CHRISTIE’S ANNOUNCES WORLDWIDE SALES OF £1.7 BILLION ($2.57 BILLION) FOR FIRST HALF OF 2010
– First Half Results Show Continuing Strength in Global Art Market
– Results Reflect Sustained Price Levels and Intrinsic Value of Art
– 169 Works of Art Sold for over $1 million
– Christie’s Leads Global Art Auction Market
– Sale of Brody Picasso for $106.5 million (£70.2 million) sets new world record for most expensive work of art sold at auction
– Figures demonstrate continued development of art market in Asia
London/New York/Hong Kong
— Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, announced today
worldwide sales of £1.71 billion ($2.57 billion) for the first six
months of 2010, up 46% by £ on last year’s figure of £1.2 billion ($1.8
billion) for the same period (Figures include buyer’s premium).
Christie’s
continued to lead at the highest levels of the art market selling 75%
of the works sold for over $50 million in this period, including Nude, Green Leaves and Bust by Pablo Picasso which sold for $106.5 million / £70.2 million, the highest price ever paid at auction for any work of art.
Christie’s global auction sales achieved 51% market share against its main competitor.
169
works of art sold for more than £1 million, compared to 201 sold during
the same period last year. Sales totals include private sales of
£182.7 million/$274.1 million, up 37% by £ on the same period last
year. Strong results and sold percentages were also achieved across the
regional markets and in the companion day sales that traditionally
follow Christie’s evening sales.
Edward Dolman, Chief Executive Officer, Christie’s states: “Global confidence in the art market has been evident throughout the first half of 2010 and we expect it to continue with our autumn sales. The power of great art sourced from notable collections has driven sales
with Christie’s successfully chosen to present the Brody, Crichton,
Sonde Tang and Spencer Collections, among others, to the marketplace. Great works continue to inspire and prices demonstrate a sustained commitment to art as a store of value.
“In
2009, the challenge of supply contrasted with buyer demand leading toconsistent, high sold rates. In 2010 this has led to increased vendor
confidence and at the higher end of the marketplace we have seen a
number of key sales setting new price levels, most notably the Brody
Picasso which established the new world record for a work of art sold at
auction.
“Our results also reflect the growing role of Asia
in the marketplace. We continue to see significant return on our
investment and leadership in the region. In addition, Christie’s
innovation and investment in technology, including a broader use of
mobile platforms and continued appeal of Christie’s TM online bidding,
have generated increased involvement from global clients.
“We
continue to see strength and depth in both vendor confidence and buyer
activity despite the broader economic context. After one of the most
successful half years in our history, we approach the second half with
cautious but optimistic expectations of continued art market strength.”
