Hospices de Beaune sign with Christie’s until 2010

The directors of the annual Hospices de Beaune auction have signed a deal with Christie’s for the auction house to continue running its sales until 2010.

Christie’s took over the running of the 146 year-old auction in 2005 with sales then, and in 2006, topping the €5m mark. Apart from a spike in sales in 2003, overall auction prices had been falling since 2000.

The auction, which is generally considered a good indicator of expected Burgundy prices, will be held this year on 18 November.

Christie’s says it aims to expand its international promotion of the auction and will introduce a new online bidding system.

Written by Oliver Styles