The Collection of Doris Lockhart Saatchi

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Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Lockhart studied art and art history at the Sorbonne and Smith College before working in advertising in New York and London. She met Charles Saatchi in 1967; together they built an influential collection of American Pop and Minimalist art and helped transform London’s contemporary art scene. Their collection eventually led to the Saatchi Gallery, but Lockhart’s own role as a tastemaker was often overshadowed by her former husband’s.

^{71 Eaton Square}

In fact, her influence on the YBA generation was crucial. Artists Langlands & Bell recalled that she was “well ahead of her erstwhile husband in recognising the talent of many of those who were soon to be known as the YBAs”.

^{Charles Eames (American, 1907-1978) and Ray Eames (American, 1912-1988) for Herman Miller, a screen (£1,000-1,500) and Francesco Binfare (Italian, b.1939) for Edra, a pair of 'On the Rocks' sofas (£1,500-2,500) – to be sold in our 27 October Design sale.}

She visited emerging galleries, often discovering artists independently of him, and supported Damien Hirst financially when he needed funds to create The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living, helping make one of the defining works of the YBA era possible.

^{Left: ▲ Michael Craig-Martin (Irish, b.1941), Untitled (£600-800), Middle: ▲ Gavin Turk (British, b.1967), 'Self Portrait with Skull' (£1,500-2,000), Right: ▲ John Latham (British, 1921-2006), 'Noit (One Second Drawing)', 1971 (£3,000-5,000) – to be sold in our 24 November Tastemakers sale.}

After their divorce, Lockhart continued to champion artists, particularly women and those whose work explored overlooked or difficult subjects. Her homes became exhibition spaces, and she curated shows featuring artists including Lisa Yuskavage and Louise Bourgeois. Later, she turned increasingly towards architecture, collecting drawings and models, contributing to Blueprint, serving on the Architectural Association council, and advising on the Millennium Dome.

^{▲ Zaha Hadid (Iraqi-British, 1950-2016), 'Galaxy Soho I- Beijing, China' (£800-1,200) – to be sold in our 24 November Tastemakers sale.}

Quietly influential, intellectually curious and fiercely individual, Lockhart was far more than a collector: she was a discerning tastemaker, an early supporter of important artists and a committed patron of the arts and architecture.

^{Florence Knoll, a walnut credenza (£300-500) – to be sold in our 27 October Design sale.}

The Doris Lockhart Saatchi collection will be offered in our autumn Design, Tastemakers: Modern and Contemporary Art & Design, and Open House auctions.

^{Fornasetti, a set of eight coasters (£250-350) – to be sold in our 27 October Design sale.}

For any questions, please contact:

brynsayles@sworder.co.uk | matthewyeats@sworder.co.uk