Auction house Christie’s has announced record global art sales for 2014 of £5.1 billion, an increase of 12% ($8.4 billion, up 17%) on 2013. According to Christie’s, the record figure is the result of an increase in activity across all geographies and particularly strong sales in the Post-War & Contemporary Art, Impressionist & Modern Art, and Jewellery departments.Patricia Barbizet, Chief Executive Officer, Christie’s said: “Christie’s sales grew by 12% during 2014 and the team has succeeded by focusing on the art and connecting it to a growing global audience. We continue to lead the art market by offering the broadest opportunity to collectors globally. The top end of the market grew during the year as evidenced by the 48% increase in works sold above $10 million“Our strategy to develop in new markets such as China and India and in new channels such as Private Sales and eCommerce, has further propelled the global growth of our business. Our focus remains on serving our clients whenever and however they choose to connect with art, through auctions, exhibitions or online.”In 2014 Christie’s achieved auction sales of £4.2 billion, up 10% ($6.8 billion, up 15%); Private Sales of £916.1 million, up 20% ($1.5 billion, up 26%); and eCommerce sales of £21.4 million, up 54% ($35.1 million, up 60%).Christie’s Post-War and Contemporary Art department achieved record results with total sales of £1.7 billion ($2.8 billion), up 33% on 2013 (39% in $). The Impressionist and Modern Art department achieved sales of £732.5 million, up 14% ($1.2 billion, up 19%). Jewellery sales totalled £460.2 million ($754.7 million), up 7% (11% in $), and Decorative Arts was up 9%.Sotheby’s doesn’t announce its Consolidated Sales report until February, but has revealed that it auctioned $6 billion in 2014, up 18% from the year and a record for the auction house.
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