Australian art historian Tim Klingender, an expert in First Nations art, has died in what police believe to be a boating accident. His body was recovered among debris in waters off Sydney’s Watsons Bay.
He was a senior consultant on Australian art at Sotheby’s, having joined in 2004 to establish the first contemporary art department, and then the first indigenous art department two years later, continuing in the role when, in 2019, the auction house became Smith & Singer in Australia.
He also negotiated a number of private sales through his advisory firm, including work by artists Charlie Numbulmoore, Alec Mingelmanganu and Doreen Reid Nakamarra.
New South Wales are continuing to search for tech-entrepreneur Andrew Findlay, also believed to be aboard the Brig 7.8-metre inflatable boat, who is still missing.
