meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
Intelligence Squared

Sotheby's Talks | How Do Objects Achieve Iconic Status, with Grayson Perry and Xa Sturgis

Intelligence Squared

Intelligence Squared

News, Society & Culture, Arts, News Commentary

4.21.2K Ratings

🗓️ 11 March 2026

⏱️ 45 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

On today’s episode, an episode from our friends at Sotheby's exploring the question: How do objects achieve iconic status? Taking inspiration from the book Icons: 100 Extraordinary Objects from Sotheby’s History, published by Phaidon, the discussion explores how a work of art can transform beyond its material form to become a universal cultural image – instantly recognisable, endlessly reproduced, and symbolically charged. Joining the discussion are artist Sir Grayson Perry; Xa Sturgis, Director of the Ashmolean Museum; and Helena Newman, Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe and Chairman of Impressionist & Modern Art Worldwide. This podcast was recorded at Sotheby’s London in February 2026.  And, to step further into the world of Sotheby’s, you can visit any of our galleries around the world; they’re open to the public. For more information, visit Sothebys.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

Hello and welcome to Intelligence Squared where Great Minds meet.

0:07.3

I'm head of programming, Connor Boyle.

0:09.4

Coming up on the podcast, we've got something from our friends at Sotheby's that we think

0:13.6

you'll enjoy.

0:14.6

It's an episode of Sotheby's Talks, the podcast series that takes listeners inside the world

0:19.1

of Sotheby's.

0:20.1

In this episode, a special edition of Sotheby's. In this episode, a special edition

0:21.7

of Sotheby's Friday Lates hosted to celebrate the launch of icons 100 extraordinary objects

0:28.0

from Sotheby's history published with Fiden Press. To listen to more episodes of Sotheby's

0:32.8

talks featuring the likes of Marina Abramovich, Mary McCartney, Tracy Eman, and Julianne Moore,

0:38.3

just search Sotheby's Talks wherever you get your podcasts.

0:42.9

I would love to hear how you each understand and define the term icon.

0:49.9

I think we all know it's somewhat fraught from overuse, and it would be interesting to hear

0:54.5

why in fact you think it is so popular. So, Helena, what are your thoughts?

0:58.2

I think that it starts with the image, something instantly recognisable that you have a deep

1:05.1

connection with. There's an element of veneration. We come to the religious association. And I think there's also

1:15.2

something to do with the story, which we will come to in our various conversations. It can be

1:21.1

scandal and it can be incredibly tragic. And because we're here at Sotheby's, I think there's also an element of market

1:31.6

making in many of these stories.

1:33.4

So the combination, that kind of an intoxicating combination of rarity, universality,

1:40.7

and maybe an element of the power play of wealth and possession comes in as well.

1:47.1

Brilliant.

...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Intelligence Squared, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Intelligence Squared and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.