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Sotheby's Talks

Sotheby's

For almost three centuries, Sotheby’s has been the place to discover the greatest stories of creativity. We’ve been the temporary custodians of some of the world’s finest treasures, which you can see on display in our galleries on any given day. Sotheby’s Talks is the podcast that celebrates art, culture, and collecting. Featuring conversations with tastemakers, collectors and luminaries from the world of art and culture, this series invites you inside the world of Sotheby’s: a place where you can find the extraordinary – including contemporary art, Old Master paintings, rare books, jewellery, and memorabilia. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit sothebys.com.

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September 24 · 38 min
ICONS | Fashion is Art, with Tess van Zalinge
In this episode, we ask: when does fashion become art? Taking inspiration from Icons: 100 Extraordinary Objects from Sotheby’s History, published by Phaidon, the discussion explores how garments and objects acquire iconic status through design, craftsmanship, cultural memory, celebrity and provenance. Joining the discussion are Dutch fashion designer Tess van Zalinge and Sebastiana Fanari, Specialist in Handbags & Fashion at Sotheby’s Paris, in conversation with Sarah de Clercq, Managing Director & Senior Specialist of Sotheby’s Netherlands. From Vermeer and Mondrian to Margiela, the Birkin bag, Jacqueline Kennedy’s faux pearls and Tupac Shakur’s crown ring, they consider where the boundaries lie between fashion, art and cultural artefact. This podcast was recorded in Amsterdam, September 2026. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit Sothebys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 10 · 43 min
Hassan Hajjaj: My London Rockstars, Ends to Estates
This conversation marks Hassan Hajjaj's exhibition with Sotheby's titled My London Rockstars: Ends to Estates. Join the artist himself as well as curator, writer and broadcaster Ekow Eshun in a discussion moderated by Modern & Contemporary African Art specialist Hannah O'Leary. Together, they reflect on the evolution of his practice from its early roots in London’s creative underground to his international career today, championing the voices of young artists and creatives in London and beyond. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in March 2026. Cover image: Our Motherland Collective, framed photography by © Hassan Hajjaj, 2023/1445. Courtesy of Our Motherland Collective crew, Vigo Gallery/London and Hassan Hajjaj Studio. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit Sothebys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 21 · 42 min
The Crafted House: Keeping the Great House Alive
In this episode, House & Garden’s Pratyush Sarup is joined by Dan Jackson, Head of Historic Buildings for Historic Royal Palaces alongside Julie Montagu, Countess of Sandwich and Custodian of Mapperton House, and Malcolm Winyard, Interior Designer who worked on Mapperton House. Together they discuss how historic houses are conserved, refreshed and reimagined through skilled craft, from upholstery, joinery and specialist finishes to textile conservation and restoration. They explore how owners, designers and makers decide what to preserve, what to revive and what to reinterpret, and what it takes to keep a great house alive without freezing it in time. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in May 2026. Cover Image Credit © Historic Royal Palaces To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit Sothebys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 17 · 56 min
The Future of Craft: How to Keep Vital Skills Alive
In this episode, James Haldane, Executive Editor of Sotheby’s Magazine is joined by Daniel Carpenter, Executive Director of Heritage Crafts alongside Lucy Brown, CEO of the Hugo Burge Foundation and Louis Elton, Founder of Nations of Artisans and the British Cræft Prize. Together, they discuss the future of craft and explore what it takes to keep craft alive in the modern world. Which skills matter most, and why? How can they be sustained, reimagined and made viable for the future? And what is lost when forms of knowledge rooted in the hand begin to disappear? This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in May 2026. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit Sothebys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 9 · 38 min
Art, Women, and Europe in Turmoil
In this episode, Veronique Forge-Karibian, advisor to the Milken Institute, a non-partisan economic thinktank, is joined by Natalie Livingstone, author of The Women of Nuremberg, alongside Catherine Ostler, author of The Renoir Girls, and Julia Fishel, Sotheby’s Head of Modern Day Sales. Together, they explore the intersections of art, identity and memory across some of the most turbulent chapters of European history. From Impressionist Paris and the salons of the Belle Époque to the Nuremberg Trials in the aftermath of the Second World War, the conversation traces the lives of historically-overlooked women navigating and shaping cultural transformation and political upheaval. Cover image credit: Imperial War Museum This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in May 2026. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit Sothebys.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 7 · 40 min
ICONS | Deconstructing Icons, with Greg Lauren
In this episode, we explore the question: What does it mean to be an icon, and how do icons endure or transform over time? Recorded at Sotheby’s Hong Kong in May 2026, the panel brings together fashion designer Greg Lauren and Nicolas Chow, Chairman of Sotheby’s Asia, for a conversation on art, fashion, and cultural memory, moderated by CC Xichu Wang, Maison Director of Sotheby’s Asia. From ancient sculptures and fragments to garments stitched from salvaged materials, the discussion reflects on imperfection, patina, and the human stories embedded in objects. Together, they consider how icons are created, deconstructed, and reimagined — and how they reveal new layers of meaning. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit Sothebys.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
March 27 · 30 min
Lucio Fontana and the Art of Space
