France

Yves St Laurent/Pierre Berger art collection on auction block

Article published on the 2009-02-21 Latest update 2009-02-21 15:22 TU

Yves Saint Laurent
(Photo : Reuters)

Hundreds of fashion and art fans have come to the Grand Palais, one of the biggest exhibition halls in the French capital, to view Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berger's art collection before it goes to auction next week in Paris. The auction has led to a debate between Pierre Berger and the Chinese government over the ownership of two bronze sculptures dating from the 17th century.

Beijing says the statues had been stolen during the Opium Wars some 150 years ago. They are believed to be worth between eight and 10 million euros.

Pierre Berger has promised to go ahead with the auction.

"If I had enough money for a new project, I would not have sold ( the collection)," said Berger at the Grand Palais on Friday. Berger, a French impressario, was the partner of the late famed French couture designer Yves St. Laurent, who died last year.

"I would have asked a famous architect to build me a museum... to showcase Yves St. Laurent's works," he said. The total collection includes 5,000 outfits, 150,000 designs and sketches, as well as furniture and paintings.

"I have not asked the French state to help because I think it already is unable to help existing museums," said Berger.

"I don't like to live in the past and be nostalgic," said Berger. "I don't know what could happen to me tomorrow."