HONG KONG (AFP).- A south London council raised millions of pounds Wednesday after controversially selling 24 Chinese antique ceramic items at a Christie's auction in Hong Kong.

The collection, including vases, bowls and boxes, fetched a total of HK$102.4 million ($13.2 million) for Croydon Council -- with a blue and white Ming dynasty moonflask the most expensive item at HK$28.1 million.

The items, which had been bequeathed to the council by a local businessmen, were previously on public display. Their sale had been opposed by Britain's Museums Association which described it as a "breach of the code of ethics".

Croydon was later expelled by the association.

A legal challenge to the auction by a Croydon community association was withdrawn earlier this month after they fell short of the 20,000 pounds ($32,366) needed to cover legal costs.

Park Sung-Hee, a spokeswoman for Christie's, told AFP the proceeds would be used to improve the borough's cultural amenities.

Among the projects are the renovation of Fairfield Halls, a local arts centre frequently used for BBC recordings.

"The collection was offered for sale with proceeds to be invested in Croydon's cultural infrastructure, including securing the future of the Fairfield Halls," the spokeswoman said in an email.

"The council feels these are exceptional circumstances due to the costs of upgrading security and the high insurance."

The remaining 206 pieces of the collection bequeathed by the businessman are still on show at a gallery in Croydon Clocktower.



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