Artworks from Langan's Brasserie and Odin's raise £1.8m at Christie's auction
A sale of paintings collected by the late Peter Langan and 2007 Lifetime Achievement Catey winner Richard Shepherd raised £1.8m (including premium).
The sale, "Peter Langan: A Life with Art", which was held at Christie's South Kensignton just before Christmas, raised far more than had been originally estimated.
William Porter, senior director of Christie's, who led the sale, said: "There was an electric atmosphere in the saleroom as friends, acquaintances and regular diners joined private collectors and trade clients looking to buy and become part of the history; it is a testament to Pete Langan, the collector, personality, and legend."
Restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King were among the bidders in the room, and it was rumoured that Roman Abramovich bought a painting "Chelsea v Spurs at Stamford bridge" by Lawrence Toynbee for a world-record £85,000.
"Peter Langan's feast for David Hockney at Glyndebourne" by Robert Marchant, sold for £40,000, also made a record for the artist.
Bidding in the room, BBC Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans bought a Hockney portrait of Peter Langan with his wine supplier Jean-Marc Moussis for £97,000. Evans went on to celebrate afterwards with dinner at Langan's Brasserie.
The money will go towards the refurbishment of the three restaurants in the group Langan's Brasserie, Odin's Bar & Bistro and Shepherd's Bar & Bistro.
Peter Langan founded the restaurants in partnership with the actor Michael Caine in 1976. A year later, Richard Shepherd - who recently sold his share in Langan's Restaurants - joined the partnership. Shepherd is now chairman of the company,
Legendary artworks from Langan's Brasserie and Odin's restaurants could fetch more than £1m >>
Richard Shepherd steps down from Langan's Restaurants >>
By Amanda Afiya
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