RTÉ has denied an allegation that it will pay art auctioneers Sotheby’s 25 per cent commission to sell five arts works at public auction in November. Dublin art auctioneer Ian Whyte had claimed on RTÉ radio’s Today with Sean O’Rourke show that Sotheby’s traditionally charges 25 per cent commission. “While RTÉ cannot disclose details of the agreement, the level of commission agreed by RTÉ with Sotheby’s is considerably below the EU tender level. All proceeds raised from the sale of these art works and payable to RTÉ will be reinvested in the organisation,” said a statement from the State broadcaster. Sotheby’s is not licensed to sell art work in Ireland and that “it is a known fact that Irish art sells best in Ireland.”The top three Irish art houses sell Irish works valued at €20million every year, he added.

Source: The Irish Times October 15, 2019 12:45 UTC