Darryn Lyons, former Geelong Mayor, auctions $220K in artworks and collectibles

Colourful former Geelong mayor and paparazzi boss Darryn Lyons has sold over $200,000 worth of art at an auction.

Former Geelong mayor Darryn Lyons, who's running as an independent in next month's state election. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Former Geelong mayor and flamboyant paparazzi mogul Darryn Lyons has offloaded more than $200,000 worth of his personal art collection in a highly anticipated auction.

The sale, held on September 24 at Gibson’s auction house in Armadale, saw Lyons list 247 prized items for purchase, including iconic photographs, prints, artworks, and furniture from his private collection.

The auction drew significant interest from art enthusiasts, with hundreds attending the gallery in the lead-up to the online event.

A spokesman for Gibson’s said the gallery was well attended, with hundreds viewing over the course of a four-day period.

“The auction was sold 102 per cent by value, turning over more than $220,000,” the spokesman said.

“The profit is confidential; however, Gibson’s and Darryn are very pleased with the outcome and how the sale performed

“We achieved a new artist auction record for Harry Skeggs’ artwork, which received $13,420 including buyer’s premium, and had numerous outstanding results for many of the works.

Darryn Lyons in Europe. Source: Instagram

“The top lot, Lot 39 SLIM AARONS, Poolside Gossip, sold for $19,520, followed by Terry O’Neill’s iconic image of Raquel Welch on the Cross at $15,860.

“We’ve sold 155 of 246 lots.”

Speaking from Italy three weeks ago, Lyons said he was in the process of decluttering his life and appreciating his opportunities after the death of both his parents.

“You only have so many walls and so many homes. I would rather other people have the opportunity to enjoy what I have enjoyed collecting all my life instead of having the pieces in crates or in storage,” Mr Lyons said.

“I have had a very big change in life since losing both parents. I had been an addict in the art world for so long.

“I have been a collecting addict for so, so, so long. I just love it so much, but it comes to a stage where your life changes.”

Mr Lyons said he had no plans to return to Australia.

“You get to a point where you think ‘what do you really want to do?,” he said.

“I have been spending a lot more time away, travelling the world and I have actually started to really enjoy life.”

Originally published as Darryn Lyons, former Geelong Mayor, auctions $220K in artworks and collectibles