The collection itself reflects a deeply considered approach to living with art. Rather than a decorative assemblage, it is an intellectually coherent group of works chosen for their formal clarity, material integrity and emotional resonance. Modern sculpture sits alongside studio pottery and design-led furnishings, selected not only for aesthetic excellence but for how they shape and enrich everyday life. A notable feature of the collection is the presence of works by women artists and makers, echoing Dame Stephanie’s lifelong commitment to championing women’s achievements.

Dame Stephanie believed profoundly in art’s capacity to enhance human wellbeing, once stating, “art addresses people’s inner, emotional lives. This non-material side of life is a basic human need - and indeed a human right.”

Joe Robinson, Head of the House Sales and Private Collections Department at Dreweatts, comments, “This is a collection defined by clarity of taste and the confidence to live with exceptional works. From modern sculpture and studio pottery to beautifully chosen furnishings, every piece reflects Dame Stephanie’s belief that art belongs in daily life. Presenting this collection as a dedicated single-owner auction feels a fitting tribute to such a significant personal legacy.”

The Life of Dame Stephanie "Steve" Shirley CH (1933-2025)

Dame Stephanie Shirley’s life story is an extraordinary one. Arriving in Britain aged just five as an unaccompanied Kindertransport refugee from Nazi Germany, she went on to transform the British technology sector. In 1962 she founded Freelance Programmers (later Xansa), a radical business that pioneered remote and flexible working, decades ahead of its time. Of the company’s first 300 employees, 297 were women, at a time when women were largely excluded from careers in computing.  She was a guest on Desert Island Discs in 2010 and in 2015 gave a famous TED Talk titled "Why do ambitious women have flat heads?".

To gain access to a male-dominated business world, she adopted the professional name “Steve”, ensuring her letters were read before prospective clients realised she was a woman - a strategy that exposed systemic bias while quietly dismantling it. The company grew to employ 8,500 people and reached a valuation of almost $3 billion. As Oxford professor and close friend Sue Black observed, “She didn’t just open doors for women in tech - she built the doors and handed out the keys.”

Beyond her business achievements, Dame Stephanie was defined by her commitment to philanthropy. Through the Shirley Foundation, she gave away the majority of her personal fortune during her lifetime, supporting causes close to her heart, including autism research, education, computing heritage, and the arts. The proceeds of this sale will continue that legacy, extending her lifelong belief that “giving is a social and cultural activity, not merely a financial transaction.” Funds raised from lots sold by Dame Stephanie’s estate will be donated to Autistica, which was founded by Dame Stephanie, whose son Giles was autistic.

Ahead of the sale, Autistica’s Interim CEO, Rebecca Sterry commented, “Dame Stephanie Shirley’s life was defined by purpose, curiosity, and generosity. We are honoured that the proceeds of this sale will support Autistica, the charity that she founded to create better understanding and opportunities for autistic people through research. We will always be immensely proud of our Founder. Her values and beliefs are embedded in our charity and drive our commitment to innovative problem solving, acting with urgency and embracing difference”.

Auction Highlights

Auction Details

Auction:
Tuesday 10 March 2026, 10.30am GMT
Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

Auction coming soon!

Catalogue:
To pre-order a catalogue, please click here.

UK: £40
Europe: £50 
Rest of World: £70

Bidding:
This is a live online auction with an auctioneer. Bidding is available in person at our salerooms, online, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids.  Learn more. 

On View:
Dreweatts London (highlights): 16-17 Pall Mall, SW1Y 5LU
Monday 23 - Wednesday 25 February 2026

Dreweatts Newbury (full sale): Dreweatts, Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE
Saturday 7 - Monday 9 March 2026

Further information:
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | housesales@dreweatts.com
Press enquiries: press@dreweatts.com
To sign up for email alerts, click here.

About Autistica

Autistica is the UK’s leading autism research and campaigning charity, founded in 2004 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Dame Stephanie Shirley CH. Their mission is to create breakthroughs that enable autistic people to live happier, healthier, longer lives. They do this by funding research, shaping policy and working with autistic people to make more of a difference.

The total hammer price for lots being sold by The Estate of the late Dame Stephanie Shirley CH will be donated to Autistica, in accordance with Dame Stephanie's wishes. This does not apply to lots in the auction being sold by other beneficiaries, as indicated in the sale catalogue.

Find out more