Menu
17/09/2008
Hirst Art Sale Breaks World Record
Controversial British artist Damian Hirst has set a new world record for a sale dedicated to one artist of £111 million, and proven that art lovers are not being put off by the current credit crunch.
The previous record was set in 1993 for 88 works by Picasso, which stood at US$20milion.
Hirst, 43, put many of his well known works for sale at Sotheby's auction house in London, and declared "people would rather put their money into butterflies than banks", referring to the sale of one of his pieces, a butterfly work of art entitled 'Reincarnated', which fetched an astonishing £1.6m, after being estimated at £700,000.
He is selling more than 220 new works directly through the auction - entitled 'Beautiful Inside My Head Forever' - saving millions of pounds by cutting out art dealers' commission.
During the two-day of the auction, a foal in formaldehyde inside a steel and glass tank - called 'The Dream' - sold for £2.3m and 'The Golden Calf' sold for £10.3m, the highest price ever paid for a Hirst piece at an auction.
"It's another landmark, an astonishing day for the art market in a year that has seen many long-standing records demolished, despite the gloomy world economy," Art expert Charles Dupplin said.
At the end of the sale, Hirst said: "I'm totally exhausted and amazed that my art is selling while banks are falling.
"I guess it means that people would rather put their money into butterflies that banks - seems like a better world to me."
(JM)
The previous record was set in 1993 for 88 works by Picasso, which stood at US$20milion.
Hirst, 43, put many of his well known works for sale at Sotheby's auction house in London, and declared "people would rather put their money into butterflies than banks", referring to the sale of one of his pieces, a butterfly work of art entitled 'Reincarnated', which fetched an astonishing £1.6m, after being estimated at £700,000.
He is selling more than 220 new works directly through the auction - entitled 'Beautiful Inside My Head Forever' - saving millions of pounds by cutting out art dealers' commission.
During the two-day of the auction, a foal in formaldehyde inside a steel and glass tank - called 'The Dream' - sold for £2.3m and 'The Golden Calf' sold for £10.3m, the highest price ever paid for a Hirst piece at an auction.
"It's another landmark, an astonishing day for the art market in a year that has seen many long-standing records demolished, despite the gloomy world economy," Art expert Charles Dupplin said.
At the end of the sale, Hirst said: "I'm totally exhausted and amazed that my art is selling while banks are falling.
"I guess it means that people would rather put their money into butterflies that banks - seems like a better world to me."
(JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 February 2013
Man Jailed For Giving Wife Overdose Of Morphine
A 53-year-old man has been jailed for administering an overdose of prescription drugs to his wife, to give himself a day of respite. Stephen Hirst acted as full-time carer for his wife for the five years they were married.
Man Jailed For Giving Wife Overdose Of Morphine
A 53-year-old man has been jailed for administering an overdose of prescription drugs to his wife, to give himself a day of respite. Stephen Hirst acted as full-time carer for his wife for the five years they were married.
26 January 2015
£2m Allocated To Upgrade Blackpool Illuminations
The Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) has allocated £2 million to Blackpool Illuminations, the UK's only Grade II listed lido. The money, from a £36m fund which allocates revenue from marine activity, will be used to create new light shows on the 1930s art deco structure.
£2m Allocated To Upgrade Blackpool Illuminations
The Coastal Communities Fund (CCF) has allocated £2 million to Blackpool Illuminations, the UK's only Grade II listed lido. The money, from a £36m fund which allocates revenue from marine activity, will be used to create new light shows on the 1930s art deco structure.
25 September 2007
Art Exhibit Seized In Child Porn Probe
Police are examining an art exhibit seized from a Tyneside art gallery amid fears that it breaches child pornography laws. The artwork, which is believed to be an image of a child, was seized by Northumbria Police from the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead last Thursday, before it was due to go on display.
Art Exhibit Seized In Child Porn Probe
Police are examining an art exhibit seized from a Tyneside art gallery amid fears that it breaches child pornography laws. The artwork, which is believed to be an image of a child, was seized by Northumbria Police from the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead last Thursday, before it was due to go on display.
30 April 2007
Woman indecently assaulted in 'horrific' attack
A woman has been indecently assaulted in an attack in Glasgow which police have described as "horrific". The incident happened at the woman's flat in Sauchiehall Street, opposite the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, around 5pm on Saturday. The woman was assaulted as she opened her front door.
Woman indecently assaulted in 'horrific' attack
A woman has been indecently assaulted in an attack in Glasgow which police have described as "horrific". The incident happened at the woman's flat in Sauchiehall Street, opposite the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, around 5pm on Saturday. The woman was assaulted as she opened her front door.
21 October 2004
Prince Harry involved in fracas outside nightclub
The media glare is back on Prince Harry today after a nightclub fracas involving the prince left a photographer with a bleeding lip. Prince Harry, who is expected to enter Sandhurst military academy next year, was leaving the Pangaea nightclub in London's West End when the incident occurred.
Prince Harry involved in fracas outside nightclub
The media glare is back on Prince Harry today after a nightclub fracas involving the prince left a photographer with a bleeding lip. Prince Harry, who is expected to enter Sandhurst military academy next year, was leaving the Pangaea nightclub in London's West End when the incident occurred.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
