26 March 2009

Most Expensive Photograph Ever Auctioned

The confirmation for most expensive photo ever sold at auction has been cultivated by Richard Prince after one of his prints fetched him $3,401,000 at Sotheby auction house in New York. This is against the previous record of $3.34 million for an Andreas Gursky diptych that got sold at Sothey’s in February 2007. This trend setting Prince Illustration is being captured from his anonymous cowboy series, wherein which he photographed pieces of Marlboro cigarette ads and got the photos engorged to a colossal size. Dating back to 2001-2002, the photo measures 100 X 66 inches and has always being a point of controversy as some people claim that he made use of other photographers’ work without giving them deserving credit.

Patek Philippe Wristwatch Is World’s Most Expensive For £1.1million

A wristwatch belonging to an Italian mogul who takes pride in having won Grand Prix races and was president of Ferrari generated a sales of £1.1million against its pre-auction estimate of $1.9 million after selling off his gold Patek Philippe timepiece at Sothey’s Geneva auction house.

Count Carlo Felice Trossi’s priciest possession called the “Trossi Leggenda”, described as “really revolutionary” by experts, was the highlight amidst the other 200 timepieces. Trossi by profession was a racing driver, pilot and speedboat racer whose motor-racing triumphs count the 1947 Italian Grand Prix. Besides this another gold Rolex known as “Oyster Daytona Paul Newman” dating back to 1980 got sold for £76,000 almost two-fold of its pre-auction estimate of £25,000 to £40,000. The watch was christened after the Florida car race and for the American actor who helped promote this style.

5 Minute Herald

Breaking news at calgaryherald.com

Compiled by Meg de Jong, Calgary Herald

Published: Monday, October 22, 2007

Celbrity Charity Auction - Keira Knightley

Celbrity Charity Auction - Keira Knightley's "Atonement" Dress

Celebrity Charity Auction - Keira Knightley’s "Atonement" Dress

Celbrity Charity Auction - Own the green evening dress seen on Keira Knightley in Focus Features’ Atonement. The dress being auctioned off was made under the supervision of, and has been authenticated by, Jacqueline Durran, who is nominated for an Academy Award for her costume design of Atonement. Auction ends March, 01, 2008.

Memorably worn during the crucial emotional and romantic sequences by Ms. Knightley as Cecilia Tallis, opposite James McAvoy as Robbie Turner, the backless dress was taken directly from the production’s archives and is one of a handful that was made specifically for Ms. Knightley to wear during filming.

Go to http://www.bravotv.com/ for an exclusive interview with Keira Knightley talking about the fashions of Atonement and the famed green dress that will be sold to the public thru this Celbrity Charity Auction.

Celebrity Charity Auctions Lunch

Celebrity Charity Auctions Lunch with a Leader - 100 Recognized Personalities

Celebrity Charity Auctions - Bidding on Lunch With A Leader® is easy! Register with eBay, then bid for your leader. Are you ready to become a Master of the Universe? Experiences with hip hop mogul Russell Simmons, Actresses, Athletes and other top leaders are being auctioned off to the highest bidder during the fifth annual Lunch With A Leader online celebrity auction.

There is always an upcoming auction. This celebrity auction runs through February 19 on eBay, benefits Communities In Schools, Inc., the nation’s largest dropout prevention organization. Whether you own a business or just dream about it, Lunch With A Leader offers a who’s who of the business world. Just go to www.lunchwithaleader.com to bid on the lunch of a lifetime with leaders of America’s top industries.

Do you want to know what it’s really like to run a Hollywood dream factory? Dan Glickman, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America; Richard Lovett, president, Creative Artists Agency; Hip Hop Mogul Russell Simmons; and Ron Meyer, president and COO of Universal Studios are ready to take you behind the lights and tell about life on the red carpet that few outside Hollywood ever get to hear.
And you can also find out about how doing good makes good business sense. Just ask Jean Case, CEO, The Case Foundation; and Stacey D. Stewart, president and CEO, Fannie Mae Foundation. These leaders of two of America’s most respected philanthropies can discuss just how philanthropy has become a key part of major corporations’ business plans.

Meryl Streep, Jessica Biel and Patti LaBelle are just some of the other top stars ready to dish about life in Tinseltown. On the other side of the lights, industry executives like Ron Meyer, president and COO of Universal Studios, Richard Lovett, president, Creative Artists Agency; and Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons can take you behind the scenes to learn what it’s really like to run a Hollywood dream factory.

