A Collector’s Life in Color and Whimsy
Behind an unassuming door near London’s Hyde Park lies a world where art and imagination collide. Pauline Karpidas, now in her 80s, has spent decades crafting a home that’s less a residence and more a living masterpiece. Her eclectic London apartment, filled with Surrealist treasures and bold design, is a testament to a life dedicated to art, beauty, and connection. As her £60 million collection heads to auction at Sotheby’s this September, the world gets a rare glimpse into the home of a woman often called the last of the art world’s “grande dames.”
The Making of a Grande Dame
From Manchester to a Global Stage
Pauline Karpidas wasn’t born into the art world’s elite. Raised in a modest, working-class home in Manchester, she trained as a secretary before moving to Athens in the 1960s. There, she opened a boutique called My Fair Lady, a nod to transformation that would define her life. It was in Athens that she met her late husband, Constantine “Dinos” Karpidas, a Greek shipping magnate whose passion for 19th-century art sparked her own journey into collecting.
A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything
In 1974, Pauline’s life took a pivotal turn when she met Alexander Iolas, a legendary gallerist who had championed Surrealists like René Magritte and introduced Andy Warhol to Europe. Though retired, Iolas was persuaded by Pauline’s charm to guide her into the world of art collecting. His mentorship ignited her love for Surrealism, a movement that would shape her aesthetic and define her legacy.
The London Home: A Canvas of Surrealism
A Space Where Art Breathes
Pauline’s London home, designed with the help of interior designers Jacques Grange and Francis Sultana, is a vibrant tapestry of color, texture, and imagination. Animal prints carpet the floors, while paintings by Picasso, Magritte, and Warhol hang three-high on the walls. Every corner tells a story, from a copper bed shaped like twigs by Claude Lalanne to a rhinoceros sculpture by François-Xavier Lalanne in the dining room.
The Heart of the Collection: Surrealist Masterpieces
The core of Pauline’s collection lies in its Surrealist works, a passion sparked by Iolas. Her home houses masterpieces by René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, Yves Tanguy, and Max Ernst, many acquired directly from artists’ estates or prominent collectors like André Breton. These pieces, unseen by the public for decades, are now set to fetch £60 million at auction, marking the most valuable single-owner sale in Sotheby’s Europe history.
A Fusion of Art and Design
Pauline’s vision extended beyond paintings to bespoke furniture that blurs the line between art and utility. Her home features:
- Claude Lalanne’s Bronze Bed: A sculptural masterpiece of copper twigs and leaves, estimated at £200,000–£300,000.
- François-Xavier Lalanne’s Aux Canards Table: A whimsical kitchen table valued at $794,650–$1.05 million.
- Mattia Bonetti’s Bookcase: A unique creation that anchored her drawing room, blending function with surreal flair.
These pieces, commissioned directly from artists she knew personally, reflect her belief that art should be lived with, not just admired.
A Patron of Artists and Ideas
Building Bonds with Creative Minds
Pauline didn’t just collect art; she built relationships with artists. Her friendships with figures like Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, and Tracey Emin were legendary. She frequented Warhol’s Factory parties in New York and hosted artists at her Hydra workshops in Greece, where creatives like Emin and Hirst would “sunbathe, gossip, and swim” while surrounded by art. Her patronage extended to institutions like the Tate and the New Museum, cementing her role as a cultural force.
The Hydra Workshops: A Creative Haven
For decades, Pauline’s summer home in Hydra was a hotspot for artists. Her workshops fostered a relaxed environment where creativity thrived. In 2023, Sotheby’s Paris auctioned the contents of this home for €35.6 million, doubling expectations and showcasing her knack for spotting talent early. The upcoming London sale continues this legacy, dispersing her collection to new custodians.
The Auction: A Historic Moment
Why Now?
At 81, Pauline sees herself as a “temporary custodian” of her collection. “It feels like the right moment for the pieces that make up my London home to find their next generation of custodians,” she said in a statement. While she plans to continue living among art, this auction marks a shift, allowing her treasures to inspire new owners. The timing also aligns with a surging market for Surrealist works, making September 2025 an ideal moment for the sale.
Headline Lots to Watch
The Sotheby’s auction, set for September 17–19, 2025, features 250 lots, with standout pieces including:
- René Magritte’s La Statue volante (1940–41): Estimated at £9–12 million, this painting is the sale’s centerpiece, acquired directly from Iolas.
- Andy Warhol’s Art from Art Series: Two works inspired by Edvard Munch, valued at £1.5–£3 million, reflect Pauline’s connection to the Pop Art icon.
- Salvador Dalí’s Pencil Drawing of Gala: A personal piece from the artist’s wife, estimated at £150,000.
- Claude Lalanne’s Butterfly Chandelier: A 2012 creation valued at $198,000–$265,000, embodying Pauline’s love for whimsical design.
A public exhibition from September 8 will offer a rare chance to see these works before they scatter to private collections.
Comparison: Karpidas vs. Other Grande Dames
| Collector | Era | Key Focus | Legacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pauline Karpidas | 1970s–Present | Surrealism, Contemporary Art | Private collection, patronage of living artists |
| Peggy Guggenheim | 1930s–1970s | Modern Art, Surrealism | Guggenheim Museum, public access |
| Dominique de Menil | 1940s–1990s | Modern Art, Human Rights | Menil Collection, public institution |
Unlike Guggenheim and de Menil, whose collections became public institutions, Pauline’s works will disperse through the art market, a choice that reflects her private, personal approach to collecting.
