A White Glove Moment and a Fitting Tribute⁠

On Tuesday 10 March, Dreweatts had the honour of offering at auction the personal collection of Dame Stephanie “Steve” Shirley CH (1933-2025) which was being sold to benefit Autistica, the UK’s leading autism research and campaigning charity, founded by her in 2004.⁠

The auction, Dame Stephanie Shirley CH: A Legacy shaped by Technology, Philanthropy and Art, achieved a 100% sell through rate realising £1,127,000 in total.⁠

Commenting on the results, Head of the House Sales and Private Collections Department Joe Robinson said "Dame Stephanie's collection was defined by a clarity of taste and the confidence to live with exceptional works. Every piece reflected her belief in the therapeutic value of art and how it integrates into daily life. The remarkable result is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary woman whose vision and generosity enriched the lives of so many."⁠

Following the auction, Autistica’s Interim CEO, Rebecca Sterry said "We are delighted with the amount raised through the auction of Dame Stephanie’s personal collection. We are now able to fulfil her wishes of using the proceeds to improve the lives of autistic people for years to come, by creating a more supportive and inclusive world. Dreweatts were instrumental in this success, honouring the incredible life and legacy of Dame Stephanie, and we are so grateful for how much care and attention they gave to this unique auction."