Sotheby's Talks

Lucio Fontana and the Art of Space

In this episode, Curatorial and Collections Director at the National Portrait Gallery Flavia Frigeri is joined by Sotheby’s Chairman of Contemporary Art, Europe, Claudia Dwek, and International Specialist of Contemporary Art, Lisa Stevenson. Their discussion traces Fontana’s radical interrogation of space and his influence in the 1960s across Europe through German gallerists, museums and beyond. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in March 2026. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit Sothebys.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

How Do Objects Achieve Iconic Status, with Grayson Perry and Xa Sturgis

In this episode, we ask the question: How do objects achieve iconic status? Taking inspiration from the book Icons: 100 Extraordinary Objects from Sotheby’s History, published by Phaidon, the discussion explores how a work of art can transform beyond its material form to become a universal cultural image – instantly recognisable, endlessly reproduced, and symbolically charged. Joining the discussion are artist Sir Grayson Perry; Xa Sturgis, Director of the Ashmolean Museum; and Helena Newman, Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe and Chairman of Impressionist & Modern Art Worldwide. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in February 2026.  And, to step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit Sothebys.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [podcastchoices.com/adchoices%20] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

British Studio Ceramics: Legacy and Present

In this episode, which was originally recorded as a live event to celebrate the sale of the Sydney Denton: A Life Through Ceramics collection, Sotheby’s specialist Tamsin Golding Yee was joined by actor, art historian and collector Russell Tovey; Hepworth Wakefield curator Abi Shapiro and potter Florian Gadsby to discuss the recent rise in ceramics sales, publications and exhibitions, the challenges and future of ceramics, as well as own their personal journeys with making and collecting. The Sydney Denton collection comprised of over 200 ceramics created by both modern and contemporary makers. The sale broke existing auction records and involved many artists’ auction debuts. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in June 2025. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit sothebys.com [sothebys.com]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Art and Philanthropy: Purposeful Collecting, with Batia Ofer

Join Oliver Barker for a conversation with Batia Ofer, renowned art collector, philanthropist, Chair of the Royal Academy Trust and founder of Art of Wishes, an initiative that raises funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation through contemporary art. The episode explores Batia’s personal journey from collecting art to championing philanthropy, the impact of her work on supporting emerging artists and institutions, and the vital role art plays in society, community engagement and education. Cover image credit: Jonathan Glynn Smith This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s Collectors’ Week in Abu Dhabi in December 2025. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit sothebys.com [http://sothebys.com]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Pirelli: From Race to Road and Beyond

Join us for a wide-ranging conversation with senior leaders from Pirelli as they explore the intersection of motorsport, innovation and design. Featuring Mario Isola, Pirelli Motorsport Director, Anthony Johansen, Global Product Training Manager, and Marco Maria Tronchetti Provera, SVP Pirelli Design & Assets Conversion, this episode delves into how performance at the highest level of racing informs road-going products, the role of technology and data in tyre development, and how design, heritage and sustainability shape Pirelli’s future. Together, they offer a behind-the-scenes perspective on what it takes to balance cutting-edge engineering with brand, culture and long-term vision. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s Collectors’ Week in Abu Dhabi in December 2025. To step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit ⁠sothebys.com⁠ [http://sothebys.com].  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]