British auction house Christie’s has said it will bid for £120m worth of jewellery, despite protests from Jewish community groups. writes about it Guard.
Jewish community groups, including the Council of Jewish Institutions in France, the American Jewish Committee, and the Simon Wiesenthal Center, have called for the auction not to take place amid concerns that the collection was purchased with a fortune made by extorting work from Jews. Selling at discounted prices in Nazi Germany.
Heidi Horten inherited billions of dollars from her husband, Helmut Horten, described by Jewish rights groups as an “unscrupulous businessman” who took advantage of the Nazi policy of confiscating or forcing Jewish property to be sold.
Jonathan Harfi, President of the Council of Jewish Institutions in France, said: “This sale is inappropriate on two counts. The funds that made the purchase of this insignia possible did not come in part from the Aryanization of Jewish properties by Nazi Germany, but the sale also aims to finance a foundation whose mission is to preserve the former Nazi’s name for posterity.
Anthea Pierce, president of Christie’s Europe, said the auction house will continue to auction despite growing concerns over the source of the Horten fortune.
Heidi Horten inherited an estimated £2.7 billion after her husband’s death in 1987. She died in June 2022 without leaving an heir.
The auction is expected to cost between £120m and £160m, making it the most expensive jewelery auction in the world.
Formerly socialbites.ca knowledgeableIt has been announced that the jewelery that Princess Diana wore shortly before her death will be auctioned.