Deutscher and Hackett

About Deutscher and Hackett

Deutscher and Hackett is an Australian auction house that deals only in fine art. The firm describes art as its specialty and sole focus, and it handles auctions, private sales and valuations of important Australian and international works. It operates purpose-built exhibition galleries in Melbourne and Sydney.

The house is led by its directors, Chris Deutscher and Damian Hackett, who bring decades of combined experience from the art auction and commercial gallery sectors. The firm states that it has a team of six fine art specialists, which it describes as the largest and most experienced in its field in Australia.

History

Deutscher and Hackett was formed in 2006. Chris Deutscher had previously been a business partner in the Deutscher-Menzies auction business, and Damian Hackett had been its painting specialist. The two left to set up their own company that year.

Since then the firm has become one of the leading names at the top end of the Australian art market. It reports total auction turnover of about $250 million since the beginning of 2020. In April 2024 it recorded more than $16.5 million across the 55 lots offered in a single mixed-vendor auction, which the firm says was then the highest total for such a sale in Australia in 17 years. In 2025 it sold six paintings for more than $1 million each.

What Deutscher and Hackett sells

The house sells paintings, works on paper and other fine art. Its catalogues concentrate on important Australian art, with a strong specialisation in Australian Indigenous art, alongside international works. Its major sales run under titles such as Important Australian and International Fine Art, and it also holds single-collection sales and online auctions.

• Colonial and early Australian painting
• Australian Impressionism and modern art
• Contemporary Australian art
• Australian Indigenous art
• International fine art

Recent results listed by the firm include works by Eugene von Guérard, Fred Williams, Russell Drysdale, Arthur Streeton, Jeffrey Smart and Margaret Preston. At its August 2026 sale, von Guérard's The Mitre Rock and lake from Mt Arapiles (1874) sold for $1,500,000 including buyer's premium and GST, and Fred Williams' Two green clouds (1967) sold for $1,250,000.

Selling at Deutscher and Hackett

Owners can request an appraisal through the firm's website. Deutscher and Hackett sets out its selling commission and associated costs in a written proposal to each seller, so rates are not published. Besides auction, the house arranges private sales and provides valuations.

Buying and bidding

A buyer's premium of 25% of the hammer price, including GST, is added to each lot. Payment is due within seven days of the sale and can be made by direct deposit, bank cheque, approved credit card or cash. Title does not pass until payment has cleared, and interest may be charged on overdue accounts.

• Absentee bids: leave a maximum hammer price and the auctioneer bids on your behalf at the lowest possible amount.
• Telephone bids: book at least 24 hours before the auction.
• Online bids: register in advance for live or absentee online bidding. The firm points online bidders to Invaluable, where pre-approval should be sought at least 24 hours before the sale.

Paid lots may be collected from the day after the auction. Items should be collected within seven days, after which storage fees can apply.

Location and viewing

The Melbourne gallery is at 105 Commercial Road, South Yarra, Victoria. The Sydney gallery is at 36 Gosbell Street, Paddington, New South Wales. Works are exhibited in these galleries before sales, and the location of each auction is listed on the firm's calendar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the buyer's premium at Deutscher and Hackett?

The buyer's premium is 25% of the hammer price, and this figure includes GST. Payment in full is due within seven days of the auction.

When was Deutscher and Hackett founded?

The firm was founded in 2006 by Chris Deutscher and Damian Hackett. Both had previously worked in the Deutscher-Menzies auction business.

Can I bid online at Deutscher and Hackett?

Yes. Bidders can register for live or absentee online bidding, and the firm directs online bidders to Invaluable. Telephone and absentee bids are also accepted.