Christie's sets record with £126m sale of Monsoon founder's art collection

Christie's announced that it will auction the personal art collection of Peter Simon, the entrepreneur behind the fashion chain Monsoon, with a projected hammer price of up to £126.7 million. The figure, disclosed by the auction house, would eclipse any previous single-owner sale in its history, according to Sky News.

The collection, assembled over several decades, comprises a mix of paintings, sculptures and photographs by internationally recognised artists. While the catalogue has not been released in full, Christie's expects the lot to attract global collectors, given the breadth of styles and the provenance attached to each piece.

Christie's has a long tradition of handling high‑profile private collections, but the Monsoon founder’s trove marks a new benchmark. Single‑owner sales—where all works come from one individual rather than a museum or estate—have grown in prominence as wealthy collectors seek to liquidate assets amid a buoyant market. The house’s previous record for such a sale was set in 2022, when a collection fetched around £95 million, making Simon’s auction a significant step up.

Peter Simon founded Monsoon in 1973, turning a small stall in London’s Covent Garden into a global retail brand. Beyond fashion, Simon has cultivated a reputation as an avid patron of contemporary art, often displaying works in his London homes and supporting emerging artists through private commissions. His decision to part with the collection reflects a broader trend among UK high‑net‑worth individuals who are diversifying portfolios as art prices climb.

The timing of the sale also coincides with a strong post‑pandemic rebound in the art market, where auction houses have reported record‑breaking totals for modern and contemporary pieces. Analysts suggest that the visibility of a high‑value, single‑owner lot could further stimulate buyer confidence and set a precedent for future private collection sales in Europe.

Potential buyers will have a preview of the works during a private viewing in London next month, after which the auction is slated for late October. Christie's expects the event to draw both seasoned collectors and new entrants looking to acquire marquee pieces in a single transaction.