George Michael's art collection sold for more than £9 million as buyers from across the globe snapped up work by names including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin.
The top lot was Hirst’s 2006 work The Incomplete Truth, a dove set in formaldehyde, which sold for £911,250.
It was one of 60 lots sold last night at Christie’s in an auction that attracted bidders from 27 countries, raising a total of £9.2 million.
More than 12,000 people visited an exhibition of the sale at Christie’s HQ and more money will be raised today by an online sale of other works from his collection.
A spokesman for the singer’s trustees said they were “delighted” that the funds raised are being used to support causes backed by the singer, adding: “Philanthropic work was hugely important for George and it was his wish that this work would continue.”
The former Wham! frontman was a devoted collector of work from the Young British Art (YBA) scene. A painting by Emin, Hurricane, sold for more than double its estimate, fetching £431,250 — a world record for a painting by the artist.
Christie’s global president Jussi Pylkkänen, who was auctioneer for the night, said: “To realise such a significant sum is what we’ve all been working towards.
“We hope the charities who will ultimately benefit will be pleased with the outcome.”
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