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The Miami Art Journal

The Artists

U.K. Auction Data Standardization Set for 2031

The Editors ·

U.K. Auction Data Standardization Set for 2031

New industry regulations and gallery expansions shape global art market updates.

The United Kingdom is preparing to standardize auction data under the Standard Industrial Classification code, a move scheduled to take effect in 2031. This regulatory shift aims to provide quantitative evidence regarding the sector’s contributions to the national economy. The change represents a structural adjustment to how auction results and market activities are recorded and reported within the country.

In the realm of high-value collecting, the estate of Peter Simon, founder of the Monsoon clothing stores, is preparing for a significant sale at Christie’s London. The collection, comprising roughly 200 pieces, is estimated to fetch between £87 million and £127 million. If realized, this could become the highest-value single-owner sale in the auction house’s history. The lot includes works by Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol, Piet Mondrian, and Joan Miró.

Bonhams has introduced a new model for the United States market called “the Dean’s Choice.” This program allows consignors to voluntarily direct a portion of resale profits to the artist. The auction house will match the chosen percentage from its buyer’s premium. This initiative alters the traditional flow of proceeds in secondary market transactions by incorporating a voluntary charitable or direct-to-artist component.

The auction industry is also seeing leadership changes and international expansion. Julien’s Auctions has appointed Ken Citron, former chief of Fine Art Group, as CEO. His role will involve spearpling plans for international expansion. Heritage Auctions has named Whitney Maxwell as chief marketing officer. In Africa, Strauss & Co reported a 28 percent rise in international bidding during the first half of 2026. To build on this growth, the auction house appointed Erika Wiese-Dippenaar as its international representative in London.

Gallery fairs and exhibitions are continuing their global circuit. Post-Fair is holding its inaugural Paris edition from October 19 to 24 at 74 and 79 Rue du Temple. The event will feature 35 galleries, including Kerlin from Dublin, Kate MacGarry from London, and Galerie Tschudi of Zurich. Paris Photo returns to the Grand Palais for its 29th edition from November 12 to 15. Of the 246 exhibitors, 80 are newcomers, including Bienvenu Steinberg & Co from New York, Dot Fiftyone from Miami, and Hacklebury from London.

Three Crayons is launching its first multi-city edition, opening at Josh Pazda Hiram Butler Gallery in Houston on October 9. The fair will subsequently travel to Dallas-Fort Worth and Austin. New exhibitors for this edition include Jill Newhouse Gallery and Mireille Mosler Ltd from New York, as well as Jonathan Cooper from London. These events indicate a continued focus on geographic diversification and the introduction of new participants in established fair structures.

Takeaway: The Standard Industrial Classification code for auction data in the U.K. becomes effective in 2031.

Source: Artnet News