ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Phillips Pivots to Digital with Online Design Auction and Virtual Tour

market-auction · 2026-04-27

Due to the impact of COVID-19, Phillips, the third-largest auction house, has revised its spring schedule and is introducing a new digital approach. The upcoming significant event is a design auction set for June 19, which will take place online. This auction showcases 175 lots featuring works from artists such as Claude Lalanne, Jean Dunand, and Gio Ponti. A pre-sale exhibition is available for viewing by appointment at Phillips Berkeley Square or through a virtual tour. Domenico Raimondo, Senior Director at Phillips, mentioned that many clients attended the exhibition while adhering to safety protocols, and virtual tours facilitate remote exploration. Notably, over 40% of online sales during the lockdown were from new clients, prompting Phillips to enhance its digital initiatives and broaden its client base.

Key facts

  • Phillips rescheduled spring calendar due to COVID-19.
  • Design auction scheduled for June 19, 2020, online.
  • Auction features 175 lots by artists including Claude Lalanne, Jean Dunand, Alberto Giacometti, Studio BBPR, Edmund de Waal, Marc Newson, Shiro Kuramata, Pietro Chiesa, Gio Ponti.
  • Pre-sale exhibition at Phillips Berkeley Square by appointment or via virtual tour.
  • Only auctioneer in room; clients bid via website, app, or Zoom.
  • Over 40% of online sales during lockdown from new clients.
  • Phillips built new saleroom at Berkeley Square with enhanced digital capabilities.
  • Domenico Raimondo is Senior Director, Head of Department for Europe at Phillips.

Entities

Artists

  • Claude Lalanne
  • Jean Dunand
  • Alberto Giacometti
  • Edmund de Waal
  • Marc Newson
  • Shiro Kuramata
  • Pietro Chiesa
  • Gio Ponti
  • Domenico Raimondo

Institutions

  • Phillips
  • Studio BBPR
  • Artribune

Locations

  • London
  • United Kingdom
  • Berkeley Square
  • Asia

Sources