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It was expected to ignite collector interest, but Bonham’s first Aboriginal art auction on June 28th disappointed an almost all counts. Specialists Francesca Cavazzini, Greer Adams and Tim Klingender had more than a year to prepare for the launch of their new department. Yet they offered an underwhelming catalogue that was overburdened with uninspiring and recycled works. The new Bonham’s Australia Chairman, Mark Frazer, delivered the sale to a room of just 60 people. By night’s end they had achieved $893,820 including BP. Not one painting sold for more than $100,000 though 5 sold between $60,000 and $81,600. The final result? – just 42% by value and 47% by volume.

In November 2010 Bonham’s announced that two former staff from the Aboriginal Art department at Sotheby’s Australia, Francesca Cavazzini and Greer Adams, had been employed as specialists in charge of their new Aboriginal Art Department. Chairman Robert Brooks also announced that Tim Klingender (former Director of Aboriginal Art at Sotheby’s Australia) would take on the role as Senior Consultant in order to advise on all aspects of its operation.