Under the slogan ‘Find Your Inspiration!’, Christie's is holding a number of auctions in London, between the 15 and 30 November, that focus on ‘culture, style and adventure’. Each of the 10 sales offers a range of rare and quirky collectibles.
The first series of auctions goes under the heading of ‘Pop Culture’, starting with a rock and pop memorabilia sale on 15 November that boasts an auction catalogue full of musical memorabilia and posters. Almost every band which shaped the pop and punk culture is represented in some form, and can be found in the catalogue of over 100 pages. In addition to several signed electronic guitars, even a suit belonging to the late Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious goes under the hammer.
The second part of the Pop Culture series is a sale of film and entertainment memorabilia on 23 November that is dedicated to more animated (if that’s possible) characters. From silent film stars right up to the animated Disney favourites, the sale represents a sensational cross-section of more than 100 years of film history. No fewer than three pages of the catalogue are dedicated to style icon Marlene Dietrich – including photographs and sketches of her set of costumes in her role as Madeleine de Beaupre in the 1936 film ‘Desire’. More recent pieces include an original Storm-Trooper suit from the sci-fi adventure Star Wars, which the Christie's specialists believe was used in the second and third parts of the saga. And, in response to the fashion for decorating homes and offices with classic, original film posters, an auction specifically dedicated to these will be held on 30 November.
As for style, fashion, jewellery and décor, the Christie’s auctioneers will be holding three separate sales. The 16 November auction will see a range of rare handbags and suitcases up for sale; surely someone looking for an extra-special Christmas present could do worse than snapping up one of the 16 early Hermès Kelly bags. (Those who miss the auction can contact one of the Christie’s sales offices in London to discuss a direct purchase of one of the lots.)
In some circles, choosing the right piece of glassware can be of fundamental importance in deciding an individual’s style or, indeed, lack thereof. For this reason, the ‘Lalique’ auction on 17 November brings together a variety of valuable glass pieces, from chandeliers and vases to champagne glasses and perfume bottles.
Four separate sales also concentrate on the adventures depicted in maritime paintings, and the antiquarian travelogues of long-dead pioneers – a world away from today’s norms of airbags and life insurance. Of course, a traditional adventurer carried his own weaponry, which is signified by the ‘Antique Arms, Armour and Collectors’ Firearms’ sale on 23 November.
For further information, visit www.christies.com.
Text: J. Philip Rathgen
Photos: Christie's