cHeyenne Westphal, born in 1967, has been Global Chairwoman of the Phillips auction house since 2017. Previously he worked for Sotheby’s as Global Head of the Contemporary Art Department, where he oversaw all major auctions in London and New York. Of German origin, born in Iserlohn and raised in Baden Baden, she studied art history at St Andrews in Scotland and at UC Berkeley in California.
Cheyenne Westphal is Global Chairwoman of the Phillips auction house
She is considered one of the most experienced contemporary art professionals on the current market. She also sits on the board of directors of the Whitechapel Gallery Venture Board and the Association for Women in the Arts. She lives in London.
6.30
«I start the morning with Vedic meditation, which consists of reciting mantras and which I learned at the London Meditation Centre. It is very beneficial on a mental, energetic and body level. Then I go down to the kitchen for breakfast. I make porridge and berries, sometimes an egg, and coffee. I take advantage of this time to scroll through my private emails.
Meditation and then Cheyenne Westphal has porridge and berries for breakfast.
8.30
«The office is in Mayfair, I reach it with a walk of about 45 minutes or by bus or taxi. I review the day’s program with my assistant, full of meetings and meetings with the top management of the company and the department heads of the various areas covered by Phillips. An ordinary routine at the basis of my work as Global Chairwoman (president) of the Phillips auction house, aimed at developing the company’s international market. Our auctions have achieved great goals over the years. Last March, in London, a Willem de Kooning from the Marcel Brient collection exceeded 6,837,000 euros. A result that arises from the trust of collectors, cultivated with the network of personal relationships. They can become friends.”
Cheyenne Westphal reaches his office in Mayfair, London.
1 pm
«I frequently go to lunch with clients and collectors at Scott’s in Mayfair. A quiet, elegant and sophisticated restaurant».
2.30 pm
An auctioneer from the Phillips auction house at work.
«When I can, I follow the auctions, which often take place in the afternoon. Their success is also due to the auctioneer, a crucial figure, often played by women. He must be authoritative and charming, ready for a witticism, attentive to the mood of the audience, capable of managing times and adrenaline by creating a rhythm. Part conductor, part psychologist. The auction is the highlight of a long behind-the-scenes research effort, which involves a large staff of professionals. The works entrusted to us, after having traced their origin, are studied, evaluated, authenticated, photographed and catalogued. We have offices all over the world, starting in London, New York and Paris. Twelve locations in all, four of which are in Asia. The spectacular new Phillips headquarters, designed by Herzog & de Meuron and LAAB Architects, was recently inaugurated in Hong Kong».
19.00
«I try to be at home and relax with family or friends. Before dinner (I love spaghetti alla bottarga) I end the day with a meditation session. As long as there are no inaugurations or other commitments. I love my job. A passion born since the time of my studies in art history. I graduated with a thesis on the German artist Anselm Kiefer. I am part of the Association for Women in the Arts, which supports the professional development of women in the arts also with specific mentoring programs. We create online and face-to-face events for professionals who want to grow where they can meet industry experts and weave a network of relationships».
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