Charles Saatchi is an esteemed businessman, art collector and advertising executive. Born on June 9 1943 in Baghdad, Iraq – due to rising antisemitism his family relocated to London. Saatchi attended Christ’s College Finchley before enrolling at London College of Communication to further his studies.
Quick Facts About Charles Saatchi
| Full Name | Charles Saatchi |
| Birthdate | June 9, 1943 |
| Age | 81 years and 9 months old |
| Occupation | Businessman, Advertising Executive, Art Collector |
| Husband/Wife | Nigella Lawson (m. 2003–2013), Kay Saatchi (m. 1990–2001), Doris Lockhart (m. 1973–1990) |
| Education | Christ’s College, Finchley; London College of Communication |
| Parents | Nathan Saatchi, Daisy Ezer |
| Siblings | Maurice Saatchi, Baron Saatchi |
| Children | Phoebe Saatchi |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $100 million |
Career in Advertising
Charles Saatchi co-founded Saatchi & Saatchi with his brother Maurice in 1970, quickly growing to be one of the world’s largest advertising agencies and quickly becoming famous for creating powerful ad campaigns such as Margaret Thatcher’s victory campaign in 1979 with “Labour Isn’t Working”.
Saatchi & Saatchi was an international advertising powerhouse by the mid 1980s, yet in 1995 Charles and Maurice left and founded M&C Saatchi; which would later prove equally successful.
Art Collector and Patron
Charles Saatchi is well known as an art collector and patron, best exemplified by the founding of his Saatchi Gallery in 1985 as a means to showcase modern artists such as Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin who later gained international acclaim through this venue.
Saatchi Gallery has become a vital platform for emerging talent, helping shape careers of several young artists both in the UK and beyond.
Marriage to Nigella Lawson
Charles Saatchi married Nigella Lawson, an esteemed chef and TV personality, in September 2003. Their relationship initially appeared glamorous but soon turned contentious.
In June 2013, photos emerged showing Saatchi grabbing Nigella’s throat during an argument in a London restaurant. Although Saatchi claimed this to be “playful tiff”, these images caused public outrage and led him to accept a police caution for assault.
Divorce and Allegations
Nigella Lawson filed for divorce almost immediately following the incident, citing “unreasonable behavior” as her reason. A decree nisi was granted on July 31, 2013.
After her divorce, Nigella discussed her experiences during their marriage. She described Saatchi’s behavior as controlling and “intimate terrorism”, often restricting social interactions and pressuring her to protect his public image.
READ ALSO: Nigella Lawson Net worth, Age, Husband, Family, Facts & More
Post-Divorce Settlement
Nigella did not ask for financial assets or property during her divorce settlement with Saatchi; rather she requested only kitchen contents – an action which shocked many because he is widely known for being wealthy.
Legacy and Public Image
Charles Saatchi remains an iconic figure in both advertising and art worlds, his Saatchi Gallery continuing to support contemporary artists while his personal life (especially his marriage to Nigella Lawson ) has had an adverse effect on his public standing.
Although his contributions to advertising and art are widely recognized, the ongoing issues surrounding his marriage continue to play an integral part of his story.
