The move will increase the number of frontline auctions at Artcurial’s premises at the Hôtel Dassault on the Champs-Elysées, although Poulain-Le Fur will retain their premises in the Palais des Congrés at Porte Maillot.
Poulain-Le Fur turned to Artcurial after failing to reach a long-term agreement with Sotheby’s, with whom they have enjoyed an informal alliance since the Groussay sale in 1999. Ironically, news of their deal with Artcurial was announced on May 24, just hours ahead of a sale of Art Nouveau & Art Deco organised jointly by Sotheby’s and Poulain-Le Fur at Sotheby’s Galerie Charpentier under the gavel of Rémy Le Fur.
Poulain-Le Fur join Artcurial to end Sotheby’s deal
After Modern art specialist Francis Briest and Claude Aguttes of suburban Neuilly, Hervé Poulain and Rémy Le Fur have become the latest auctioneers to join Artcurial.