The world renowned Australian performer, best known for his characters Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson, started collecting in his teens, and over more than half a century built a collection driven by knowledge, passion and curiosity. Comprising approximately 250 lots, estimates range from £200 to £300,000. The full pre-sale exhibition will be on public view from 7 February to 12 February.
Humphries’s renowned group of works by Australian painter Charles Conder stars Sand dunes, Ambleteuse, which leads the sale (estimate: £200,000-300,000). Elsewhere, his collection includes: the best of fin-de-siècle decadent literature, including an astonishing collection of Oscar Wilde related material led by a presentation copy of The Importance of Being Earnest; 19th century European and Symbolist Art with works by Khnopff, Delville and von Stuck; alongside examples of Impressionist and Modern British Art by Sluijters and Sir William Nicholson, and Modern Design including a chandelier by Edgar Brandt. The sale will also offer highlights from Dame Edna Everage’s Personal Collection, ranging from costume and ‘face furniture’ (glasses), to caricatures.
Christie’s will present a rare window in to the erudite collection of Barry Humphries (1934–2023) in a live auction in London on 13 February 2025.
Find out more: https://www.christies.com/en/auction/...
