Monday 22 November 2010

19.00

The British Friends of the Art Museums of Israel (BFAMI) held their Gala Dinner and Auction at the Royal Horticultural Society Lawrence Hall. A warm welcome, by the Chairman Wendy Fisher, was extended to the 505 guests including artist Tracey Emin and Tate Gallery Director, Sir Nicholas Serota. She also welcomed BFAMI’s Guest of Honor, artist George Condo, who, during the course of the evening, was ‘in conversation’ with Ralph Rugoff – Director of the Hayward Gallery. The programme also included performance artist Bishi and warm greetings from Prof. Mordechai Omer. The theme for the Gala and Auction was "Changing Landscapes". 60 works, which had all been donated from artists and gallerists worldwide, were up for sale in the silent and live auction. The live auction, which contained 13 lots, was conducted by Francis Outred, Head of Post War and Contemporary Art, Europe at Christie’s. Christie’s, Investec and Marks and Spencer very generously sponsored the evening which was extremely successful, raising a record £888,000, and enjoyed by all who attended.