Sydney Parkinson, Māori Chief, c. 1769
Ben Ashley is a New Zealand-based fine art appraiser and consultant. Formerly Rare Books Manager, Valuations Manager, and Head of Fine Art at Webb’s Auction House, Auckland, Mr. Ashley founded Ashley & Associates in 2016. A specialist in managing large-scale and archival evaluations, he has completed assessments for several of New Zealand’s most significant museums and institutions, including the Alexander Turnbull Library, Te Papa Tongarewa, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, The New Zealand Parliamentary Service and Heritage New Zealand, among others.
Mr. Ashley also acts internationally as an art insurance claims consultant and provides independent advice concerning claims involving damage and loss of art and cultural objects. For VWA, he is engaged in appraisals of rare books and manuscript material and as a consultant for the Asia-Pacific region.