Peter A. Magowan, president and managing general partner, San Francisco Giants; Jim Sinegal, president and CEO Costco Wholesale Corporation; and philanthropist Mike Milken round out Lunch With A Leader’s top level business talent.

Here is a small list of the participating celebrities in this auction.

Abdul Duke Fakir
Ben Owen III
Catherine Bell
Charlie Shanian
Emily Procter
Idris Elba
J.J. Abrams
Jenna Elfman
Scott Riggs
Shaun Alexander

Jennifer Berry
Jeremy Butler
Jessica Jacobs
Mario Marisol Nichols
Nancy Cartwright
Patti LaBelle
Pete Chatmon
Sofia Milos
Suzzanne Douglas
Bob Schieffer

Dan Glickman
Karen King
Mellody Hobson
Richard Lovett
Antonio Pierce
Baltimore Ravens Experience
Derrick Hall
Grady Little
Ken Wisenhunt
Richard Petty

In addition to these business stars, future Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken, Jr., Oscar winner Meryl Streep, and journalistic icon Hugh Downs have joined dozens of other leaders to support Communities In Schools.

Now in its fifth year, Lunch With A Leader has attracted more than 300 celebrity leaders who, through their participation, directly impact the lives of young people at risk of dropping out. Communities In Schools’ one percent expense ratio ensures that proceeds from the online auction will go directly towards helping kids stay in school and prepare for life. For more information visit Lunch with a Leader Celebrity Auctions.

Sothebys Auction The Ball

THE BLACK AND WHITE BALL
Sotheby’s Auction May 1, 2008 = Starting at $60,000

Sotheby’s Auctions - the masters of auction since 1744, has put yet another fascinating piece of work for public sale. The BLACK AND WHITE BALL painting, which is the world famous artwork of the Scottish painter Jack Vettriano has been put on auction.

Jack took painting as his hobby when he was in his twenties. However, Jack decided to exhibit his artistic talent after 14 years of continuous hard work and patience. Though his critics call his work as vulgar and also condemn it saying that it lacks required artistic imagination, yet Jack remains one of the most successful commercial painters in the world. He has successfully exhibited his art work in various countries across the globe including London, Edinburgh, Hong Kong, New York, and Johannesburg. He is mostly fond of creating artwork based on romantic and nude themes.

The Black and White is another fascinating work piece created by Jack Vettriano in the year 1996, which is signed by the painter himself on left side of the painting. Measuring 51 by 61cm, the painting conveys an artistic blend of beauty and vitality. Jack Vettriano’s paintings are famous for creating record breaking sales. The Scottish painter has also earned personal appreciation through the Queen’s Honours list. His famous painting the Singing Butler was sold at Sotheby’s for around £750,000 whereas another painting was sold at whopping £500,000, again at Sotherby’s.

Auction - ANDY WARHOL MOONWALK

ANDY WARHOL MOONWALK
Sotherby’s Auction May 2, 2008 = Starting at $100,000

Sotherby’s Auctions has announced the public sale of world-famous ANDY WARHOL MOONWALK Screenprints on Lenox Museum Board. Andy Warhol earned worldwide recognition for creating extraordinary work of art through the use of silkscreen as a fine art medium. All of his products look truly fascinating and unique including Andy Warhol Moonwalk Screenprints.

Printed in the year 1987, the year of his death, his final portfolio of two screenprints is available in the size 38’x38’. This famous screenprint that includes printed signature of the executor of The Estate of Andy Warhol, is numbered in lower-right portion of the print. Published by Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, Inc., New York, these screen prints are stamped for authenticity.

Warhol has created nearly 1,100 works of art along with complete documentation for each of the portfolio. He has specifically created 650 unique edition prints, unpublished prints, and trial proof edition prints for personal projects on commission.

It is said that Andy Warhol could create far better works than most of his contemporaries. He has also created remarkable prints for Coca-Cola bottles, Alabama, and race riots in Birmingham. If you believe Arthur C. Danto’s essay, Warhol has been blessed with “the tremendous gift of understanding, which were the defining myths of a generation“.

Money Clip Dolan & Bullock

Money Clip – Dolan & Bullock Limited Edition - $1,625.00

Limited Edition Money Clip by Dolan & Bullock. Celebrate the fusion of great design, fine workmanship and the dark, glowing beauty of black diamonds with the purchase of the exquisite 90th Anniversary. The mere sight of this extravagant money clip brings to mind thoughts of champagne, red carpets and the elegance of black tie affairs. A perfect gift for the man who has everything, carrying this special money clip makes a bold statement.