In this episode, Curatorial and Collections Director at the National Portrait Gallery Flavia Frigeri is joined by Sotheby’s Chairman of Contemporary Art, Europe, Claudia Dwek, and International Specialist of Contemporary Art, Lisa Stevenson. Their discussion traces Fontana’s radical interrogation of space and his influence in the 1960s across Europe through German gallerists, museums and beyond. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in March 2026. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit Sothebys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
March 20 · 43 min
Bacon, Freud, Kossoff: The Human Figure in Post-War London, with Sophie de Stempel
In this episode, arts broadcaster Kate Bryan is joined by Sophie de Stempel – artist and sitter for Lucian Freud – and Tom Eddison, Sotheby’s Head of Contemporary Art in London, for a conversation on four exceptional paintings that bring together Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud and Leon Kossoff at pivotal moments in their careers. Spanning four decades, these works capture the School of London at its height. From Bacon’s self-portrait and Freud’s studies of the human figure, to Kossoff’s depiction of everyday life, the conversation explores how these artists engaged with vulnerability and human presence. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in March 2026. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit Sothebys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
March 12 · 45 min
ICONS | How Do Objects Achieve Iconic Status, with Grayson Perry and Xa Sturgis
In this episode, we ask the question: How do objects achieve iconic status? Taking inspiration from the book Icons: 100 Extraordinary Objects from Sotheby’s History, published by Phaidon, the discussion explores how a work of art can transform beyond its material form to become a universal cultural image – instantly recognisable, endlessly reproduced, and symbolically charged. Joining the discussion are artist Sir Grayson Perry; Xa Sturgis, Director of the Ashmolean Museum; and Helena Newman, Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe and Chairman of Impressionist & Modern Art Worldwide. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in February 2026. And, to step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit Sothebys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
February 16 · 35 min
British Studio Ceramics: Legacy and Present
In this episode, which was originally recorded as a live event to celebrate the sale of the Sydney Denton: A Life Through Ceramics collection, Sotheby’s specialist Tamsin Golding Yee was joined by actor, art historian and collector Russell Tovey; Hepworth Wakefield curator Abi Shapiro and potter Florian Gadsby to discuss the recent rise in ceramics sales, publications and exhibitions, the challenges and future of ceramics, as well as own their personal journeys with making and collecting. The Sydney Denton collection comprised of over 200 ceramics created by both modern and contemporary makers. The sale broke existing auction records and involved many artists’ auction debuts. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in June 2025. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit sothebys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
February 5 · 36 min
The Art of Collectible Bicycles: Colnago’s Masterpieces in Motion
Join Sotheby's Paul Redmayne, SVP of Luxury Sales, and Melissa Moncanda, President of Colnago and CEO & Founder of Aurora Vision Group, to explore the rise of the bicycle as a serious collectible. The pair discuss Colnago’s unique position at the intersection of heritage, craftsmanship, performance, and design, and what makes a bicycle truly collectible – from rarity and provenance to cultural impact and emotional value. The conversation also explores cycling’s growing status as a global luxury and wellbeing pursuit, and Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a key centre for the sport. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s Collectors’ Week in Abu Dhabi in December 2025. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit sothebys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
February 5 · 22 min
Art and Philanthropy: Purposeful Collecting, with Batia Ofer
Join Oliver Barker for a conversation with Batia Ofer, renowned art collector, philanthropist, Chair of the Royal Academy Trust and founder of Art of Wishes, an initiative that raises funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation through contemporary art. The episode explores Batia’s personal journey from collecting art to championing philanthropy, the impact of her work on supporting emerging artists and institutions, and the vital role art plays in society, community engagement and education. Cover image credit: Jonathan Glynn Smith This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s Collectors’ Week in Abu Dhabi in December 2025. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit sothebys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
February 5 · 16 min
Pirelli: From Race to Road and Beyond
Join us for a wide-ranging conversation with senior leaders from Pirelli as they explore the intersection of motorsport, innovation and design. Featuring Mario Isola, Pirelli Motorsport Director, Anthony Johansen, Global Product Training Manager, and Marco Maria Tronchetti Provera, SVP Pirelli Design & Assets Conversion, this episode delves into how performance at the highest level of racing informs road-going products, the role of technology and data in tyre development, and how design, heritage and sustainability shape Pirelli’s future. Together, they offer a behind-the-scenes perspective on what it takes to balance cutting-edge engineering with brand, culture and long-term vision. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s Collectors’ Week in Abu Dhabi in December 2025. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit ⁠sothebys.com⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
February 5 · 20 min
The Legacy of Picasso: Relevance Across Generations, with Diana Widmaier Picasso
This episode brings together Sotheby's Vice Chairman of Private Sales, Samuel Valette and Diana Widmaier Picasso, art historian, curator, author and granddaughter of the great Pablo Picasso. Exploring the global legacy of the artist, this discussion moves beyond the mythology, delving into why Picasso remains relevant across generations and his lasting influence on contemporary artists. Cover image credit: © 2026 Succession Picasso/DACS, London This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s Collectors’ Week in Abu Dhabi in December 2025. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit sothebys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 10, 2025 · 32 min
