Art Market Monitor

Global Coverage ~ Unique Analysis

  • AMMpro
  • AMM Fantasy Collecting Game
  • Podcast
  • Contact Us

Fewer Forced Sellers Than Expected Last Year

February 1, 2010 by Marion Maneker

The Wealth Bulletin has this interesting comment from Sotheby’s Oliver Barker buried inside their story about the upcoming London sales:

Oliver Barker, senior director and contemporary art specialist at Sotheby’s, said many potential sellers were put off consigning to the market last year for fear of lacklustre bidding, but growing confidence is bringing consignors back to the market. He added that around one in 10 vendors were forced sellers, fewer than anticipated.

If much of the Contemporary art market was driven by speculation, those buyers have been willing to hold their purchases for the chance of making some return in the long run. They might also have been willing to eat the loss. Either way, the lack of distressed selling may be a good sign for the Contemporary market.

Art Investors Poised to Return to Auction Houses (Wealth Bulletin)

More from Art Market Monitor

  • A View from the Middle of the Contemporary Market: Charlotte Van DercookA View from the Middle of the Contemporary Market: Charlotte Van Dercook
  • Phillips London Contemporary Has Richter, Kippenberger and LichtensteinPhillips London Contemporary Has Richter, Kippenberger and Lichtenstein
  • George Michael’s Collection of YBA Art at Christie’s in MarchGeorge Michael’s Collection of YBA Art at Christie’s in March
  • The Top of the Contemporary Art Market, 2007-2018The Top of the Contemporary Art Market, 2007-2018
  • Francis Outred Leaves ChristiesFrancis Outred Leaves Christies
  • London Gives Some Second Thoughts About June SalesLondon Gives Some Second Thoughts About June Sales

Filed Under: Collectors Tagged With: Contemporary

About Marion Maneker

Want to get Art Market Monitor‘s posts sent to you in our email? Sign up below by clicking on the Subscribe button.

Top Posts

  • Keith Haring’s 1989 Retrospect Comes to Sotheby’s London Prints Sale
  • Roy Lichtenstein’s Top Ten Auction Prices
  • Tony Podesta's Secret Art Buying
  • Norman Rockwell's Not Gay. But Is He a Great Artist?
  • Christie's Announces $70m Picasso Self Portrait
  • David Hockney's $20m Pacific Coast Highway & Santa Monica
  • How to Chant Like an Auctioneer
  • Four of Picasso's Women Valued at $28m Come to Christie's from Rose-Walters Collection
  • Mark Rothko, Tamara de Lempicka, Mickalene Thomas to Star in Phillips London Evening Sale
  • Basquiat's Last Girlfriend
  • About Us/ Contact
  • Podcast
  • AMMpro
  • Newsletter
  • FAQ

twitterfacebooksoundcloud
Privacy Policy
Terms & Conditions
California Privacy Rights
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Advertise on Art Market Monitor