June 28th 2024.
Are you looking for a bit of culture this weekend? Want to escape the scorching city heat? Then head over to Sotheby's Bond Street for a special exhibition featuring extraordinary works from artists with ties to London. This is the first time that these pieces will be brought together, making it a must-see event for any art lover.
Among the artists featured are Lucian Freud, who was a familiar face in London until his passing in 2011, as well as Piet Mondrian, Francis Bacon and Frank Auerbach. They are joined by eight other talented individuals, all of whom have been influenced by the city in one way or another. The exhibition, titled "London: An Artistic Crossroads", showcases a dozen masterpieces from regional museums, highlighting the role that London has played in the artistic journeys of these talented individuals.
Inspired by the National Gallery's Bicentenary celebrations, where twelve masterpieces from their own collection were loaned to institutions across the country, this exhibition takes a reverse approach. It brings together twelve works of art from major regional collections, uniting them in one room in London as a tribute to the city and all those who have found inspiration, created, and flourished here.
According to Sotheby's, "For centuries, the UK's creative energy, cultural diversity, rich heritage and culture of patronage have acted as compelling magnets for visitors and creatives alike." It's no wonder that the nation has been a melting pot for artists from around the world, all of whom have left their mark on the city with their unique styles and perspectives.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is a portrait of John Minton by Lucian Freud from 1952, on loan from the Royal College of Art. This display comes at a time of great success for the art industry, with Sotheby's London reporting sales of over £105 million, including twenty lots that fetched prices over £1 million. Some notable sales included Picasso's "Guitare sur un tapis rouge" for £10.7 million, Basquiat's "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Derelict" from 1982 for £16 million, and Renoir's "Bouquet de Lilas" for £6.9 million.
Just a few weeks ago, a surviving painted study for Graham Sutherland's destroyed portrait of Sir Winston Churchill sold for £660,000, setting a record for both a portrait of the Prime Minister and a work by Graham Sutherland. Additionally, a monumental "Sea Form" by Dame Barbara Hepworth sold for almost £4 million.
Sebastian Fahey, Managing Director of Global Fine Arts at Sotheby's, commented on the success of the art industry in London, saying, "This week, the sun shone on London's diverse cultural events - from sell out music concerts to critically acclaimed theatre and stunning visual arts, bringing millions of pounds into the capital's culture economy." Sotheby's played a significant role in this financial contribution, with sales of over £100 million worth of art. As the capital gears up for Wimbledon next week, Sotheby's is preparing for their auction of Old Master paintings, drawings, and sculptures, presenting a further £45 million worth of art to the market.
Don't miss your chance to experience "London: An Artistic Crossroads" at Sotheby's on New Bond Street. For more information about the exhibition, visit sothebys.com.
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