Tin Can Island

Details

Humphrey Ocean (b. 1951)
Tin Can Island
signed, inscribed and dated 'For Tony Reichardt/Humphrey Ocean 1982' (lower left)
collage with postage stamps, colour pencil, ink and pastel
10¼ x 11¼ in. (26.6 x 28.5 cm.)

Special notice

Artist's Resale Right ("Droit de Suite"). Artist's Resale Right Regulations 2006 apply to this lot, the buyer agrees to pay us an amount equal to the resale royalty provided for in those Regulations, and we undertake to the buyer to pay such amount to the artist's collection agent. VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 20% on the buyer's premium.

Lot Essay

Tin Can Island, also known as Niuafo'ou is a volcanic island in the kingdom of Tonga in the South Pacific. It derives its name from the fact that since the island has no natural harbour or wharf, mail is usually delivered by strong swimmers who would retrieve the packages sealed up in biscuit tins and thrown overboard by passing ships. Tin Can Mail was developed in the 19th century, festooning the mail with colourful stamps that have become collectors' items. Tony Reichardt is a passionate stamp collector.

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