Sotheby’s has announced that it is opening a Monaco-based gallery of private sales next month, headed up by Artcurial alumni Louise Grether.
Alongside all great brands, Sotheby’s is a household name, not just in its own world as a top-notch auction house, but as synonymous with auctions themselves.
Now, the Principality will see a full-time Sotheby’s headquarters, the first in Europe, dedicated entirely to private sales of art, luxury goods and design objects on the continent.
Running the show will be Louise Grether, who made a name for herself in Monaco heading up Artcurial, working temporarily alongside Mark Armstrong, the man who ran the local Sotheby’s office for four decades.
The new space will be located at 20 Avenue de la Costa, the site of the summer 2021 ephemeral gallery.
“Monaco has long been a destination for many top collectors from around the world, but until relatively recently there was less of an artistic offering here,” says Louise Grether. “Today, collectors are increasingly looking to buy outside the great seasonal events such as art fairs and auctions. In Monaco, the galleries have developed their activity to meet this appetite.”
Sotheby’s aim is to offer exceptional works of both public and private sales outside the traditional auction calendar, giving the clientele tremendous flexibility. The decision was made to permanently find a home in Monaco after the success of the sale of Karl Lagerfeld collection, which attracted over 2,500 bidders.
“I joined Sotheby’s at a time when the house chose to present some of the best examples of art and luxury items offered by the company throughout the world, throughout the year,” added Grether. “I can’t wait to experience this new adventure in a market where there is still so much to develop.”
The first exhibit will open on 4th July, just ahead of Monaco Art Week, which runs from 12th to 17th July. Major works by Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne, artists chosen in tribute to Monaco. Along with the art, there will be fine examples of luxury items such as watches, jewellery, diamonds and handbags.
Due to a long relationship with the Principality, Monaco was a logical place to open a headquarters. Says Marie-Anne Ginoux, Managing Director of Sotheby’s France, “The Principality has always been a destination of choice for our clients and a capital market for our house. We are therefore very much looking forward to welcoming them to our new Monaco headquarters and hope that they will enjoy discovering the various exhibitions that will be held there throughout the year.”
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