Sotheby’s Yellow Ball Auction, presenting the extraordinary art collection of Frank and Lorna Dunphy, realized $13.3 million today, with 92% of lots sold, and participants from 43 countries. Known for managing Damien Hirst, Frank and his wife, Lorna, collected an impressive array of art. Today’s live auction put 108 lots up for auction. A further 98 lots are part of an online auction, which ends tomorrow.
Frank and Lorna’s joint company, Yellow Ball, was named in honor of their first meeting, during a game of snooker, while Frank potted a yellow ball. Appropriately, one of the highlights of the sale was Hirst’s Smashing Yellow Ball at Peace Painting, a gift from the artist to the Dunphys at their retirement. Eight bidders drove the final sale price to $392,883 (est. $132,690-$199,035).