A collection of 12 photographs by New Zealand photographer Elizabeth Pulman showing a group of Maori families has sold for a combined total of £18,000 ($24,940). 

The lot headlined Trevanion & Dean's February 27 sale in Whitchurch, UK on February 20. 

Elizabeth Pulman was New Zealand's first female photographer

Pulman was New Zealand's first female photographer.

She emigrated from the UK in the 1860s along with her husband and opened a studio in Auckland.

She was fascinated by the maori people, whom she often invited to be photographed. 

The auction received significant press in Pullman's native New Zealand. 

Auctioneer Christina Trevanion explained to local paper the Shropshire Star: "Thanks to the effective marketing campaign we launched prior to the auction we are delighted to report that four of the images will be returning to New Zealand, with at least two of the images being secured by Elizabeth Pulman's descendent.

"It was the best outcome we could have hoped for.

"What made it even more special is that the Maori Society of London travelled up on the morning of the auction to bless and pray around the photographs before they were sold. It was a very emotional experience."

You can take a look at all our art and photography memorabilia for sale here. 

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