Simon de Pury Documentary 'The Hammer' Celebrates 'Mick Jagger of Auctions'
A new documentary is putting the spotlight on star auctioneer Simon de Pury, who Variety reports has long been known as the "Mick Jagger of auctions."
The film, titled "The Hammer," is directed by Simon Wallon and is set to have its world premiere at the Zurich Film Festival. Wallon told Variety he was drawn to de Pury's "magnetism, knowledge of art and larger-than-life personality," as well as his exuberant auctioneering style.
De Pury, a former Sotheby's chairman, doesn't mind the rock star comparison. He recalled that writer Bob Colacello first introduced him that way decades ago, and other nicknames like "Leonard Bernstein of the auction world" were floated. "As an unconditional admirer of the Rolling Stones, I have, of course, done nothing to dissuade anyone from saying it," de Pury said.
Despite his flashy reputation, de Pury admits to extreme stage fright before every auction. He told Variety that an auctioneer's responsibility is to secure the highest possible price, with major sales potentially deciding a significant part of a house's yearly revenue or a charity's annual budget.
The documentary, per Variety, delves into his past and notable auctions, including one in Moscow described by Wallon as feeling "like a historical event where communism and capitalism collided." Artists including Jeff Koons, Marina Abramović, Chloe Wise, and Lou Zhenggang appear in the film to praise him.
Wallon said de Pury's ability to maintain a sense of wonder is key to his energy. "He genuinely marvels at the things he sees," the director noted.
