Summer 2007

Issue Number: 95

Moving skies

For proof of the seismic changes in taste sweeping the art market, look no further than Sotheby’s sale of the Ullens Collection of watercolours by JMW Turner.

Baron Guy Ullens is a retired Belgian food magnate who, for the last twenty years, has collected major works by Britain’s greatest watercolourist. Ullens, the son of a diplomat stationed in Beijing, is devoting himself to contemporary Chinese art. In October, his vast collection will be on show at a specially built arts centre in Beijing. Before then, his sale of Turners is expected to net £10m–£15m.

JMW Turner, Looking towards the Dogana and San Giorgio Maggiore, with a storm approaching, c.1840

Sotheby’s will auction fourteen ravishing watercolours, such as Venice: Looking towards the Dogana and San Giorgio Maggiore, with a storm approaching, c.1840 (above), estimated at £800,000–£1.2m, and finished Swiss views.

Important Turner Watercolours from the Guy and Myriam Ullens Collection, Sotheby’s, New Bond Street, London (020 7293 5000), 4 July

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