The unique design of this elegant money clip features a face of brushed stainless steel overlaid with a lattice of crossing lines. Filling the lines are .72 ctw black diamonds, offering that rare display of dark interior fire that only black diamonds possess. With its overall size of 2 by ¾ inches and its exclusive and upscale design, the 90th Anniversary Limited Edition Money Clip is a first class blending of utility and pricey fashion.

Dolan & Bullock are famous for creating jewelry for the discerning gentleman. One of the most respected names in men’s precious jewelry; they have been producing products featuring the best in innovative styling and superior craftsmanship for 90 years. This experience and dedication to quality is evident in the Limited Edition Money Clip, a select and valuable piece of men’s jewelry. The finest materials combined with quality workmanship merge to make this deluxe money clip a world class example of men’s precious jewelry.

This luxurious money clip will be valued as a collectible, envied by your peers and coveted by your descendants. The simple elegance of brushed stainless steel and the dark appeal of black diamonds will ensure that the 90th Anniversary Limited Edition Money Clip will take its place as an heirloom in your household. Make your own statement with the purchase of this one of a kind and perfectly designed, money clip.

Iittala Fireplace

Iittala fireplace = $1,300

Winter brings the pleasure of celebrating Christmas holidays with your loved ones, skiing in the snow and so much fun. But unfortunately winter also brings with it freezing temperatures and windy evenings. One is mostly stuck indoors and this is the reason why the famous Finnish designer Ilkka Suppanen who is also an expert for the company’s glassware presents you the very elegant looking fireplace. If you are doubtful about its warmth by looking at its sleek and polished look then try it out for yourself.

This fireplace is perfect for a small apartment where space is the major criteria. No hassles of buying wood as this sizzling fire require only ethanol. The designer of this supreme quality fireplace has taken full care of your safety while designing it. The unruly flames of this device are controlled by the durable and fireproof glass which covers the entire fireplace. Now if you are wondering that which part gives you the heat then your puzzle is solved as the warmth is provided by the polished and chic steel body. Either alone or with a crowd Iittala fireplace makes your every evening memorable and all this for a small price of $1,300 (929 euros).

Most Expensive Guitar and Amp

Most Expensive Guitar and Combo Amp - George Fullerton 50t = $7,000

The Most Expensive Guitar and Combo Amp is from The Fender Custom Shop which is honored to say "welcome home" to George Fullerton, who is once again back at work on the electric guitar he helped bring to life more than 50 years ago. The modern Fender family couldn’t possibly be more thrilled.

The resulting Limited Edition George Fullerton 50th Anniversary Stratocaster is beautifully master-built with a two-color sunburst lacquer finish on its three-piece blade-cut alder body. The one-piece ‘57-style soft V-shaped maple neck has a lacquer finish and 7.25"-radius maple fingerboard. Other features include ’50s-style pickups hand wound by Abigail Ybarra and a three-position pickup selector switch, mounted on a single-ply white pickguard, plus vintage hardware, a commemorative neck plate and a certificate of authenticity signed by George Fullerton himself.

The Fender guitar’s partner is the Relic Tweed Pro Junior amp, which evokes the revered ’50s era of small Fender tube amps such as the Champ, Princeton and Harvard. The 15-watt, single-channel Relic Tweed Pro Junior features a single 10" speaker, vintage pointer knobs and period-correct vintage-style tweed covering.

Fullerton’s return is a memorable occasion for Fender, and it is a distinct honor and a pleasure to offer a Stratocaster guitar bearing his name.

"George Fullerton’s contribution to Fender is immeasurable," said Mike Eldred, Fender Custom Division marketing director. "To have him come home to be part of the Fender family again is an incredible honor for every employee here. For the Fender Custom Shop team to be able to sit down with him and work on these projects together has been like getting an incredible first-hand glimpse into history."

It may be hard to believe that the Stratocaster guitar wasn’t widely perceived as a legendary design phenomenon and cultural icon when it debuted in 1954. In fact, it drew as many quizzical looks as it did accolades, and it took a little while to really take off. Refinements and improvements were made for many months afterward by Fender’s founding fathers men such as Leo Fender, George Fullerton, Freddie Tavares and others. As it turned out then, the landmark year for the nascent landmark guitar the year when the Stratocaster really hit its stride was 1957.

