Sting’s artwork collection up for auction soon

LONDON: A collection of artwork from Sting and Trudie Styler’s home will be up for auction next year. Sting’s Steinway piano will join more than 200 items from their former family home, at Queen Anne’s Gate in London, to be offered at Christie’s on February 24, 2016.

The collection is led by British artist Ben Nicholson’s March 55 (amethyst), estimated at £350,000 to £500,000, with other lots as low as £1,000.

Prominent among the works are Henri Matisse’s Jazz portfolio (£250,000 to £350,00), Pablo Picasso’s lithograph Le Corsage a Carreaux (£30,000 to £50,000) and drawings and prints by Gustav Klimt, Rene Magritte and Carsten Holler.

Post-war art and pieces from young contemporary artists, specially commissioned for the staircase at the couple’s former home, will also be part of the sale.

Andy Waters of Christie’s London said, “Having been entrusted with many of the greatest private collections assembled by some of the most notable figures throughout history, Christie’s is honoured to be offering for sale works from the art collection of Sting and Trudie Styler. Their home at Queen Anne’s Gate effortlessly combined luxury, rarity and colour — a skilful balance that created the ultimate London home.

“Each work of art was carefully chosen and the resulting collection is a testament to Sting and Trudie Styler’s informed eye for art and design. Alongside works by Matisse, Picasso, Mapplethorpe and Nicholson, the collection includes Sting’s Steinway piano, which occupied pride of place in the music room at Queen Anne’s Gate.” — AP