Case Studies

Case Study: “Art Without Boundaries” — The Abrams Family Collection at Sotheby’s

In September 2024, Sotheby’s presented Art Without Boundaries: The Abrams Family Collection. Legacy Art Partners was engaged by the Abrams family to oversee the full consignment, advisory, and marketing process, ensuring that the sale honored both financial and curatorial ambitions.

Our Role & Strategy

  • Auction House Process & Comparative Bidding
    LAP led a competitive process by soliciting proposals from top auction houses, comparing estimates, marketing strategies, guarantee structures, and reputational fit. Our negotiation secured favorable terms and risk mitigation for the family.

  • Narrative & Editorial Guidance
    LAP worked closely with Sotheby’s to ensure the catalog and press pieces were well-crafted and strategically positioned. We advised on the thematic structure, copy direction, imagery selection, and press angles to amplify the collection’s character and significance.

  • Marketing, Press & Visibility
    LAP supervised the review and approval of catalog copy, press materials, and media rollouts, ensuring consistency with the family’s vision. We advocated for storytelling hooks (e.g. artist relationships, family collecting philosophy) that would attract interest beyond traditional bidders.

  • Logistics, Tour & Installation
    LAP managed the financial, logistical, and contractual aspects of shipping and touring works to previews, institutions, and galleries, coordinating with Sotheby’s and third parties to meet deadlines and maintain condition integrity.

  • Sale Execution & Oversight
    We supported preselections, preview events, installation, and bidder outreach. We monitored presale interest and assisted in strategic decisions during the sale, always safeguarding contractual promises, guarantees, and client interests.

Results & Impact

Results & Impact

The Abrams Family Collection

  • Achieved $13.1M, near the top of its presale estimate ($10–14.1M)

  • 96% sell-through rate; nearly half of works sold above high estimates

  • 98% of sale total from fresh-to-market works; 90% made their auction debut

  • Bidders from 19+ countries, reflecting strong global demand

Contemporary Curated (Including Abrams Works)

  • Totaled $20.5M (est. $17–25M) with an 84% sell-through rate

  • One-third of works sold above high estimates; participation from 36+ countries.

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