Now, 50 years later, Fender is honored and delighted to welcome George Fullerton, truly one of the fathers of the Stratocaster, back to the Fender family for the release of the Limited Edition George Fullerton 50th Anniversary Stratocaster guitar and amp set. He and the Fender Custom Shop are introducing 150 limited edition sets consisting of a master-built reproduction of a 1957 Stratocaster and Relic Tweed Pro Junior amplifier in a collaboration that evokes Fender’s original spirit of pioneering greatness and devotion to craftsmanship.

As far as young George Fullerton knew back in the late 1940s in Fullerton, Calif., his future and the smart money were in aircraft; specifically, a good job with Lockheed in booming post-war Southern California home of sun, sand, surf, cars and lucrative aircraft contracts from the just-created U.S. Department of Defense. Smart and hard-working, Fullerton could look forward to a bright future though still in school, he already worked part-time for Lockheed, and his keen interest in electronics extended to repairing radios on the side.

Fullerton met local businessman and inventor Clarence "Leo" Fender at one of the outdoor events for which Fender supplied the PA system. Fender had a small radio repair shop on Spadra Ave. where Fullerton, who played guitar, bought records and sheet music. Before long, Fullerton was helping Fender with PA systems at various outdoor events: the two became good friends, and Leo was always pressing his young friend to come work for him at his fledgling guitar company, where Fender built lap steel guitars and small amplifiers. Fullerton resisted, as he wasn’t interested in lap steel guitars and was busy studying anyway.

"You know, it’s a funny thing," Fullerton recalled in 2007, "I never wanted to build guitars. I never intended to. Leo used to beg me to come over there and work for them. And I said, ‘Leo, I don’t want to build that kind of guitar; I’m studying electronics.’"

At Fender’s urging, Fullerton spent a few days at the shop doing some repair work. But when Fullerton once again rebuffed Fender’s offer for a job, Fender revealed his idea for a project that piqued Fullerton’s interest.

"He said, ‘Let’s go get a cup of coffee and talk a little bit,’" Fullerton said. "So we walked down the street to a little caf?, and he told me, ‘I’ve been thinking about trying to design a solid-body electric guitar. Would you be interested in doing some designing on one of those?’ And I said, ‘Absolutely when can we start?’"

George Fullerton reported for work at the Fender Electric Instrument Co. on Feb. 2, 1948. Work on a solid-body Spanish-style electric guitar that would eventually be named the Telecaster was already under way, and Fullerton quickly became Leo Fender’s right-hand man in designing and building it.

"When he designed a solid-body guitar, it really turned me on to them," Fullerton said. "Many nights, Leo and I would be down there ’til two o’clock in the morning still working on designing. My family never did see me in the daytime I was gone all day and gone half the night."
"Leo and I used to go out and sit in these nightclubs, beer joints and smoky rooms to talk to musicians, to listen to what they had to say. We were trying to learn what players really needed for their musical instruments. We listened to them rather than tell them what we were doing we used a lot of what we learned in our designs for the market."

Fullerton was a key collaborator with Leo Fender throughout the late 1940s and 1950s, playing a pivotal role in the design and manufacture of other revolutionary Fender instruments and amplifiers that went on to change the world. These included the follow-up to the Telecaster a three-pickup, double-cutaway guitar with a vibrato and a comfortably contoured body called the Stratocaster, introduced in 1954 and refined to near perfection by 1957.

The Stratocaster was a radical departure that was destined for greatness not only as a musical icon, but also as a cultural one. Players in subsequent eras the 1960s, in particular used the Stratocaster to chart previously unexplored musical territory in ways Leo Fender and George Fullerton never imagined. From Buddy Holly to Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton to Stevie Ray Vaughan to name only a few, more popular music over the last 50 years was made and played on the Stratocaster than any other electric instrument. Fullerton wasn’t thinking about any of this back then, of course: he simply wanted to help Leo Fender build a really good guitar.

"It turned out to be a good thing," Fullerton said modestly in 2007. "I look back over it and I can hardly believe it did happen. The results show up all around the world today."

Fender George Fullerton 50th Anniversary 1957 Stratocaster Electric Guitar and Pro Junior Amp Features:

* 50th Anniversary 1957 Stratocaster,
* 2-color Sunburst w/lacquer finish
* Alder body, 3-piece blade cut
* Vintage hardware
* ‘57-style soft "V" neck shape
* 7.25" fingerboard radius
* One-piece maple neck w/ lacquer finish
* Abby hand-wound ’50s pickups
* 1-ply white pickguard
* 3-way pickup switch
* Commemorative neck plate
* Includes certificate signed by George Fullerton
* Master-built

Relic Tweed Pro Junior Amp,
* 15W
* 1×10" speaker
* Vintage pointer knobs
* Vintage-style tweed covering

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a Strat by one of it’s original designers.

