Avoid the shrieking school children, and hoards of tourists that frequent traditional galleries by visiting Sotheby’s and Christie’s auction houses. Auction houses provide an opportunity for the public to see (and even touch), master works up close the week before they go on sale. Even if you do not have the money to purchase these one of a kind pieces, you still have the chance to see artwork by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Andy Warhol that will probably never appear in a museum.
The auctions themselves are worth attending and it costs nothing to get in. London's auction houses are enjoying a boom, and taking in a sale in what is now the art capital of the world, is an affair that will not be soon forgotten. The unique experience of watching millions being thrown around like pennies becomes a kind of spectator sport as anonymous bidders battle to claim the top prize. Although only one can walk away the victor, potentially hiding his prize forever.
Due to a lack of high roller skyboxes in the saleroom, auctions give the public a chance to rub elbows with London’s high society (the people holding bid paddles), including celebrities like Tracey Emin and Johnny Depp.
Daytime sales are more casual and less crowded than evening sales which tend to be a social event, almost always requiring pre-booked tickets (gown not required, but don’t be surprised if there are a few in the audience). For evening sales, it is important to remember to bring a pen for the lot card given before entering the auction room, which allows the audience to follow the progression of the sale.
Also remember to grab a complimentary bottle of water on the way into the auction room, you will need it to cool down after the thrilling bidding battles! It can be extremely exciting to see a piece by Francis Bacon sell for forty-three million dollars, nearly twenty-six million dollars above the estimated price. Important collectible pieces usually get caught in the middle of a bidding battle between people in the saleroom and anonymous bidders, calling in from all over the world. Fierce bidding battles are marked with gasps, and rewarded with the sounds of bejewelled hands clapping when the gavel finally falls.
Although the task of wiggling into the main room my seem daunting at times, those who would rather avoid the crowds and still enjoy the excitement need only take a few steps back to watch the action happen over the multiple television screens. Check websites to keep up to date on future auctions because they are sporadic. There are usually no auctions during the month of August and sales are generally held on weekdays.
Sotheby’s
34-35 New Bond Street, London W1A 2AA.
Phone: +44 20 7293 5000
www.sothebys.com
Christie’s
85 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3LD.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7930 6074
8 King Street, St. James's London SW1Y 6QT.
Phone: +44 (0)20 7839 9060
www.christies.com
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