Marion Lambert facts for kids
Baroness Marion Lambert (born in 1943 – died on May 28, 2016) was a famous art collector from Switzerland. She was married to Baron Philippe Lambert, who came from a well-known banking family called Bank Brussels Lambert. People often said she was "one of the first collectors and supporters of modern photography."
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Who Was Marion Lambert?
Marion Lambert was a very important person in the art world, especially for her love of photography. She helped many new photographers get noticed. Her collections were unique and often pushed boundaries, showing art in new and exciting ways.
Her Early Life
Marion Lambert was born in 1943. Her birth name was Marion de Vries. She came from a respected Swiss family with roots in the Netherlands. She grew up in the city of Geneva, Switzerland.
A Passion for Photography
Marion Lambert was known for being a pioneer in collecting contemporary photography. This means she started collecting modern photos when not many people were doing it. She also supported many artists, helping them show their work.
The "Veronica's Revenge" Collection
In November 2004, Marion Lambert sold a huge collection of about 300 photographs. Most of these pictures were from the 1980s. This collection was called Veronica's Revenge. It was sold at an auction in Chelsea, New York, and it brought in a total of $9.2 million!
Originally, Marion wanted this collection to be displayed at the new main office of Bank Brussels Lambert in Geneva. However, the people in charge at the bank thought the artworks were "too bold" or "too modern" for their building. Because of this sale, some artists' works, like those by Barbara Kruger, Cindy Sherman, and Richard Prince, sold for record-high prices.
Later Art Sales
Later, from October 3 to 14, 2015, another 306 items from the Lambert Art Collection were shown. These items were then sold by Christie's, a famous auction house, on October 14, 2015. Some of these items were expected to sell for as much as £3 million! Marion Lambert and many of her art pieces were even featured in a TV show called The Extraordinary Collector.
Her Personal Life
Marion and her husband, Baron Philippe Lambert, lived in Geneva, Switzerland. They also owned a beautiful old villa in Italy. This villa, called the Palazzo Terranova, was built in the 1700s and was located in a region called Umbria.
Her Passing
On May 24, 2016, Marion Lambert was in an accident in London. She was hit by a bus near Bond Street tube station. She sadly passed away on May 28, 2016, due to head injuries from the accident.