Shaquille O”Neal Watch

Shaquille O”Neal Watch at $89,000.00

Shaquille O”Neal Watch Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore, is elegantly designed for the basketball addicts. These limited edition wrist watches, just 96 pieces, are uniquely designed to offer an impression of the basketball legend Shaquille O”Neal.

The elegant black dial with scintillating white and red Arabic numerals "2" and "3" set with rubies and reversed in order, representing Shaquille O”Neal’s jersey numbers at Miami Heat. The white and red are essentially Miami Heat colors. The dark dial provides an excellent backdrop for the white Superluminova-coated hour and minute hands, and 12-hour counters, the 30-minute, and small second’s chronograph hands.

Equally fascinating is the black leather strap bedazzled with diamond. It features luxury at its best. Designed to compliment any designer dress, Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Shaquille O”Neal Watch defines a new genre of style.

The watch is encased in full-size 18kt white gold case with a diameter of 47mm, and "SHAQ" engraved on the caseback. It is a fine piece of craft embellished with the signature features of Royal Oak Offshore collection – sure to be admired by every watch collector. These #3126 caliber wrist watches are capable of self-winding with mechanical movement. Moreover, the watches are water resistant up to a depth of 50 meters.

Ball Watch brands are believed to be the most accurate mechanical watches in the world. Being a Ball Watch, the Shaquille O”Neal Watch incorporates the patented Ball-engineered self-powered micro gas light technology that allows the watch to be lighted up more than 25 years.

Audemars Piguet’s wondrous timepieces reflect the immaculate engineering effort to venerate the Shaquille O”Neal. This sophisticated timepiece is available just at $89,000. Obviously, the impression of the virtuous basketball player can only be realized by wearing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Shaquille O”Neal Watch.

Most Expensive Remote Control

Most Expensive Remote Control in the World, Bang & Olufsen = $55,000

Most Expensive Remote Control in the World. Customization or personalization of every gadgets and gizmos is the demand of the day. In the world of entertainment gold finished electronic devices are becoming a fashion statement. The Elite class always falls for things that give them a larger than life satisfaction.

Such excitement is given to them by the Bang & Olufsen Beo 4 remote control. This mind-blowing doohickey is nothing less than a piece of art. Though the features of such an intricate device is the same as of any regular remote control but then who cares about the features, looks are what matters in this world of glamour and glitter.

The color of the remote control which gives it the unique look is given by Goldstriker which has done a mind blowing job of embellishing it with 24 carat pure gold. The gleaming rectangle appliance has a mirror finish. Just a lucky few will have the privilege of owning the luxurious remote control as the stock is limited to 250 only. So hurry for your very own golden B&O remote.

The peanut sized price of this remote is $1000. This price is definitely nothing as compared to the world’s most expensive remote made in pure gold which had huge price tag of $55,000

Bonhams Auctions - Dubai Auction

Bonhams Auctions Arab, Iranian and Indian Art - Jewelry

Bonhams Auctions Auctioneers, the international fine art auction house established in the UK since 1793, will hold its first Middle East auction sale in Dubai at the One & Only, Royal Mirage Hotel on 3rd and 4th March 2008.

The auction will feature works from some of the biggest names in modern and contemporary Arab, Iranian and Indian art – fine jewellery and watches will also be included in the sale.

Viewings will be open to the public on Friday 29th February (2-10pm), Saturday 1st March (12-5pm) and Sunday 2nd March (2-10pm).

The Bonhams Art auction will be held at 7pm on Monday 3rd March and the Jewellery auction will be on Tuesday 4th March 2008 at 7pm.

You can bid in many ways: in person, via absentee bid, or over the phone. Absentee bids can be submitted in person, online, via fax or email.

auctions are free and open to the general public. If you would like to bid, you will be asked to fill out a registration form (details including name, photo ID & address will be collected) and you will be given a bidder paddle. If you are planning to bid at auction for the first time, you will need to provide bank or credit card information to register for our auctions.

There will be hundreds of unique items being offered. One item would be Rajasthani Girls oil on canvas, signed and dated 1963 upper right, label on the reverse with the title, the price of Rs 850, and the date 5-12-1963, and further inscribed on the canvas Artist Mrs B Prabha, framed 75 x 105.5 cm. Estimate: $30,000 - 40,000, Dh110,000 - 150,000

For the complete list of art lots for the Dubai Auction visit to Bonhams Auctions.