Press release -
More Than 150 Works from Leading Danish Art Collector Ole Faarup to Go Under the Hammer
Soon, collectors and art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to acquire contemporary works from one of Denmark’s most influential private collectors. More than 150 works from the extensive private collection of Ole Faarup will be offered at auction at the Danish auction house Bruun Rasmussen, with estimates starting from DKK 1,500 (approx. EUR 200).
The Ole Faarup Collection previously attracted significant international attention when a number of key works by the late art patron Ole Faarup were sold for million-pound sums in London last autumn. Now, additional works from his renowned collection are set to go under the hammer – this time in Denmark at Bruun Rasmussen Arts Auctioneers.
“Ole Faarup was, for decades, one of Denmark’s most visionary and courageous private collectors of contemporary art. We are proud to present such a comprehensive and diverse collection, which clearly reflects his deep passion and dedication to the arts,” says Niels Boe-Hauggaard, Head of Modern and Contemporary Art at Bruun Rasmussen.
More than 150 works – several accessible to new buyers
The auction features more than 150 works by Danish and international artists – ranging from established names to emerging talents – and spans a wide variety of formats, media and artistic expressions. Together, they offer a rare insight into the personal vision and journey of a dedicated collector.
Several of the works are estimated at levels accessible to new buyers. Estimates begin at DKK 1,500 (approx. EUR 200), while the most expensive lot – a large-scale oil painting by Danish artist John Kørner – is valued at DKK 80,000 – 100,000 (approx. EUR 10,700 – 13,400). The relatively broad price range reflects the fact that a number of the represented artists are not yet fully established at auction, despite strong artistic credentials.
A keen eye for emerging artists
Over the course of his career, Ole Faarup served as CEO of Illums Bolighus and later owned the successful furniture and design company 3 Falke Møbler. He also founded the Danish Art Collectors Society, which he chaired for many years.
Privately, he spent decades building what became one of Denmark’s largest private collections of contemporary art, comprising more than 600 works by Danish and international artists.
Driven by curiosity, instinct and an unwavering commitment to art, Faarup created a vibrant and wide-ranging collection that filled every corner of his home in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen. Many of the works were acquired early in the artists’ careers – often long before they achieved wider recognition.
“Ole Faarup was known for his exceptional eye for contemporary art and his commitment to supporting young, undiscovered talent. He was always on the side of the new. Even works that later became multi-million masterpieces were acquired by him at an early stage – long before most could foresee their future significance,” says Niels Boe-Hauggaard.
Upon his passing, Ole Faarup bequeathed his entire collection to the Ole Faarup Art Foundation. Proceeds from the auction will support the foundation’s work to promote emerging artists and increase awareness of their work, including through acquisitions for Danish museums.
The Ole Faarup collection will be sold in an online auction at Bruun Rasmussen on 5 May at 6 pm (CET). Bidding is already open at Bruun Rasmussen's website.
The works are currently on view at Bruun Rasmussen in Lyngby, just north of Copenhagen (Nørgaardsvej 3), where visitors can experience the collection during the auction house’s opening hours leading up to the sale.
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Bruun Rasmussen has since 1948 sold art, design, jewellery, wristwatches, antiques and collectibles such as wine, books, coins and stamps. As the leading auction house in Denmark, we sell over 75,000 items every year at our Online Auctions at bruun-rasmussen.dk and at Live Auctions at our auction house in Lyngby.
Our specialists are the most experienced and competent in the industry. The work in the auction house places great demands on our knowledge of art and trends on the market. This way, we can provide valuations and advice of the highest quality – which has become our trademark – and thereby offer the best lots from all categories and achieve high hammer prices for the benefit of our customers.
At Bruun Rasmussen, we are one of Europe's most modern and digital auction houses, and it is only natural for us to adapt to changes in the market. Innovation is part of our DNA, while we are also deeply rooted in our history.
In 2022, after having been family-owned through three generations, we became part of the international “Bonhams Network”, expanding our global reach and access to specialists all over the world. We strategically present and sell art where it makes the most sense in relation to potential buyers.
