David Bowie's Design Collection Fetches Record Prices at Sotheby's

The third auction of David Bowie's collection at Sotheby's London, dedicated to Ettore Sottsass and the Memphis Group, saw unprecedented results. All lots sold, many at prices far exceeding estimates. The auction, originally scheduled for 4 PM, started at 7:15 PM and lasted over three hours. Lot 401, an Olivetti Valentine typewriter estimated at £300-500, sold for £32,000. The highlight was Lot 446, a radio phonograph by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni estimated at £800-1,200, which sold for £210,000 to an online bidder. Many lots had low estimates, some three to four times cheaper than current Memphis catalog prices, despite provenance from Bowie's homes. Online bidding was intense, with nearly half the lots won via the web. The auction featured ashtrays, lamps, vases, teapots, plates, sofas, chairs, and tables, all achieving record prices.