10 Questions for Charles Allsopp
Charles, the 6th Baron Hindlip, is TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp’s dad. He rose through the ranks at Christie’s to become its chairman, and along the way he was the auctioneer of Princess Diana’s clothes, Marilyn Monroe’s white dress and Donald Trump’s household art. His autobiography, An Auctioneer’s Lot, is on sale now.
WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST PRESSURE YOU’VE FELT?
Auctioning Van Gogh’s Sunflowers painting. The reserve price was £12m, 50% higher than any painting ever. I got £22.5m for it.
DID YOU GET COMMISSION?
Ha ha. No! The company did, but not me personally. However, we did give all of the Christie’s staff a bonus.
HOW DID YOU GET ON WITH PRINCESS DIANA?
I liked her even though selling people’s old clothes is my least favourite thing. After the auction we arranged to meet in London but she died and we never met again.
WAS AUCTIONING HER DRESSES NERVE-RACKING?
Yes. Immensely. I felt I had to do my very best because the eyes of the world were on that auction. In the end it was a struggle for me, though, because I must say there wasn’t feverish interest in every one of the dresses.
ARE YOU ACTIVE IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS?
I used to be but there was an election to select which hereditary peers got to stay. I lost out by a couple of votes. It was probably my views on Europe that did for me.
HAS BEING A LORD MADE LIFE EASIER?
No. I established myself as chairman of Christie’s under my old name before inheriting the title. I was quite happy as I was. Now I’m only famous as Kirstie Allsopp’s father!
WHAT TRICKS DO AUCTIONEERS GET UP TO?
I remember Peter Wilson, Sotheby’s chairman, took two bidders to dinner, mentioned the name of a certain lady they knew, and watched them fall out. He’d set one against the other so they’d battle to outbid each other and drive the price up. It worked.
PRESIDENT TRUMP EMPLOYED YOU. DID YOU LIKE HIM?
Gosh that’s a tough question as I’d quite like to get back into America again! I guess I thought he was fine.
HOW DO YOU LOOK BACK ON YOUR LIFE?
It was OK. I didn’t make much money but I’ve been very lucky to have had a job that I really enjoyed. I realise that’s a luxury and I can
truthfully say it was fun.
YOU HAVE 24 HOURS TO LIVE. HOW DO
YOU SPEND THE TIME?
I think I’d take a leaf out of Sydney Smith’s book and eat foie gras in the bath to the sound of trumpets. But I’d like someone else in the bath with me.