Hubert Guerrand-Hermès (1940-2016) was passionate about art in all its forms. A member of the famous luxury goods family, a keen sportsman and a familiar sight in the auction houses and antiquaries of Paris, his collecting activity ranged across a multitude of interests. Over the course of his life, he amassed a unique collection which he displayed in his magnificent Parisian residence, the Hôtel de Lannion.
In the opulent rooms of the grand townhouse facing the Musée d’Orsay, and decorated by interior designer François-Joseph Graf, he surrounded himself with rare books and masterpieces by some of history’s greatest cabinetmakers, old masters and contemporary artists.
This December, four auctions at Sotheby’s Paris will pay tribute to the discerning eye and art de vivre of Guerrand-Hermès, while also revealing the personality behind his acquisitions. Underpinning the collection is a fascination for Marie-Caroline of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, the Duchesse de Berry – the radical and rebellious daughter-in-law of King Charles X, and great patron of the arts – visible in all the rooms of his hôtel particulier: from the staircase, which is hung with views of the Duchess’s castle (the Château de Rosny), to the library that contains 200 volumes bearing her crest.
