Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June represents a momentous cultural moment in celebration of her 70 years on the throne. In honour of the Jubilee, Sotheby’s will present a month-long programme of exhibitions and events marking this national milestone.
“Britain has long been known for its creativity and The Queen has been at the helm of this throughout her reign – both as custodian of a world-class collection, and the inspiration for artists, designers and more. This year, Her Majesty will become the first British Monarch to celebrate seventy years of service, the perfect opportunity for Sotheby’s, with our unique position at the helm of both art and luxury, to celebrate creativity in all its forms – art, music, literature, food, fashion and performing arts.” Frances Christie, Deputy Chairman, Sotheby’s UK and Ireland
Celebrating 70 Years of Art and Culture
Spanning the visual, performing, literary and culinary arts, and providing a platform for the next generation of artists, Sotheby’s will showcase the breadth, diversity and excellence of British creativity. Its galleries will be taken over by specially curated exhibitions of royal portraits, rare aristocratic jewels and important manuscripts, including works loaned from prestigious private collections from 28 May–15 June. Alongside the exhibitions, visitors will be welcomed to attend a diverse programme of talks, debates and musical and dramatic performances which centre around the themes of arts and creativity, history and youth and future. Highlights include:
• Royal portraits and manuscripts from across the land, led by the iconic Armada portrait of Queen Elizabeth I on loan from The Woburn Abbey Collection and a Warhol Painting of Queen Elizabeth II
• A Panoply of Legendary Aristocratic Tiaras with British and European Royal Provenance
• Chatsworth Estate Collaboration with Sotheby’s New Bond Street Restaurant
• Arts Festival celebrating creativity and the next generation of British talent, with speakers Including Dame Joanna Lumley, Sir Michael Morpurgo and Dr Tristram Hunt
British Art: The Jubilee Auction
Coinciding with the Jubilee, Sotheby’s will also hold “British Art: The Jubilee Auction” on 29 June – a sale dedicated to the very best of British art, from the Old Masters, through 20th-century giants to some of the greatest living artists still working today. As part of Sotheby’s support of the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, the sale will include a new unique work of The Queen donated by Chris Levine, proceeds from which will benefit the Pageant.
Sotheby’s Jubilee celebrations and British Art auction will be presented in partnership with car manufacturer Aston Martin. Founded in 1913, Royal Warrant holder Aston Martin has been at the heart of British design throughout the Queen’s reign and fuses the latest technology, time honoured craftsmanship and beautiful styling to produce a range of critically acclaimed luxury models.
For more information about Sotheby’s programme of public events and how to sign up to events, please go to www.sothebys.com/jubilee.
Smith Greenfield is an independent insurance broker specialising in insurance for high value homes and collectors of valuable objects including: art insurance, antiques insurance, memorabilia insurance, vintage car insurance, fine wine insurance and more. To discuss specialist insurance for your home or collection, please contact our Premier Client Adviser, Imran Moideen, via email imran.moideen@smithgreenfield.co.uk or telephone 020 8603 3730.
Photo: Armada Portrait © From the Woburn Abbey Collection. Courtesy Sotheby’s