Charles Ninow

Charles Ninow is one half of the duo behind Bowerbank Ninow, an art gallery space and auction house based on Karangahape Rd in Auckland City. Bowerbank Ninow is the first and only auction house in New Zealand to pay a voluntary resale royalty to living artists whose works they sell. As part of our ongoing series, Charles shared with us some insight into five of his favourite Everyday Needs pieces.

1. Iron bottle opener 

I love to drink beer. The experience is so much better when it is initiated with a well-designed opener.

2. Arnold Circus stool

Martino Gamper’s work is amazing. I saw the most recent exhibition of his project 100 Chairs in 100 Days at Wellington’s City Gallery earlier this year and came away in awe.

3. Vitra toolbox

I often personally deliver the artworks I sell. It’s nice to to see the collections that they go into. This toolbox is a great for keeping picture-hanging essentials on hand.

4. Isobel Thom salt pig

I first encountered Isobel Thom’s work whilst I was studying at Elam School of Fine Arts. At the time, she was making very small cubist paintings in grey tones. I have admired her work ever since.

5. Japanese Kami wooden beer glass

I can still remember the first time that I was served beer in one of these glasses. They feel so light and soft in the hand. It really left an impression on me.