What It’s Worth: How Art is Conserved and Valued with Suzanna Siano
On this episode, we are joined by Suzanna Siano, founder and owner of Modern Art Conservation, to discuss how conservation shapes our understanding of a work, and the key factors that determine its price – from provenance and condition to broader market trends. Joining her are Zoë Zaneteas, Sotheby’s Specialist in Impressionist & Modern Art, and Nicole Schloss, Sotheby’s Specialist in Contemporary Art. Cover Image: Wassily Kandinsky Ohne Titel (Untitled), executed in 1925 © 2025 Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s New York as part of Open House, a weekend-long introduction to the world of art and luxury for the culturally inquisitive. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit sothebys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 10, 2025 · 41 min
The Leonard A. Lauder Collection: Klimt and the Art of Connoisseurship
Join us at Sotheby's for an insider look at The Leonard A. Lauder Collection, an exceptional body of museum-quality masterpieces. At its centre is Gustav Klimt's celebrated Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer, alongside works by Henri Matisse, Edvard Munch, Vincent Van Gogh and other luminaries of modern art. Ahead of Sotheby’s landmark sale of this extraordinary collection this October, Curatorial and Collections Director at the National Portrait Gallery Flavia Frigeri, Sotheby's Chairman Impressionist and Modern Art Worldwide Helena Newman, and award-winning author James Stourton will join Director of Sir John Soane’s Museum Will Gompertz for a special discussion. Together they will explore Klimt's enduring allure – from his luminous portrait of Elisabeth Lederer to the lyricism of the Attersee landscapes – as well as Leonard Lauder's vision and insights into his once-in-a-generation collection. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in October 2025. And, to step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit Sothebys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 30, 2025 · 41 min
Insight Report: A Century of Surrealism
On this episode, we examine the findings of Sotheby’s most recent Insight Report on Surrealism, which puts into sharp focus the buoyant market trends around the movement, currently celebrating its centenary. Drawing on seven years of publicly available and proprietary data, the report reveals how Surrealism has outpaced the broader global art market and examines the enduring appeal of works from the 1920s to the 2020s across both the art world and wider culture. Joining the discussion are Dawn Ades, legendary art historian and academic; Anders Petterson, founder and managing director of ArtTactic, and co author of the report; and Thomas Boyd-Bowman, Head of Impressionist and Modern Art Evening Sales at Sotheby’s London. The talk is moderated by Tim Marlow, Director and Chief Executive of the Design Museum in London. The report was produced in collaboration with ArtTactic and made possible by Sotheby’s Financial Services, whose mission is to empower collectors through asset-backed lending solutions. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in September 2025. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit sothebys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 19, 2025 · 42 min
The Gorgeous Nothings: Flowers at Chatsworth, with Lady Burlington
On today’s episode, we celebrate ‘The Gorgeous Nothings’, a new exhibition at Chatsworth sponsored by Sotheby’s. Renowned for its art and landscape, Chatsworth House has evolved through the centuries to reflect the tastes, passions, and interests of successive generations of the Devonshire family. Lady Burlington – who conceived and shaped the project – is joined in conversation by curator Allegra Pesenti and Christopher Woodward, Director of the Garden Museum, to reflect on ephemerality, the poetry of objects, and the art of exhibition-making. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in June 2025. Chatsworth House Trust, sponsored by Sotheby’s, is a registered charity established in 1981 to look after the house, collections, garden and parkland for everyone. Find out more about The Gorgeous Nothings at chatsworth.org/thegorgeousnothings To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit sothebys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 17, 2025 · 52 min
Custodians of Taste: Pauline Karpidas and the Women who Shape the Art World
Join us at Sotheby’s for a special talk which will explore the remarkable collecting journey of Pauline Karpidas, one of the most influential art patrons of the past fifty years. Ahead of Sotheby’s landmark sale of her extraordinary Surrealist collection this September, collector Tiquio Acentio, curator Jasper Sharp, and Sotheby’s Worldwide Chairman of Impressionist and Modern Art Helena Newman will join broadcaster and art historian Kate Bryan to reflect on Karpidas’ unique eye, her friendships with artists, and the broader role of women as cultural custodians. From Peggy Guggenheim to Dominique de Menil and beyond, women collectors have long shaped the direction of modern and contemporary art. What drives them? How do personal connections influence collecting? And how does a home become a curated world? With insights into the upcoming auction and the stories behind the works, this talk will offer a portrait of a life in art – and celebrate those who collect with connoisseurship, curiosity and conviction. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in September 2025. And, to step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit sothebys.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 1, 2025 · 42 min
How to Appreciate Art, with Danny Katz
On today’s episode, we explore the power of connoisseurship with renowned London-based dealer and collector Daniel Katz – one of the art world’s most respected and original figures, known for his deep scholarship and discerning eye. From the thrill of discovery, to what it means to truly see a work of art, Katz reflects on standout pieces in his collection and the instinct behind great acquisitions, offering a rare glimpse into the making of an extraordinary connoisseur. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in June 2025. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit sothebys.com. Cover Image: Nicholson Ben 1942 (H.S), 1942 © 2025 All rights reserved, DACS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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