Sotheby’s to Offer the Collection of Legendary Couple François & Betty Catroux in Paris on 24 February 2022

It is a true privilege for us to be able to unveil the final, and very personal, home that François Catroux decorated – an unmatched setting that honours his talent. Here, works by great contemporary artists and cutting-edge designers mingled with timeless antiques that the decorator had treasured for his entire life. To put it simply, he loved this place, and it suited him.”

Florent Jeanniard, European Head and Vice-President of Sotheby’s France

Paris, 10 January 2022 – François and Betty Catroux were a legendary couple at the heart of Paris’ glittering social scene in the 1970s, together establishing an inimitable style. They married in 1968, when Betty was becoming the face of Yves Saint Laurent and Catroux was decorating bold, modern homes for the likes of the Rothschilds, Diane von Furstenberg, Princess Firyal of Jordan, Roman Abramovitch, Hélène Rochas and Antenor Patiño.

Next February, Sotheby’s will hold a dedicated auction of the collection that adorned their apartment in the former Mediterranean palace Palais Maeterlinck, overlooking the French Riviera. Until now, Catroux’s final creation has remained utterly private and unknown to the world. The offering includes some hundred lots reflecting the designer’s personal taste, bringing together 20th and 21st century Contemporary Art with works from across Asia and Africa, alongside a few of his own rare creations.

A great decorator of international renown, François Catroux boldly and elegantly mixed precious antiques with contemporary furniture. He masterminded interiors with unique styles, combining the refinement of French savoir-faire with comfort, a sense of perspective, and his endless knowledge of art from all over the world. At Palais Maeterlinck, a monumental space bathed in the alluring light of the South of France, he brought together major pieces by contemporary designers such as Ron Arad, Ingo Maurer, Martin Szekely, Serge Manzon and Ettore Sottsass. These works intermingle with those of 20th century artists including Luis Tomasello, Lucio Fontana, Tom Wesselman, Zoran Music, Victor Vasarely, Xavier Veilhan, Christian Bérard and Jean Cocteau.