Biggest ever bottle of English fizz goes under hammer

A Nebuchadnezzar of English sparkling wine, the largest ever made, is to go on sale tomorrow at a Christie’s auction.

The bottle holds 15 litres of English fizz from Kent-based winery Chapel Down and has been signed by contemporary British artists Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley and Edmund de Waal.

As well as their signature, each artist has drawn a sketch, including a shark by Damien Hirst, a self-portrait by Tracey Emin, an outline of a male figure by Antony Gormley, and a list of previous installations by Edmund de Waal.

The signed Nebuchadnezzar forms part of Christie’s second annual “Out of the Ordinary” sale, which comprises lots that are either visually striking or have an intriguing story to tell.

The bottle, which contains a 2007 vintage Blanc de Blancs and weighs 26kg, has an estimated price of £10,000-£15,000, and was produced to celebrate Turner Contemporary’s one millionth visitor in August 2013.

All proceeds raised from the sale go towards Turner Contemporary’s Catalyst Endowment Fund, which aims to make art accessible to everyone.

Turner Contemporary is an exhibition space based in Margate in Kent, and opened in 2011.

“We are very proud to have our award winning wine associated with some of the country’s finest contemporary artists,” said Chapel Down CEO, Frazer Thompson.

He added, “Turner Contemporary has done a terrific job in helping to regenerate Kent. We like to feel that our rolling vineyards are doing the same and, perhaps, helping to inspire a new generation of artists.”