Amid continued strong demand for Surrealist art, Bonhams achieved ‘white glove’ resultsโ100% of lots soldโfor Surrealist Treasures | The Urban S. Hirsch III Collection. The highly anticipated auction, which concluded on January 17 in Los Angeles, garnered an astonishing $778,000 in total sales, with numerous lots exceeding pre-sale estimates and setting new records.
One of the world’s most exclusive Japanese whisky collections, the Hanyu Ichiro Malt Full โCardโ Series, is set to be auctioned in Paris this November. Expected to fetch between $750,000 and $1.28 million, the collection features 54 bottles, each representing a playing card and signed by master distiller Ichiro Akuto. Known for setting record-breaking prices, Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr will host this online auction from November 12 to 29, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a complete set of this historic Japanese whisky.
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.
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
Younger generations in Asia are increasingly shaping the art market, with millennials and Generation X collectors spending heavily on contemporary and digital art. According to CNBC, millennials and Gen X buyers are emerging as dominant forces in auction houses, driving a significant portion of sales across the region. As the art market continues to evolve, younger collectors and investors, especially in Asia, are set to play a pivotal role in shaping its future.
In a thrilling fusion of cinematic history and charitable cause, two limited edition Triumph motorcycles, personally owned and hand-signed by actor Daniel Craig, are set to go under the hammer at an upcoming auction. The motorcycles are the 003/250 Scrambler 1200 Bond Edition and the 001/250 Tiger 900 Bond Edition, both inspired by the models featured in the 25th James Bond film, No Time To Die. These exclusive editions sold out on their launch day, making them highly sought after by both motorcycle enthusiasts and James Bond fans alike.
On July 25, Bonhams Los Angeles will host a unique event: the Modern Design | Art sale, featuring a meticulously curated collection from the acclaimed actor, artist, and writer Jim Carrey. This 35-lot collection, amassed over nearly 30 years, reflects Carreyโs vibrant and eclectic artistic taste, showcasing a blend of modern design and fine art that speaks to his creative spirit.
A notable inlaid iron jar and cover, decorated with intricate designs of birds and flowers representing the four seasons and commissioned by the renowned Meiji-era crafts entrepreneur Kawaguchi Yohei of Tokyo, sold for ยฃ114,700 ($146,000) at Bonhams New Bond Street. The item significantly exceeded its estimated value of ยฃ50,000-80,000 ($63,000-102,000) during the Fine Japanese Art Sale, which featured Meiji Masterpieces from a Distinguished Deceased Estate this May. The auction comprised 166 lots, achieving a total of ยฃ1,065,816 ($1,363,000), with a remarkable 98% sold by value.
A pivotal document in football history, the napkin on which the first promise of a contract was written to secure 13-year-old Lionel Messi for FC Barcelona, sold for ยฃ762,000 ($964,000) at Bonhams in an online auction that was held this May 17, 2024. The auction began with a starting price of ยฃ300,000 ($380,000). This napkin significantly impacted both the club and Messi, who went on to become one of the greatest footballers of all time. The original napkin, written in blue ink, was offered by Argentine agent Horacio Gaggioli.
A rare handwritten questionnaire filled out by Taylor Swift for MIZZ Magazine in 2009 has been sold at Bonhams auction in London for ยฃ14,200 ($18,000). This is a significant leap from its initial estimate of ยฃ2,000 ($2,500) to ยฃ3,000 ($3,700), highlighting the enduring popularity and cultural impact of the global pop superstar. Swift, who has since become one of the best-selling music artists of all time, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. This early piece of memorabilia serves as a nostalgic reminder of her journey from a rising country singer to a global pop icon.
