On Thursday morning, the sixth form historians and art historians of Francis Holland School, Sloane Square embarked on an exclusive trip to Christie’s, King Street, marking a first for both the school and Christie’s. The trip, made possible by the incredible hospitality of Christie’s, was a first-of-its-kind opportunity for the students, who were treated to a thoroughly enriching and inspiring experience.
The visit began with a warm welcome, as students and staff enjoyed teas, coffees, and croissants, setting the tone for the exciting morning ahead. The day officially commenced with a talk by one of Christie’s esteemed directors, who captivated the group with her personal journey into the art world. She shared insights into her career and current role, leaving the girls with a thought-provoking message about the value of their studies in the humanities. She highlighted their potential as future leaders in the arts and emphasized the importance of staying engaged with the humanities in an increasingly technology-driven world. This powerful message resonated deeply with the students, encouraging them to appreciate the unique significance of their chosen fields.
Following this, the Head of Christie’s Education delivered an engaging lecture on the rich history of the auction house and the evolution of the art market. This talk included a lively and highly enjoyable interactive game of “Guess how much this sold for?” The students had tremendous fun estimating the auction prices of various objects, from multi-million-pound Da Vinci masterpieces to £1000 snuff boxes and even a spitfire! This playful activity added a light-hearted element to the day while teaching valuable lessons about the art market’s unpredictability and scope.
The students then had the rare opportunity to pose at a replica rostrum, a replica of the original Chippendale used by James Christie himself over two centuries ago. This moment was a unique chance for the girls to connect with the historical legacy of one of the world’s most prestigious auction houses.
Next, the group enjoyed an exclusive handling session, where they were able to examine 18th-century porcelain pieces while learning about the history of ceramics from one of Christie’s specialists. This hands-on experience provided the girls with a close look at precious artifacts, offering a tangible connection to history and craftsmanship. Afterward, another specialist led a fascinating tour and talk on the current collection of prints on display, showcasing masterpieces from renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Hockney, Grayson Perry, Redon, and Picasso. In an unforgettable moment (and somewhat by fluke), the students were able to view a Picasso up close, out of its frame – an incredible privilege and an awe-inspiring highlight of the visit.
The trip concluded with the students leaving Christie’s elated, each proudly sporting a newly acquired Christie’s tote bag. More than just an enjoyable outing, the trip was invaluable in exposing the girls to a variety of potential careers in the art world. It provided insights into the many opportunities available within the industry, sparking curiosity and ambition among the students. As they expressed their gratitude for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, it was clear that many wanted to return to Christie’s in the future, and it would be no surprise if some eventually found themselves working there.
This visit to Christie’s was an incredible success, offering the girls a blend of education, inspiration, and hands-on experience that will undoubtedly stay with them for years to come.
Ms Le Roy-Lewis, Head of History of Art
Comments from girls:
“Going to Christies was such an engaging and informative trip, where we were met with such enthusiasm and welcome. We learnt so much about the art world and how art gets transferred around different buyers, how one handles porcelain and pieces are valued at Christies. The trip taught us so much about the differences in art world and auctioning, and the changes it has been through since being founded in 1766”.
“Today the History and History of Art girls in the Sixth Form had the privilege to visit the renowned art House Christie’s, where we learnt about the history of the company, the art market, how artwork is restored and sold.”
“It was an incredible experience and a great insight into the art world. We learnt about the wide range of careers available in the art industry and were able to see remarkable pieces, ranging from etches by Rembrandt and Picasso to modern day works made by artists such as Grayson Perry. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and a fantastic day out!”
From the Historians’ perspective
“Yesterday’s trip to Christie’s was a truly unique and unforgettable experience that we were so privileged to be offered!
“As historians, it was fascinating to learn about the progression of the auctioneer from its owner, James Christie selling anything that he could acquire, including curtains and wine, to selling some of the most valuable existing art today, some of which includes Da Vinci’s infamous Salvator Mundi, selling for a staggering sum of $450.3 million in 2017. It was also interesting to learn about how the gender atmosphere in Christie’s has changed over the years, with the late 18th/early 19th century acting as a vibrant almost ‘theatre space’ for men and women to celebrate the art and culture of the era, and slowly shifting towards an elderly white male dominated space in the late 19th century, before being restored to its original vibrance today, which was surprising for us to learn that the earlier years seemed to be more progressive and inclusive! Our lecture gave a very good overall picture, of the thriving parts of Christie’s, and also the ruts, particularly when struggling to compete against the rivals Sotheby’s, demonstrating that, like all career paths, nothing is ever easy and it requires hard work and perseverance to continue when things get tough. Another thing that we found fascinating was complex process undertaken to estimate the value of artwork, with different specialists required at each stage to make crucial decisions. As historians, this made us realise how essential historical knowledge is for the appraisal and curation, which directly affects the market value. This was such an incredible experience that taught us so much and really opened up auctioneering as a career opportunity that we had never previously thought of!”
