PARIS.- Artcurial will pick up the pace of its development in Europe during the second half of 2015.
Indeed, the auction house will start working with a permanent representative in Germany: Moritz von der Heydte. This specialist of the art market will cover all 16 Länders from his base in Munich.
Martin Guesnet, director of Artcurial in charge of its European development, will oversee the activity of this new office. Of Franco-German nationality, and thanks to his comprehensive knowledge of the German market and contemporary art notably, he will support Moritz von der Heydte throughout his leadership of this new office.
Francis Briest and François Tajan, co-Chairmen of Artcurial, explain: "This is the first time that a French auction house will open its doors across the Rhine! Our arrival in Germany, a country of art collectors and enthusiasts, is a key stage in our international development. The considerable ground work already performed by our offices in Brussels, Milan and Vienna is helping to drive the upward trend in our market share in Europe. It is notably thanks to this European network that Artcurial reaches new clients."
"I am delighted to join Artcurial where I will be able to defend the colours of this outstanding auction house in Germany. I am certain that, with its specific features, Artcurial has the potential to enjoy rapid success in this country. It offers a credible and appealing alternative, underpinned by renowned French expertise on the auction market. This represents an exciting challenge!" enthused Moritz von der Heydte, the new representative of Artcurial in Germany.
Since 2012, Artcurial has been engaged in a dynamic international development strategy marked by the opening of offices in Belgium (Brussels), Italy (Milan) and in 2014 in Austria (Vienna). These exhibition venues, housed in historic buildings in the heart of European capitals, are aimed at consolidating existing links with the local clientele while also raising Artcurial's profile among new clients, whether sellers or buyers.
As a meeting place, this new office will host events related to the auction house's latest developments: signing sessions, art exhibitions and travelling exhibitions of flagship pieces from future Parisian auctions.
Further details on the location and the schedule will be unveiled during the second half of 2015.
MORITZ VON DER HEYDTE
Originally from Munich, Moritz Freiherr von der Heydte studied law in his home city and in Bonn, before moving to London where he completed the Art and Business course at Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
A passionate lover of art, he began his career at Sotheby’s London where he worked from 2006 to 2012. It was within the Business & Client Development department that he discovered the world of auctions. He took part in the implementation of the international development strategic plan on emerging markets with a particular focus on India and the Middle East. Moritz von der Heydte was subsequently made Deputy Director of the Department of Furniture and Objets d'Art at Sotheby’s London, and participated in the dispersion of several major private collections.
Throughout the six years spent with the Auctionneer, Moritz worked in close collaboration with Sotheby’s offices in Germany in order to develop the business locally. He built up and cultivated a significant network of collectors and professionals whom he involved in prestigious auctions and transactions by private sales.
In 2013, he left London for Munich where he joined the renowned antique dealer Röbbig, specialised in 18th century porcelain. This collaboration ended two years later when Moritz von der Heydte agreed to head Artcurial in Germany.
Although he has developed his expertise in the classical fields of art history, his personal passion for 20th century art has allowed him to acquire a thorough knowledge of the German art market.
