Breaking the bank: Lehman Brothers artworks up for sale

A Lehman Brothers company logo is readied for sale at the Lehman Brothers: Artwork and Ephemera auction at Christie's Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian

The lots on offer range from works by Lucian Freud and Gary Hume to objets d'art, including postwar and contemporary pieces, maritime pictures and sport-themed paintings – reflecting the changing tastes of the company's masters from the 19th century Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian

Artworks which used to hang on Lehman Brothers office walls now hang temporarily at Christie's in South Kensington, London; including this one – Untitled, 2004, by Hannah Starkey … Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian

… as well as When Will That Be by Cary Smith Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian

A Frigate in Three Positions off the Dover Coast by Thomas Luny (1759-1837) is expected to fetch £10,000-15,000 at the auction Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian

A Christie's employee walks past some of the artworks which used to adorn Lehman Brothers offices: (from left) When Will That Be by Cary Smith; Untitled (2004) by Hannah Starkey; and Holly Smoke by Matthew Ritchie Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian

Another contemporary artwork up for sale is Madonna (centre) by British artist Gary Hume Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian

Individual estimates start at £250 and the collection is expected to fetch £2m Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian

A Christie's staff member dusts off Jim Hodges' All To One during preparations for the Lehman Brothers sale Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian

The sale also includes what Christie's describes as 'items of interest which once adorned the walls', such as this company sign Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian