By Elizabeth Greatrex
Published: 01/11/2020
We're sure you'll agree that there are few occasions as exciting as that of the auction. Full of suspense, entertainment and glamour all mixed into one perfect cocktail, the fine art of the sell has united the interests of fervent collectors from all around the world for centuries. Naturally, we're always keeping our eyes peeled for what the top London auction houses are up to. Here's an update on some highlights from their upcoming calendar for November.
Live Auction: Fine Japanese Art at Sotheby's, 2:00 PM 3rd November 2020
Established in 1744, Sotheby's continues to a reputation as the oldest and largest fine art auction house in the world, and is widely thought of as one of the premier destinations for the auction and private sale of contemporary and old master paintings, watches, jewellery, wine, Asian arts, decorative arts and more. If you're keen to see what Sotheby's has to offer in the near future, then you have to catch their live auction for Fine Japanese Art on the 3rd November at 2 pm. The event opens with a collection of prints by mysterious Japanese artist Toshusai Sharaku, an artist famed for his incredibly unique, rare, woodblock art prints. Next up will be a group of fine ceramics from the late 17th and early 18th century, featuring pieces such as a kakiemon model of an elephant from the Edo period. You can also expect to see a variety of mid-20th century Modern paintings and baskets, and a large group of enamels and bronzeware from the Meiji period.
Art Sale: Fine Netsuke from a French Private Collection at Bonhams, 2:00 PM 4th November 2020
The last remaining institution of its kind that is privately owned and in British hands, Bonhams is one of the world's oldest and largest auction houses. It is well known for its connoisseurship, and holds specialists in every major field of art, antiques, motor cars, collectables and jewellery. As part of Bonhams' Asian Art in London series, on the 4th November the famous auction house is holding an exciting single-owner sale of netsuke; miniature sculptural masterpieces that have been ornately carved and collected for over three decades. Headlining the sale are 15 pieces by Tametaka Kitaemon, the founder of the 18th century Nagoya school of carving, who is most known for producing intricate animal sculptures in a bold, compact style. Kitaemon's work will be featured alongside a range of 152 diverse sculptures including insects, amphibians, zodiac animals, heroes and deities from East Asian myth and religion.
Live Auction: Designer Handbags and Fashion, at Chiswick Auctions, 11:00 AM 9th November 2020
Whether you're an art enthusiast, collector or private buyer, Chiswick Auctions pride themselves on delivering a highly personal auction experience to every one of their visitors. The auction house is popular for championing works of art from all mediums and eras, but if you're a fashion enthusiast, then you can't miss the Designer Handbags & Fashion auction on the 9th November at 11 am. Expect to see a huge range of beautiful designer bags, belts, silk scarves, shoes, jewellery, coats and much, much more. The auction certainly doesn't hold back in terms of brand selection, featuring all the big names of the industry such as Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Hermès and Louis Vuitton, to Chanel, Dolce & Gabanna and Longchamp. If you enjoy your visit to Chiswick Auction House, then look out for their fortnightly Interiors & Design Sale which caters to a range of budgets and styles.
Live Auction: The London Collector at Christies, 11:00AM + 2:00PM 12th November 2020
Another legendary institution that has conducted the most celebrated of auctions since its inception in 1766, Christie's is renowned for its showcase of extraordinary fine and decorative arts, photographs, collectibles, jewellery and wine, along with other variations. In this latest edition of The Collector sales on the 12th November at 11 am and 2 pm, Christie's collaborates with journalist and tastemaker Gianluca Longo to create a series of styled vignettes using the Great Conservatory in Syon Park as a backdrop, featuring works which represent 500 years of Decorative Arts. As part of two sessions, in this live auction, Christie's have curated a selection of collector pieces that would tastefully complement a dining or living space. Look forward to experiencing a simply exquisite collection of European and English 18th and 19th-century Furniture and Works of Arts, Ceramics, Gold Boxes, Silver and Clocks, chosen for their completely unique origins and qualities.
Live Auction: Design at Phillips, 2:00 PM 12th November 2020
Founded in 1796 by Harry Phillips, Phillips obtained international acknowledgement for selling Napolean Bonaparte's household items and paintings from Queen Marie Antoinette's estate. The auction houses' reputation has remained untarnished to this day, with Phillips being one of London's most esteemed destinations for buying and selling some of the world's most important modern and twentieth-century works of art, watches, photography, jewels and editions. On the 12th November at 2 pm, Phillips is holding a Design auction featuring the work of 72 designers such as Carlo Scarpa, Max Ingrand, Jean-Michel Frank and Charlotte Perriand. There is a monumental range of both classical and abstract interior designs to set your sights on; from sleek chaise longues and striking mirrors to elegant chairs and sturdy desks, this auction is full of some pretty impressive pieces.
