Auction of iconic artwork from Mayfair private members’ club George fetches almost £1 million
‘George: Twenty Years in Mayfair’, an online auction by Christie’s, featured Tracey Emin’s I’m a Rare Bear
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Captivating works of art that once adorned the walls of George, the Mayfair private members’ club, fetched almost £1 million when it was auctioned by Christie’s.
‘George: Twenty Years in Mayfair’ showcased some of the modern British art, prints, posters and photography that decorated the walls of the iconic members’ club, which was founded by Robin Birley and is now owned by ‘the King of Mayfair’, Richard Caring. It has been closed for refurbishment since November 2021 but is poised to reopen to great fanfare this summer.
Leading the 71 lots was Tracey Emin’s neon piece I’m a Rare Bear, 2014, which fetched £163,800. Another draw for George loyalists was the Dachshund linocut by the artist Hugo Guinness, made especially for the club, which became its well-known logo. The 14 single etchings from David Hockney’s Dog Wall series collectively sold for £468,720. There were also ski and travel posters by Emil Cardinaux; drawings by Winnie the Pooh illustrator Ernest Howard Shepard and photographs by Slim Aarons placed up for sale.
The auction benefits The Caring Family Foundation and its continued efforts to tackle domestic abuse, child poverty and deforestation in the UK and Brazil.
Richard Caring said ahead of the sale: ‘[My wife] Patricia and I have worked long and hard to create what, we hope, will be a beautiful site for George, which should now be the image and impression that it truly deserves. Some of the most spectacular paintings, drawings and decorations from George have been taken down and put into this auction with all proceeds going to The Caring Family Foundation. The money raised will go towards our continued efforts to tackle domestic abuse, child poverty and reforestation in the UK and Brazil, with our core focus remaining on women and children across these areas.’
The Earl of Snowdon, Honorary Chairman, Christie’s EMEA, said: ‘Christie’s is delighted to offer works of art which adorned the walls of George Club in the heart of Mayfair. From Tracey Emin’s neon I’m A Rare Bear to the extensive collection of David Hockney prints and posters, these works will all be sold to benefit the brilliant Caring Family Foundation which works towards alleviating child hunger, domestic abuse and deforestation.’
[Original article] (https://www.tatler.com/article/george-artwork-auctioned)
