The Rothschild Prayer Book

A $13.6 million phone call landed Kerry Stokes a rare and magnificent piece of art that would soon be on display in Melbourne. The Rothschild Prayer Book is a 500-year-old illustrated manuscript. The book, which had not been seen publicly for decades, was bought last year at auction by the Australian entrepreneur. Kerry Stokes purchased it at auctions for $15.5 million and it is presently on exhibit at the Ian Potter Gallery.

The Rothschild Prayer Book, together with 60 other pieces from Stokes' collection, has been loaned to the University of Melbourne's Ian Potter Museum. The exhibition is free and will be accompanied by lectures by foreign and Australian researchers.

While many affluent individuals see fine art as a prudent investment, Stokes, according to the gallery's administrator, Erica Persak, has a genuine enthusiasm for it. "The collection spans 45 years of his lifetime," she explains, demonstrating that the Channel Seven chief is not limited to sports and television.

_

Price at launch: $13.6 million

Author: N/A