study.
Before I decided to apply for the administrator position, I hadn’t ever considered a career at an auction house, but once I saw the opportunity, relished the chance to work within the auction world.
During my high schooling at St Hilda’s Collegiate, I had three incredible art teachers across painting and art history, who really encouraged me to consider pursuing a career within the arts. I’m really grateful for this influence and mentorship.
Congratulations on the new role! Can you tell us a bit more about what the Specialist position entails?
Like many others at Webb’s my day is very varied, which I enjoy. It really depends on which part of the auction cycle we are at in The Estate.
I could be doing anything from cataloguing items for our next sale, completing appraisals—we receive enquires about a huge variety of pieces, so there is always something different, and this gives me the opportunity to research a style or figure more closely. I also meet walk-in clients, work on post-auction negotiations, and edit and prep our next catalogue.
What do you enjoy most about working within the Decorative Arts department?
I would have to say I most enjoy the chance to view and handle an amazing selection of Decorative Art, across several vastly different, and somewhat niche fields. I’m quite a naturally curious person, and enjoy getting to learn more about materiality, specific artists, movements or periods, as well as specific techniques.
I enjoy the process of working closely with collectors and hearing about the unique stories and circumstances in which their (often lifelong) collections were built. I like the process of strategising the best way to bring these pieces to market with clients, and appreciate the trust they give me to handle this for them.
It’s exciting to see an item transition from seller to buyer, and to be witness to the next chapter of that piece’s story. The sentimental value in which an object can hold can’t be underestimated, and it’s a pleasure to handle this change of ownership.
I think that Decorative Arts are more present in our lives than we might initially think, and like the idea that we can live and interact with ‘practical’ art forms.
You're still early in your career, which is so exciting. Where so you hope it will take you in the future?
Once I started studying it was always an ambition to work within the arts, but I would like to combine my two degrees quite literally and build off the theoretical management concepts I learnt, and apply them to an arts related organisation.
I would like to move overseas at some point (after all New Zealand is very small) and take advantage of the experiences a bigger city could offer—perhaps work for a public organisation in the collections sphere. But at the moment I’m enjoying the excitement that an auction brings.
Do you have any favourite pieces you’ve collected from the Estate yourself?
My favourite would be some Anneke Borren forms I bought. I love the combination of geometric, but also organic motifs in her work.
I would like to purchase a few more pieces by female ceramicists, so am always keeping an eye out!
What do you enjoy doing with your time outside of Webb’s?
I enjoy cooking and baking in my spare time, and as well as heading home to Wanaka when I can to spend time with my family. I love visiting, and spending time outside of the city.
I also have recently been trying to teach myself how to knit, which is a work in progress!
