Christie's 2014 sales brings a record $8.4bn, up 17%

Christie's has announced its 2014 sales figures, recording the highest total for any art company in the history of the market. 

Triple Elvis
A strong year for post-war and contemporary art propelled Christie's to record results


The firm made an impressive $8.4bn, up 17% on 2013's figure and reflecting the continued health of the art market. 

The strong results are underpinned by a record year for Christie's post-war and contemporary art department, which saw its best year ever recorded at $2.8bn, up 33% on 2013's figures. 

Auctions, private sales and online-only sales all saw an increase on 2013 totals, with Christie's growing focus on online platforms resulting in a 60% increase in online sales on 2013 at $35.1m. 

"We continue to lead the art market by offering the broadest opportunity to collectors globally. The top end of the market grew during the year as evidenced by the 48% increase in works sold above $10 million," said Patricia Barbizer, Christie's CEO. 

"Our strategy to develop in new markets such as China and India and in new channels such as Private Sales and eCommerce, has further propelled the global growth of our business. Our focus remains on serving our clients whenever and however they choose to connect with art, through auctions, exhibitions or online."

Luxury goods were among Christie's other success stories, with jewellery sales totalling a record $754.7m, up 7% on 2013's figure. Impressionist and modern art came in with a 19% increase at $1.2bn. 

Christie's is now focusing on 2015, with a series of old master sales at the end of January to be led by a portrait by Caravaggio, as well as the largest private collection of Asian art to ever appear at auction, the Ellsworth Collection, set for March. 

Please sign up to our free newsletter for more exciting news from art auctions. 

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock