YSL art collection could net £300 million

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A sale of the late Yves Saint Laurent's legendary art collection is to take place in Paris next year, and is already being touted by experts as the art 'sale of the century.'

Including pieces by Cezanne, Picasso, Mondrian and Matisse, the extensive collection of more than 700 works was unveiled at Christie's Paris this week.

Set to go under the hammer in February, experts are already predicting that the auction will be the biggest private-owner sale of all time, expected to raise a total of more than £300 million.

The sumptuous horde has been put to auction by Saint Laurent's long-term companion and business partner, Pierre Bergé. The pair amassed the collection together, which had adorned their Paris flats, before the iconic designer died in June this year.

Speaking at the exhibition's unveiling, Mr Bergé explained why he chose to sell off the many pieces, keeping nothing but one sculpture and an Andy Warhol portrait of Saint Laurent for himself.

'Yves Saint Laurent is dead. This collection doesn't mean anything anymore. I am not going to continue with it.

He added, 'I always knew art was with us in transit. Like swallows on a wire. One day you clap your hands and they all fly away. I hope they will be loved as much as Yves Saint Laurent and I loved them.'

The auction will take place at Paris's Grande Palais in February, with proceeds going towards an Aids charity Bergé intends to found.

Wednesday 1 October 2008

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