George Michael’s art collection auction at Christie’s London exceeds expectations
On March 14, 2019, George Michael’s art collection was auctioned at Christie’s London, generating over £9 million from the sale of all 58 items. Notably, 24% of the participants were new registrants, with many bids placed online, including a video connection to Christie’s Rockefeller Centre. The charity auction featured a casual atmosphere with low bidding increments, led by auctioneer Jussi Pylkkänen. Eight items had no reserve prices, while four were guaranteed sales. The opening piece, a sculpture by Antony Gormley, fetched £350,000, surpassing its £250,000 estimate. Tracey Emin’s “George Loves Kenny” sold for £280,000 against a £60,000 estimate, and other significant sales included Jim Lambie’s “Careless Whisper” at £140,000 and Harland Miller’s “Incurable Romantic” at £237,500. The preview drew 12,000 attendees.
Key facts
- Christie’s London auction of George Michael’s art collection on March 14, 2019, achieved over £9 million.
- All 58 lots sold; 24% of bidders were first-time Christie’s registrants.
- Online bidding included a video link to Christie’s Rockefeller Centre in New York.
- Eight lots had no reserve; four were guaranteed (Damien Hirst and Adam McEwen works).
- Antony Gormley sculpture sold for £350,000 (£431,000 with premium) against £250,000 high estimate.
- Tracey Emin’s 'George Loves Kenny' sold for £280,000 (£347,000 with premium) against £60,000 high estimate.
- Jim Lambie’s 'Careless Whisper' sold for £140,000 (£175,000 with premium), setting a record.
- Harland Miller’s 'Incurable Romantic Seeks Dirty Filthy Whore' sold for £237,500, a record.
- Angus Fairhurst set a record with 'A Couple of Differences Between Thinking and Feeling II' at £118,750.
- Preview exhibition attracted 12,000 visitors.
Entities
Artists
- George Michael
- Antony Gormley
- Tracey Emin
- Damien Hirst
- Adam McEwen
- Jim Lambie
- Sarah Lucas
- Angus Fairhurst
- Harland Miller
- Gilbert & George
- James White
- Andy Warhol
- Chris Ofili
- Mary McCartney
- Horst
- Tim Noble & Sue Webster
- Cerith Wyn Evans
- Mat Collishaw
Institutions
- Christie’s
- Christie’s Rockefeller Centre
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- New York
- United States