Art dealer and his doctor wife put works from their private collection up for sale including pieces by Andy Warhol and Henry Moore to raise ‘tens of thousands of pounds’ for NHS staff
- Claire and James Hyman, owners of Hyman Collection, selling discounted art
- Couple inspired to support NHS after daughter contracted form of coronavirus
- Andy Warhol print which sold in just matter of days raised thousands of pounds
- Claire Hyman has been an oral surgeon at the Royal Free NHS Trust for 16 years
By Rory Butler For Mailonline
Published: | Updated:
A doctor and her art dealer husband are selling off their private collection to raise funds for vital medical equipment for the NHS to use in battling coronavirus.
Claire and James Hyman, owners of the Hyman Collection, announced the discounted sale of several pieces by celebrated modern artists, the proceeds of which will go to the Royal Free NHS Trust.
Famous names among the pieces being sold include Andy Warhol, British visual artist and sculptor Marc Quinn, and maker of semi-abstract sculptures Henry Moore.
The couple hoped the money will help the NHS purchase things like testing kits, ventilators and other vital protective equipment in short supply.
Claire and James Hyman (pictured), owners of the Hyman Collection, announced the sale of several pieces by celebrated modern artists, the proceeds of which will go to the Royal Free NHS Trust
Andy Warhol’s apartment buildings photo
Claire has been an oral surgeon at the Royal Free NHS Trust for 16 years, which encompasses three north London hospitals.
The couple were inspired to sell off their collection to support the NHS after their daughter contracted a mild form of coronavirus and the family had to isolate themselves.
‘As a surgeon working in the NHS, I know how tough it is for all the staff at the moment who are working incredibly long hours under immense pressure,’ said Claire.
‘James wanted to do something to help and this initiative as well as the generous support of collectors will be really appreciated.’
In a matter of days the Hyman’s sold eight photographs, including a Warhol print which raised thousands of pounds.
Henry Moore etchings, sculptures by Scottish artist Eduardo Paolozzi, and prints by American photographer Harry Callahan have also been sold.
All pieces are available at a discount, with prices starting from around £650 up to £22,000 for Bill Brandt’s 1939 Barmaid at the Crooked Billet.
Bill Brandt’s 1939 Barmaid at the Crooked Billet (pictured) is marked for sale between £650 up to £22,000
A work by Marc Quinn for sale under the Hyman Collection
Another by artist Marc Quinn
Two reclining figures by Henry Moore
‘As everyone pulls together I have been thinking what I can do as an art dealer. I feel very helpless,’ said art historian James speaking to SWNS.
‘What I have done is put together a selection of works by some of the major photographers of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, at reduced prices, and will donate all profits to the National Health Service.
‘Unfortunately, NHS hospital staff on the front line in the treatment of patients with Covid-19 are still working without the proper PPE, and there remains a shortage of testing kits and ventilators.’
Dealer and collector James founded the collection in 1999, specialising in nineteenth and twentieth century British artists and photographers.
Among its many exhibitions, the gallery has hosted works by Pablo Picasso, Lucien Freud, Francis Bacon and English painter Bridget Riley.
James also co-curated an exhibition with Sir Paul McCartney showcasing the works of Sir Paul’s first wife, American photographer, Linda McCartney.
Advertisement
