James Stourton Ordine dei libri

The book chronicles the transformation of the London art market, sparked by a groundbreaking 1958 Sotheby's auction of Impressionist masterpieces. This event not only established London as the art capital but also marked a shift in power from dealers to auctioneers. The narrative explores the fierce competition between Sotheby's and Christie's, the surge in art prices, and the ensuing scandals. Through engaging storytelling, it highlights a diverse cast of characters who shaped this vibrant market, culminating in the rise of contemporary art and the opening of Tate Modern in 2000.

A comprehensive, illustrated history of the British heritage industry, from art historian and former Sotheby's Chairman James Stourton.

Sunday Times Art Book of the Year. The astonishing life of Kenneth Clark - the greatest British art historian of his time. As writer and presenter of the TV series Civilisation he was responsible for the greatest syntheses of art, music, literature and thought ever made - 'a contribution to civilisation itself'.

"This magnificent book, the fullest account ever written on its absorbing subject, will come as a revelation, even to those who think they know London, for many of the great town mansions featured in it, a good number of which are still in private occupation, are very little known and have never been illustrated before… a major contribution to British architectural and social history." - Professor David Watkin, Professor Emeritus, Department of History of Art, University of Cambridge The great houses of London represent one of the marvels of English architecture and yet they are almost entirely unknown. They are for the most part disguised behind sober facades but their riches within are astonishing. From the romantic 17th century Ashburnham House, nestling in the shadow of Westminster Abbey, through the splendid 18th century aristocratic palaces of the West End, to the curious and quirky arts and crafts houses of Holland Park and Kensington, to the cool modernist houses of Hampstead and the exuberant post-modern interiors of the last thirty years, every house has its own story to tell.