Your Personal Guide to London's Auction Houses This Week

Hello there, fellow art and culture enthusiast! I hope this newsletter finds you well and ready for an exciting journey through London's bustling auction houses.

Let's jump right in!

Starting our Saturday adventure at Duke of York Square, just a five-minute stroll from Sloane Square Station. This open-air market, open only on Saturdays, is a foodie's paradise, offering a plethora of cuisines from Jamaican to Brazilian, Korean, French, Italian, and more. There's also a burger stand that has me salivating at the mere thought of it. I'm already looking forward to next Saturday as I type this sentence.

Now, let's navigate through the throngs of sun-seekers, and head towards Bond Street. A leisurely 30-minute walk will land us amidst a vast array of art galleries and auction houses, ready to satiate our thirst for beauty and more.

My usual first stop is Bonhams, but this week they were still setting up for the next auction viewing. If you're a planner, unlike yours truly on that day, you might want to check out their upcoming auctions. Just remember to filter the results to your location.

After a quick coffee break at my recent discovery, the Roasting Plant Coffee Shop (they also sell delicious croissants), we're off to Phillips, followed by Sotheby's to preview the pieces for their next auction.

Highlights from the Auction Houses

At Phillips Auction House, the Pablo Picasso painting at the entrance of the gallery was a sight to behold.

Over at Sotheby's Auction House, they have a Rembrandt portrait oil on canvas painting that's absolutely worth seeing.

There's also a stunning mid 16th century Renaissance marble bust by Baccio Bandinelli (link to Sotheby’s)

And a room dedicated to the upcoming Print Sale at Sotheby’s

Upcoming Print Sales at Sotheby's

Mark your calendars for the 6th of June because Sotheby's is hosting an online print sale. Here are some works that caught my eye:

Helmut Newton prints and Polaroid

• 3 Polaroids | [link]

• 'Eva with Pickelhaube' | [link]

Henry Cartier Bresson

• Alberto Giacometti, rue d'Alésia, Paris | [link]

Guy Bourdain

• Roland Pierre, Summer 1983 | [link]

• French Vogue, May 1977 | [link]

David LaChapelle

• Pamela Anderson, Hollywood Nights, Los Angeles | [link]

Richard Avedon

• Dovima with elephants, Evening dress by Dior, Cirque d'Hiver, Paris, August 1955 | [link]

Irving Penn

• Bee (A), New York | [link]

If I had to pick, I'd go for either the Richard Avedon piece or the Polaroids from Helmut Newton. I'm a big fan of Newton's work.

Other Noteworthy Finds

I stumbled upon an Instagram account, @visualhustles, that presents self-help and mindset ideas in a visually engaging way. If you decide to follow them, drop them a message and let them know you found them through this newsletter. You can also tag me @julientorriani.

Here's one of their Reels that I found particularly inspiring:"Put yourself in places you don’t belong. Get out of your comfort zone.”

Over the past two weeks, I've penned a few blog posts, the latest one about a mysterious wooden creature in an antique dealer's shop window. You can read it here 

That's all for this week, folks! Stay curious and keep exploring.