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Lot 1 Born in Hong Kong, Sir David Tang was the grandson of Tang Shiu Kin, the founder of the Kowloon bus company and one of the country’s greatest philanthropists. At the age of 12, he moved with his parents to England and went on to study Law and Philosophy at Cambridge University. After a short-lived career in law he founded the fashion brand Shanghai Tang in 1994 and later sold it to luxury group Richemont. Sir David quickly rose to become a prominent figure in the celebrity world and was renowned for his party lifestyle, investing his money in setting up the legendary China Clubs in Hong Kong, Beijing and Singapore. Sir David was also famous for his love of cigars founding the Pacific Cigar Company - eventually becoming the sole distributor of all Cuban cigars in the Asia-Pacific – while also accepting the position of Honorary Consul of Cuba in Hong Kong.
In 2005, he brought his empire to London, setting up China Tang at The Dorchester - one of the capital’s most celebrated Cantonese restaurants. As well as his entrepreneurial spirit, he was well-known for his charitable work. In 2008, Sir David was awarded a knighthood for his philanthropic services in the UK and British interests in Hong Kong.
Tang was an eloquent ambassador for Hong Kong, deftly balancing a degree of deference to mainland China with a strident defence of the former British colony’s liberal traditions.
An unabashed socialite and bon vivant he boasted royalty, artists, musicians, celebrities and politicians among his close friends.
He was often referred to as 'London’s best-connected man’ and was a regular feature in society magazines, latterly taking up the role of the “agony uncle” for the Financial Times answering questions, often in a satirical tone, on topics from architecture to gardens and modern etiquette.
He said of his friends ‘I wouldn’t say I collect them, I value them. One should never expect friendship to serve as a currency for anything.”. In an interview with the Financial Times in 2010, Sir David said he would like to be remembered by a Hilaire Belloc quote: ‘When I am dead, I hope it may be said: His sins were scarlet, but his books were read.’
David or Tangle Beetle as I always called him... is simply one of my all time favourite people to have ever walked upon this planet.
I love this selfie of us... especially David... he looks so debonair and handsome.
I can still hear his voice so loud and clear... telling me to cheer up... "Oh come on Trace, don't cry”
Tracey Emin
David Tang’s death has left a huge void in many of our lives. He was a tour de force, a magical inspiration, and the greatest possible purveyor of fun and unexpected delights to our life. He had a wonderful eye for the most unlikely objects and was a genius at putting things together in an extraordinary way.
His eclectic style was second-to-none and the results were always startling and intriguing in an elegant way.
We all miss him and his unique panache.
Dame Vivien Duffield
A dear friend and generous host – David was a tastemaker with an extraordinary eye for detail.
He had a confidence in assembling exquisite works of art from all over the world to create a unified and intriguing whole.
He opened the eyes of others – introducing his friends to the auction world – which always gave him so much pleasure.
The Earl of Snowdon
PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF SIR DAVID AND LADY TANG (LOTS 1-74)
In 2005, he brought his empire to London, setting up China Tang at The Dorchester - one of the capital’s most celebrated Cantonese restaurants. As well as his entrepreneurial spirit, he was well-known for his charitable work. In 2008, Sir David was awarded a knighthood for his philanthropic services in the UK and British interests in Hong Kong.
Tang was an eloquent ambassador for Hong Kong, deftly balancing a degree of deference to mainland China with a strident defence of the former British colony’s liberal traditions.
An unabashed socialite and bon vivant he boasted royalty, artists, musicians, celebrities and politicians among his close friends.
He was often referred to as 'London’s best-connected man’ and was a regular feature in society magazines, latterly taking up the role of the “agony uncle” for the Financial Times answering questions, often in a satirical tone, on topics from architecture to gardens and modern etiquette.
He said of his friends ‘I wouldn’t say I collect them, I value them. One should never expect friendship to serve as a currency for anything.”. In an interview with the Financial Times in 2010, Sir David said he would like to be remembered by a Hilaire Belloc quote: ‘When I am dead, I hope it may be said: His sins were scarlet, but his books were read.’
David or Tangle Beetle as I always called him... is simply one of my all time favourite people to have ever walked upon this planet.
I love this selfie of us... especially David... he looks so debonair and handsome.
I can still hear his voice so loud and clear... telling me to cheer up... "Oh come on Trace, don't cry”
Tracey Emin
David Tang’s death has left a huge void in many of our lives. He was a tour de force, a magical inspiration, and the greatest possible purveyor of fun and unexpected delights to our life. He had a wonderful eye for the most unlikely objects and was a genius at putting things together in an extraordinary way.
His eclectic style was second-to-none and the results were always startling and intriguing in an elegant way.
We all miss him and his unique panache.
Dame Vivien Duffield
A dear friend and generous host – David was a tastemaker with an extraordinary eye for detail.
He had a confidence in assembling exquisite works of art from all over the world to create a unified and intriguing whole.
He opened the eyes of others – introducing his friends to the auction world – which always gave him so much pleasure.
The Earl of Snowdon
PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF SIR DAVID AND LADY TANG (LOTS 1-74)
A PAIR OF SILVERED METAL-MOUNTED GLASS CORINTHIAN COLUMN TABLE LAMPS
MODERN
Closed31 January 2018
Price Realised
GBP 2,375