Charles Saatchi Founder of the advertising agency Saatchi and Saatchi Date of Birth: 09.06.1943 Country: Iraq

1. Biography of Charles Saatchi
2. Early Life
3. Founding of Saatchi & Saatchi
4. Foundation of M&C Saatchi
5. Passion for Art
6. Political Influence
7. Fire and Loss
8. Exhibition of American Artists

Biography of Charles Saatchi

Charles Saatchi, the founder of the advertising agency "Saatchi & Saatchi," is internationally known as a collector of contemporary art and the owner of the Saatchi Gallery. He is particularly recognized for his support of the Young British Artists movement, which includes Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin.

Early Life

Charles Saatchi was born into a family of Iraqi Jews in Baghdad. At the age of four, he moved to London with his family.

Founding of Saatchi & Saatchi

In 1970, Saatchi, along with his brother Maurice Saatchi, founded the advertising agency "Saatchi & Saatchi." By 1986, it had become the largest agency in the world. One notable successful campaign by the agency was the Conservative Party's electoral campaign under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher.

Foundation of M&C Saatchi

In 1995, the Saatchi brothers left the company and established a new agency called "M&C Saatchi," taking with them significant clients such as British Airways.

Passion for Art

Saatchi made his first art purchase in 1973 in Paris, acquiring a realistic work by British artist David Hockney. Over time, Saatchi's tastes evolved, leading him to focus on the Young British Artists movement, which he first encountered at the Freeze exhibition. His reputation as an art patron peaked in 1997 when a portion of his collection was showcased in the controversial Sensation exhibition at the Royal Academy in London, followed by exhibitions in Berlin and New York.

Political Influence

The significance of Saatchi's activities extended to the political realm with the exhibition "New Labour" held in 2001 at the Saatchi Gallery. The title can be interpreted both as "new works" and as a reference to the new political direction of the Labour Party under Tony Blair.

Fire and Loss

In 2003, the Saatchi Gallery relocated to the former building of the London County Council. One notable exhibition featured Damien Hirst's "Hymn," a massive sculpture of a dissected human body based on a children's anatomy book. However, in May 2004, a fire destroyed a significant portion of Saatchi's art collection, estimated to be worth £50 million.

Exhibition of American Artists

In 2006, Saatchi collaborated with the Royal Academy to organize the exhibition "USA Today." The exhibition showcased young American artists, many of whom were relatively unknown but were expected by Saatchi to become the next generation of art stars.