The Design That Defined a Home
Jacques Grange’s Bold Vision
French designer Jacques Grange transformed Pauline’s London apartment into a “gesamtkunstwerk”—a total work of art. His use of animal prints, vibrant colors, and eclectic furniture created a space where every element felt alive. “There was a sense of complicity between us, marked by complete freedom,” Grange said, describing their collaboration. The result was a home that felt like an extension of Pauline’s personality.
Francis Sultana’s Personal Touch
Interior designer Francis Sultana, who worked closely with Pauline, called her an artist in her own right. “She is like Peggy Guggenheim, consumed by a deep devotion for art,” he said. His contributions, like a bespoke Mattia Bonetti bookcase, added layers of eccentricity to the space, making it a haven for creativity.
Pros and Cons of Pauline’s Design Approach
Pros:
- Unique Aesthetic: Her blend of Surrealist art and bespoke furniture created a one-of-a-kind environment.
- Personal Connection: Commissions from artist friends made the space deeply personal.
- Cultural Impact: Her home inspired artists and designers, influencing trends in eclectic decor.
Cons:
- Overwhelming for Some: The bold colors and dense arrangement could feel chaotic to minimalist tastes.
- High Maintenance: Sculptural furniture like Lalanne’s pieces requires careful upkeep.
- Limited Accessibility: Unlike public collections, her home was a private sanctuary, seen by few.
A Life Lived in Art
The Woman Behind the Collection
Pauline’s larger-than-life presence—often seen in striking hats with a cigarette in hand—made her a magnetic figure. Artist Urs Fischer, who met her over 20 years ago, recalled her as “always at the center of a place.” Her multi-page handwritten letters and grand storytelling added to her mystique, making her as much a work of art as the pieces she collected.
A Surrealist Mindset
“Pauline thinks like a Surrealist,” said Sotheby’s Oliver Barker. Her whimsical approach to life and art is evident in her home’s playful details—think chair arms shaped like golden swans or a coffee table topped with a copper cabbage on chicken legs. This mindset, nurtured by Iolas, allowed her to see art not just as objects but as a way of living.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Who is Pauline Karpidas?
Pauline Karpidas is a British art collector and patron, known for her Surrealist and postwar art collection. Born in Manchester, she rose from modest beginnings to become a key figure in the art world, often compared to Peggy Guggenheim. Her London home, filled with works by Magritte, Warhol, and others, is now being auctioned for £60 million.
What is in Pauline Karpidas’ collection?
Her collection includes 250 artworks and design pieces, with highlights like René Magritte’s La Statue volante (£9–12 million), Andy Warhol’s Munch-inspired works, and Claude Lalanne’s sculptural furniture. The collection, rooted in Surrealism, also features pieces by Dalí, Picasso, and Tanning, many acquired from prominent estates.
Why is her collection being auctioned?
Pauline sees herself as a temporary custodian and believes now is the right time to pass her collection to new owners. The auction, set for September 2025, aligns with a strong market for Surrealist art and follows her successful 2023 Hydra sale. She plans to continue collecting and supporting artists.
Where can I see her collection?
The collection will be on public view at Sotheby’s New Bond Street galleries from September 8–17, 2025. The exhibition recreates Pauline’s London home, offering a rare chance to see works off the market for decades. Online viewing is also available at sothebys.com/Karpidas.
FAQ Section
How did Pauline Karpidas start collecting art?
Pauline began collecting through her husband, Constantine “Dinos” Karpidas, who introduced her to 19th-century art. Her passion for Surrealism developed after meeting gallerist Alexander Iolas in 1974, who mentored her and shaped her focus on 20th-century masterpieces.
What makes her collection unique?
Her collection stands out for its depth in Surrealism, with works from artists’ estates and prominent collectors. The integration of bespoke furniture by Les Lalanne and others, designed specifically for her, creates a cohesive, personal aesthetic unmatched in other collections.
How can I bid on the auction?
Bidding is available through Sotheby’s evening auction on September 17, day auction on September 18, and online auction from September 8–19, 2025. Register at Sotheby’s for in-person or online bidding.
What are the best tools for art collectors?
For aspiring collectors, tools like the Artnet Price Database offer auction data, while platforms like Artsy connect buyers with galleries. Apps like Magnus provide real-time art pricing, and Sotheby’s online catalogs offer insights into upcoming sales.
Will her collection remain intact?
Unlike Guggenheim’s or de Menil’s collections, which became public institutions, Pauline’s works will disperse to private buyers through Sotheby’s. This reflects her personal approach, though it means her collection won’t remain a single entity.
A Legacy That Endures
Pauline Karpidas’ London home is more than a collection—it’s a reflection of a life lived boldly, surrounded by beauty and creativity. As her treasures head to auction, they carry the stories of friendships, mentorships, and a relentless passion for art. While her collection may scatter, her influence as a patron and visionary will linger, inspiring the next generation to see the world through a Surrealist lens. For those eager to own a piece of her legacy, Sotheby’s offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For the rest of us, her story reminds us that art isn’t just collected—it’s lived.
