British Airways is selling artwork from its lounges in London to raise money. Who knew that BA had millions of dollars hanging on its walls?
In a bid to raise cash, British Airways is preparing to sell artwork from its lounges in London Heathrow as well as its London headquarters. Sotheby’s has been enlisted to appraise paintings, including works by Peter Doig, Damien Hirst, and Bridget Riley…some worth over $1,000,000 each. In total, British Airways is planning to sell 10 paintings.
A British Airways source told the Evening Standard:
“We are in a very dark place. We are doing things we have never done before. When the ship is going down we can’t hold on to all these things.”
Sounds serious…
British Airways Selling Artwork: Can I Buy That Porta Romana Lamp?
Back in 2017, my wife was looking through my review of the Concorde Room in Heathrow T5 and a lamp caught her attention (pictured above). I had not even noticed it during my visit, but when she pointed out the photo I agreed it was a cool lamp.
So I asked British Airways about it.
It’s gorgeous, Matthew. Your wife clearly has very good taste. ^Lisa
— British Airways (@British_Airways) June 7, 2017
Hi Matthew, we’ve spoken to a member of staff at the lounge about the lamp. They’ve advised there isn’t a manufacturer on the lamp. ^Sarah
— British Airways (@British_Airways) June 7, 2017
Eventually, British Airways did establish that this was a Porta Romana lamp.
Hi Matthew, we’ve managed to establish that it is a Porta Romana light, but we have no model number. We hope your wife can track it down. ^A
— British Airways (@British_Airways) June 9, 2017
Sadly, this particular model is no longer made. I also was never able to find it on eBay.
But if it is going to auction to raise a few bucks…
CONCLUSION
It’s not clear whether the British Airways is actually in such desperate straits that it has to sell its artwork or this is a ploy to make the situation look worse than it is…perhaps to more easily justify making workers redundant.
But since I cannot discern motives here and since any revenue may avert job losses, how about you sell me that lamp British Airways? You have my number (as do others, of course…).
(H/T: One Mile at a Time)
Hey Matthew,
You can have a search of that lamp put into your eBay settings. You will get an e mail when one comes available. Good luck! Thank is a real nice Lamp!
Would have loved to snag one of those Concorde room business centers confrence chairs made out of seats from ‘Concorde’ airplanes.
Haven’t seen those YoniPDX. Do you have a picture?
See here: https://efficientasianman.boardingarea.com/2013/06/18/trip-report-around-the-world-in-100-hours-british-airways-concorde-room-london-heathrow/dsc02072/
Cool, thanks. Nice chair indeed.
Porta Romana lights are very stylish, although that particular one might not be the best choice around young children. I love their duck feet lamps; a friend has a couple in her home.
The BA art collection has been well-curated, and now valued at many times the acquisition costs. I’d love to own one of the Gary Hume tapestries…but probably well in excess of my budget .
I’ve been looking for those duck feet lamps – do you know who sells them or who they are by? Many thanks in advance
Good to sell its Porta Romana lights.