LONDON, ENGLAND.- Christie’s International announced worldwide sales totalling $1,253 million for the first six months of 2004, an increase of 19% on last year’s figure of £589 million ($947 million) from the same period. This figure represents auction sales of £666 million ($1,192 million) and private sales of £34 million ($62 million). In Christie’s salesrooms around the world, 99 works of art sold for more than $1 million, compared to 87 works sold during the same period last year.

 

“Christie’s sale results for the first half of 2004 were exceptional,” said Edward Dolman, Chief Executive Officer, Christie’s International. “The incredible success of our sales in Hong Kong, the record breaking $102 million total of our Post-War & Contemporary Art sales in New York, and the continued market dominance of Christie’s France, are proof that Christie’s business is strong.”

 

“Christie’s is currently focusing on investment in our business and we are extremely well-positioned to take advantage of the growth trends in the expanding art market,” continued Mr. Dolman. “We are building on our traditional strengths, while making our business more accessible to a broader range of clients. Christie’s is looking to capture new markets and new trends, invest in categories and regions to make the most of new opportunities in the global art market, and increase our sales with a continued focus on managing the underlying cost base. The depth and breadth of the art market for the rest of 2004 is evident in the wealth of collections already consigned to Christie’s. In a highly competitive environment, Christie’s remains the most successful art business in the world, offering unparalleled levels of service and art expertise to our clients.”