CHRISTIE’S ANNUAL GLOBAL SALES TOTAL £1.8 BILLION Christie’s global annual sales totalled £1.8 billion ($3.2 billion) in 2005, the highest total in the firm’s history, propelling the auction house into clear global market leadership.
News-Antique.com - Nov 30,-0001 - The sales total marks more than a 30% increase over 2004 and was achieved by 633 sales in sixteen saleroom locations. 340 works of art sold for over $1 million at Christie’s in 2005.
Christie’s - Market Leaders & Market Makers
“2005 was the best year Christie’s has ever had both in terms of sales and profitability,” said Edward Dolman, Chief Executive Officer, Christie’s International. “Our aim is to continue to be the most efficient, innovative and exciting art business in the world and we are making the necessary investments to achieve this. In an increasingly global market, Christie’s intends to consolidate its position and seize new opportunities, not only geographically but also in terms of collecting fields.
“While the foundation of Christie’s business is unparalleled specialist expertise, we also strive to be innovative and creative in all our activities, bringing new clients into the art world and taking Christie’s business to new countries,” Edward Dolman continued.
2005 Initiatives
During 2005, Christie’s has led the international art auction market in sales, events and initiatives, confirming its position as the world’s leading auction house. Christie’s presence at key events on the world cultural calendar has provided privileged access to international collectors and brought works of art to the most dynamic geographic locations.
In April, Christie’s opened an office in Dubai, becoming the first international auction house to appoint a representative in the Middle East. The inaugural exhibition of Islamic works of art, Jewellery and Watches was well received. Christie’s now announces that an auction of International Modern & Contemporary Art is planned to take place in Dubai on 24 May 2006.
A representative office was re-launched in Mumbai in September, reaffirming growing confidence in the Indian market. Christie’s is the only international auction house with a full-time representative based in India. Also in September 2005, Christie’s participated in the 2nd edition of the Moscow World Fine Art Fair, with a special stand and a preview of jewellery and watches. An international team of specialists attended the event, which attracted close to 100,000 visitors, leading to immediate bids in our subsequent auctions in Geneva, London and New York.
Further international exhibitions were also held throughout the year, including at locations in Palm Beach, Shanghai, Istanbul and Athens. In June, to coincide with the opening of the Venice Biennale, a specially curated Past, Present, Futures exhibition was staged at the Gritti Palace.
One of the most dramatic developments of the year was the organisation in November of Christie’s first branded sale in Beijing. In an innovative licencing arrangement with Forever auction house, the sale, which was conducted in Mandarin, realised a total of $12.1 million.
“It is exactly six years since I became Chief Executive Officer of Christie’s and my priority, supported by senior colleagues, has been to bring the company to the position we hold today on the international market. We compete daily with professional firms in every major market throughout the world and once again this year, the majority of collectors
