ULTIMATE ELLEN VON UNWERTH
7 -11 november 2022
Phillips is pleased to announce ULTIMATE ELLEN VON UNWERTH, an exclusive selection of 20 unique Polaroids taken by the celebrated photographer Ellen von Unwerth. The majority of these works were created during editorial assignments for international publications, including Vogue US, Vogue Italia and The Face, in the supermodel heyday of the 1990s. Advertising campaign images include Paris Hilton for Guess in 2004 and Alessandra Ambrosio for Victoria’s Secret in 2005. This curation, showcasing Ellen’s instantly recognisable images of strong, sensual and playful women, will be unveiled for the first time in Phillips’ Paris galleries from 7 to 11 November. The Polaroids will then travel to London for a public preview from 16 to 22 November at 30 Berkeley Square before being offered in the Photographs auction on 22 November.
Expressing her enthusiasm for presenting the Polaroids for the very first time, Ellen von Unwerth outlines what this selection of 20 Polaroids means to her and why she has chosen to collaborate with Phillips for this world premiere:
“Polaroids hold a special place in my photography; I love the spontaneity and the energy they bring. I’m very happy to premiere my Polaroids, which will offer a backstage insight into some of my most iconic shoots, mixed with more recent celebrities and series. Phillips is the perfect partner for this first auction.”
Yuka Yamaji, Head of Photographs, Europe, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Ellen on ULTIMATE ELLEN VON UNWERTH and to premiere her fantastic Polaroid prints. Ellen’s selection of works provides a fun and insightful glimpse into her creative process, capturing defining moments during the supermodel heyday of the 1990s and early 2000s. A visionary and creator, Ellen has made unique contributions to the arts during her three-decade career, empowering women through her photography. Ellen enjoys photographing women, and women enjoy being
Babe Watching, Claudia Schiffer, Saint Tropez
Signed in ink on the verso.
Unique colour Polaroid Type 100 print.
Sheet: 11.4 x 8.9 cm (4 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.)
1994
Estimate £2,000-3,000
Miss America, Claudia Schiffer, Saint Tropez
Signed in ink on the verso.
Unique colour Polaroid Type 100 print.
Sheet: 11.4 x 8.9 cm (4 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.)
1994
Estimate £2,000-3,000
The Green Baroness, Nadja Auermann, Paris
Signed in ink on the verso.
Unique colour Polaroid Type 100 print.
Sheet: 11.4 x 8.9 cm (4 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.)
1994
Estimate £2,000-3,000
Note: For Vogue Italia
Car Wash, Paris Hilton, Los Angeles
Signed in ink on the verso.
Unique colour Polaroid Type 100 print.
Sheet: 8.9 x 11.4 cm (3 1/2 x 4 1/2 in.)
2004
Estimate £2,000-3,000
Note: For GUESS, Fall 2004 Campaign
Happy ! Nadja Auermann, Prague
Signed in ink on the verso.
Unique colour Polaroid Type 100 print.
Sheet: 11.4 x 8.9 cm (4 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.)
1994
Estimate £2,000-3,000
Soaked, Girls in the Bath
Signed in ink on the verso.
Unique colour Polaroid Type 100 print.
Sheet: 8.9 x 11.4 cm (3 1/2 x 4 1/2 in.)
1992
Estimate £2,000-3,000
Note: For Vogue Italia
Lovers, Karen Elson, Paris
Signed in ink on the verso.
Unique colour Polaroid Type 100 print.
Sheet: 11.4 x 8.9 cm (4 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.)
1997
Estimate £2,000-3,000
Note: For Vogue US
The Red Baroness, Karen Mulder, Cannes
Signed in ink on the verso.
Unique colour Polaroid Type 100 print.
Sheet: 11.4 x 8.9 cm (4 1/2 x 3 1/2 in.)
October 1991
Estimate £2,000-3,000
Note: For Vogue Italia
