Christie's worldwide sales at $3.5 billion for first half of 2012

KOLKATA: Christie's worldwide sales for the first half of 2012 of £2.2 billion/$3.5 billion, up 13% by the pound (and 11% by the dollar) compared to the same period last year, according to an email statement.

Figures include buyer's premium. This includes private sales of £413.4 million/$661.5 million, an increase of 53% by the pound (and 50% by the dollar) in the same period last year. This represents the highest total for a corresponding period in the company and art market history.

Steven P. Murphy, chief executive officer, Christie's, said in the statement: "We've seen a steady increase in sales at Christie's driven by growing worldwide demand for art and the quality and curation of important consignments.

Our global teams now serve a growing number of collectors from all around the world: in person and online, as clients are increasingly flexible about choosing how and where to acquire works of art.

Christie's investment in specialist knowledge across many categories allows us to offer a broad range of art at different price levels. We are dedicated to honouring our traditional values and we look to innovatively serve our clients - playing the role of a vibrant hub for all those who are passionate about art."