Wannenes Auction House Reports €24.7M Revenue for 2021, Up 47% in Online Sales

Italian auction house Wannenes closed 2021 with €24.7 million in total revenue, a 65% sell-through rate by lot and 210% by value, with growth across all departments. Online auctions surged 183% to 17 sessions, while physical auctions increased 12% to 27. The house expanded internationally, holding its first two auctions in Paris in collaboration with Piasa, focusing on 20th-century Design and artist textiles from JSA of Busto Arsizio, together exceeding €1 million. International clients accounted for 59% of buyers from 64 countries, led by the UK (7%), US (5%), and France (4%). Among Italian cities, Milan spent the most at €2.4 million (25%), followed by Rome with €1.6 million (17%) and Cuneo with €400,000 (4%). Top lots included a rare Rolex Daytona 'John Player Special Paul Newman' wristwatch at €660,400, Giorgio de Chirico's 'Le Muse inquietanti' (1962) at €475,100, and Bernardino Mei's 'Allegoria della Prudenza' at €275,100. CEO Guido Wannenes highlighted growth in Wine & Spirits (34%), Classic Cars & Youngtimer (52%), 18th Century Paintings (14.2%), Design (34%), and Jewellery & Watches (32%), attributing success to strategic locations in Milan, Genoa, Monte Carlo, and Paris. Design attracted 25% of buyers aged 20–40, while Modern and Contemporary Art appealed to the 51–60 age group (17%). Wannenes expressed optimism for 2022, emphasizing global reach and quality selection.