The collection of famed Irish musician Rory Gallagher reached an extraordinary milestone at Bonhams New Bond Street auction house this October, where every item offered was sold. Leading the sale was Gallagherโs legendary 1961 Fender Stratocaster, which fetched a remarkable ยฃ889,400 ($1,156,793). The guitar, which Gallagher famously purchased for ยฃ100 on credit from Crowleyโs Music Store in Cork in 1963, has become an icon in rock history for its worn look and unmistakable sound.
Alexander Fleming’s ‘Mold That Made Penicillin’ Sells for Record $76,000
In a landmark auction event, a medallion featuring the original mold used in Alexander Flemingโs groundbreaking discovery of penicillin sold for a record $76,000 at Bonhams History of Science and Technology sale in New York on October 23. The medallion, one of a select few made by Fleming himself, was inscribed with the words: โThe mould that first made penicillin / Alexander Fleming.โ
State of Iranian Digital Art: Platform 101 Held the Largest Video Art Exhibition in Iran’s History
Platform 101, an independent, non-profit institution dedicated to nurturing and showcasing emerging digital artists in Iran, made a profound impact on the country’s digital art scene with its exhibition, Vol. 04: “Geometry of Creation: Analysis of Anti-Rhythmic Structures,” held at E1 Art Gallery. This groundbreaking event became the largest video art exhibition in Iranโs history, featuring works from 44 artistsโ23 from Iran and 21 from abroadโrepresenting 12 countries. Curated by Mohammad Ali Famori, founder of Platform 101, and renowned art researcher Ramin Saeidian, the exhibition ran until October 11, 2024.
Art Vancouver 2025: A Global Celebration of Contemporary Art, Returning April 24 – 27, 2025
Art Vancouver, Western Canadaโs premier contemporary art fair, is returning for its 9th edition from April 24 – 27, 2025, at the iconic Canada Place sails (Vancouver Convention Centre East – Hall B). After a successful 8th edition, the 2025 event promises to bring together art lovers, collectors, curators, and creators from around the world to celebrate contemporary art.
Lewis Hamiltonโs IWC Schaffhausen Watch Sells for Seven Times Its Pre-Sale Estimate
In a remarkable moment for charity, the IWC Schaffhausen watch worn by British Formula Oneโข legend Lewis Hamilton on the podium of his record-breaking ninth victory at the 2024 Silverstone Grand Prix was sold at auction for $244,000. Bonhams hosted the online auction in collaboration with IWC Schaffhausen, and the watch was the star of the event, fetching seven times its original estimate. The auction concluded in tandem with The Laureus Charity Night in Zurich on October 19, 2024.
One of the Rarest and Most Important Islamic Glass Artifacts to Appear at Auction: Egyptโs First Prime Minister Nubar Pashaโs Ancient 14th-Century Sarghitmish Mosque Lamp
A rare and historically significant 14th-century Mamluk mosque lamp from Egypt, known as the Sarghitmish lamp, will be a highlight at Bonhams’ Islamic and Indian Art Sale on 12 November 2024. With an estimated value of ยฃ600,000-1,000,000, this exquisite piece of Islamic glassware boasts impeccable provenance, having been in the family of Egypt’s first Prime Minister, Nubar Pasha, for over a century. The lamp, commissioned by Emir Sarghitmish during the reign of Sultan an-Nasir Muhammad, is adorned with intricate enamel and gilded inscriptions, blending piety and politics in its design. Its rich exhibition history includes displays in some of Paris’ most prominent museums, making it one of the most important examples of medieval Islamic craftsmanship ever offered at auction.
Hans Hartung Masterpiece Sells for $1.4 Million at Piguet Auction House
Piguet Hรดtel des Ventes in Geneva, Switzerland, set new benchmarks in the art world this week, as a major work by the renowned abstract painter Hans Hartung fetched CHF 1.2 million ($1.4 million USD) at auction, placing it among the top 10 highest-selling pieces by the artist globally. This milestone, achieved in a somewhat challenging international art market, underscores Genevaโs growing importance as a key destination for high-profile art auctions.
Hundreds Attend Exhibition of Internationally Acclaimed Artist Mateo Blanco at The Butler Institute of American Art
Hundreds of art enthusiasts have gathered at The Butler Institute of American Art to witness the captivating exhibition of internationally acclaimed artist Mateo Blanco. Known for his innovative use of materials and thought-provoking works, Blancoโs latest collection, which features striking interpretations of the American flag, has drawn widespread attention. The exhibition, running from September 29 to December 1, celebrates the diversity and unity that define America, inviting viewers to reflect on the essence of identity, heritage, and patriotism. Visitors have been eager to experience the artistry of Blanco, whose work transcends traditional boundaries.
Ancient and Contemporary Japanese Kites Take Flight in Italy for ‘One Sky One World’ Peace Festival
The festivalโs centerpiece, hosted at the historic Magazzino del Sale Torre, will feature an unprecedented exhibition dedicated to both ancient and contemporary Japanese kites. Organized under the sponsorship of the Italian Ministry of Culture, the Japanese Institute of Culture in Italy, and the Italian Association of Printing and Paper Museums, the event underscores ARTEVENTO’s long-standing role in promoting kites as an “intangible heritage of humanity.”
LโAPPARTEMENT Art Space in Geneva Presents its Inaugural Exhibition โSound and Silenceโ, Featuring Works by TAKIS & Yves Dana
Art Advisor and Curator Thea Montauti dโHarcourt Lyginos is set to unveil LโAppartement, a new art space in the heart of Geneva, this autumn. The galleryโs inaugural exhibition, Sound and Silence, opens on October 3rd, 2024, in the dedicated space at Genevaโs Eaux-Vives district and runs until December 21st. The exhibition will feature 24 works by the renowned artist Takis, including pieces from the prestigious Emfietzoglou Collection, alongside 18 works by Yves Dana, with some of Danaโs creations debuting in Geneva for the first time.



