The world of photography and its auctions is going to lose its godfather this evening. Philippe Garner is going to retire and leave Christie’s.
Philippe has had an incredible journey: he has grown with this market, almost non-existent before the 70s. He was the artisan, the witness, the auctioneer for most of the legendary sales for 45 years.
I first met Philippe on March 19th, 1974. It was in London at Sotheby’s Belgravia for a charity sale to raise money for Sue Davis’s Photographers’ Gallery. Philippe had the hammer, in the auction room about sixty people of whom one stood out: dressed in black and who made one bid out of every two! The last lot was a vintage piece by Penn: Colette, a 50 x 60cm print. The man in black raised his hand from the beginning and didn’t put it down. The hammer fell: 260 pounds sterling! The crowd burst out laughing “Sucker!” “Clown!” “Joker!” Who’s this buffoon who’s bought a Penn for close to 300 pounds, a world record? The buffoon? It’s Sam Wagstaff. That evening, Philippe would invite us both to dinner: it was the start of a great friendship!
Leon Constantiner, the great collector of Helmut Newton whose sale Philippe organised, was also quick to pay homage with this text:
« I’m sure the retirement of Philippe Garner from the auction world after 46 years is taking everybody by surprise. Is he really retiring and leaving the world of photography or maybe he will continue to contribute to the world of photography by writing, teaching or advising new collectors, photographers, galleries, curating exhibitions….A man like Philippe is not the kind that will deprive us of his knowledge and his very witty sense of humor. Philippe is a true visionary, a wise counselor, leader and most of all a kind human being.
I celebrate the end of an era and the start of his brand new chapter. Dear friend and most respected confidant, I can’t wait to see the new dreams you achieve in “retirement”.
I remembered the song written by Ross Parker and Hughie Charles because I can’t wait to see what’s next from this “True Englishman”.
We’ll meet again
Don’t know where
Don’t know when
But I know we’ll meet again some sunny day
Keep smiling through
Just like you always do
With love, appreciation and gratitude,
Leon Constantiner
