Simon de Pury

Two senior members of the international auctioneering profession launch separate online-only ventures this week.

Simon de Pury took to the podium at the top of London landmark the Gherkin to launch Falcon Fine Art on October 13.

Simon de Pury, the high-profile international auctioneer, has sold his remaining stake in Phillips de Pury & Company to The Mercury Group and stepped down as chairman.

Luxury goods magnate Bernard Arnault finally abandoned his attempt to compete with Christie’s and Sotheby’s at the top end of the art market last week when he sold his remaining 27.5 per cent stake in troubled auction house Phillips to its joint chief executives Simon de Pury and Daniella Luxembourg.

UNCERTAINTY over the future of Phillips de Pury & Luxembourg continued this week, with chairman Simon de Pury confirming only that he was conducting negotiations with stakeholder LVMH.

This icon of 20th century modernist design – Marianne Brandt’s celebrated tea infuser of 1927 was one of the highlights of Phillips de Pury & Luxembourg’s (19.5/10% buyer’s premium) 117-lot sale of 19th and 20th century design on December 11.

French billionaire quits battle over auction market: Backed by a dotcom businesswoman and an investment bank, two auctioneers last week bought the majority stake in Phillips de Pury Luxembourg from luxury goods group LVMH.