Collection "The Measurement of Worlds"
Sold for 2.5 million euros
A History of Time
Sold for 1.4 million euros
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Randier Collection
Sold for 1.7 million euros

Private Collections

“It is a pleasure for us to work synergistically with our various specialists on the dispersion of private collections that passionately and enthusiastically engage our departments. It is captivating to immerse ourselves in the collector’s universe, their experiences, their history, and what motivated their passion, and to bear witness to it.”

— Sophie Perrine

The Collections Department offers a personalized and confidential service to enhance the value of the assets that make up your collection. Our mission is to advise you and promote your collection to other major collectors, enthusiasts, or specialized dealers in France and beyond. In the case of multi-specialty collection sales, our coordinated teams, consisting of 14 in-house experts, are involved at every stage of the sale. We conduct historical research, assess provenance, provide detailed descriptions, and, of course, estimates, thus leveraging their expertise in the global art market.

We develop the most suitable sales strategy to achieve the best results and pay particular attention to promoting and presenting the essence of the entire collection for sale in the best possible manner.

The richness of private collections

From scientific objects to timepieces, the collections are eclectic and sometimes inspire the birth of new projects. Let’s look back at a few remarkable collections that have shaped the auction calendar of the Aguttes auction house.

The Randier Collection: Science, Marine & Curiosities, three days of auctions paid tribute to the 860 objects collected from around the world over nearly 50 years by the keen eye of Henri Claude Randier. 80% of the lots were sold, including two acquisitions by pre-emption. Total sales: €1.7 million.

A History of Time: 500 Years of Watchmaking. A private collection of 80 portable watches and clocks. 95% of the lots were sold. Total sales: €1.4 million.

Measuring the World : A private collection of precious scientific objects assembled at the end of the 19th century through the interwar period by a prominent family of bankers. An invitation to travel through space and time, showcased in two exceptional sales with 92% of the lots sold. Total sales: €2.5 million.

The Lesage Embroideries: Over 60 Years of Samples : An exceptional ensemble of nearly 300 embroidery samples from the Lesage atelier, created for Schiaparelli, Vionnet, Saint Laurent, Christian Lacroix, Chanel, Poiret, Dior, the Callot Sisters, and Nina Ricci. These were privately negotiated to become part of the archives of the Lesage house.

Most recently, the sale of a collection of ancient, modern, and contemporary artworks from the editor-in-chief of Connaissance des Arts, Guy Boyer, titled “Guy Boyer Collection • For an Art Library in Marseille,” partially financed the future creation of an art history library in the Hôtel Hubaud in Marseille

We also organize on-site sales, such as the dispersal of the Kenzo Collection at Bastille, the Hôtel de la Mamounia in Marrakech, or the collection of former President Giscard d’Estaing at Château de Varvasse.

Good to Know: Our Collections Department organizes around 4 collection sales per year in Paris or on-site. Aguttes defends the objects, artworks, and their sellers by providing tailor-made communication in line with the collector’s spirit. The support for collection sales is entirely personalized. Sophie Perrine, along with her teams, devises the best dispersion strategy, which can involve various types of auctions, both physical and online. Depending on its significance, the collection can be integrated into sales by specialized departments, for example, but often it is presented in a dedicated catalog with a visually crafted identity specifically designed for it. The geographical location of the sale is determined according to its relevance. The auctions can take place either at the Aguttes auction house in Neuilly-sur-Seine or at any other location in France or abroad.

The promotional program relies on modern tools and a network of trust established between the auction house, collectors, and professionals for many years. The house possesses a unique communication power and provides sellers with targeted tools for effective international exposure. We pay special attention to the production of the sales catalog, whether in print or entirely digital format, both in terms of design and content. During our campaigns, we mobilize buyers from our portfolio in all specialties and identify potential buyers. We communicate with them through various channels: online and offline advertisements, social media, email marketing, media, influencers, and auction platforms, using tailored and high-quality materials: images, text, and videos.

We are at your service to inventory your collections, appraise your assets, and provide you with professional expertise as well as advice on selling or investing. Discover our sales calendar and our offices.