British Airways ‘in talks to sell the art in its lounges’

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According to a report in the Evening Standard yesterday, British Airways has come up with a new way to raise funds – selling off the best of the artwork in its lounges.

The newspaper reports that Sothebys has been employed to value the works, with a view to adding some to an upcoming sale as quickly as possible. The timing isn’t great, however, with in-person auctions currently suspended and online sales not proving to be hugely successful.

The works are worth more than you think. The artworks, which will also include some currently hanging on the walls of the Waterside head office, include pieces by Bridget Riley, Damien Hurst and Peter Doig. At least one is worth over £1 million.

Whilst not mentioned in the article, the BA art collection is known to also include works by Patrick Heron, David Nash, Chris Ofili, Anish Kapoor, Tracey Emin, Gary Hume and Donald Judd.

In one of the more bizarre British Airways quotes I’ve seen recently, a source is quoted by the Standard as saying:

“We are in a very dark place.”

Here are a few of the pieces which may be coming under the hammer. Bridget Riley:

Tracey Emin:

Gary Hume:

PS. If the worst comes to the worse, BA can always raise a few pounds from these:

As you can see here, these Moooi lamps go for £4,700 each when new ….

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How to earn Avios from UK credit cards (December 2021)

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