On 22 September 2025, the longtime Director of our Art Consult, Dr. Thomas Kellein, passed away in Berlin after a serious illness.
Dear clients, friends, and business partners,
It is with deep sadness that we contact you today to inform you of the passing of a dear friend: Dr Thomas Kellein died on September 22, 2025, in Berlin. As colleagues, close friends, and companions, we hold Thomas in our hearts and honor his memory.
Thomas Kellein was art. With poetry and humor, he paved the way for our bank, our esteemed clients, and friends into a world that has enriched us all so much: the world of curators, art dealers, and above all, artists. The world of big ideas and age-old stories. The world of curious characters and enchanting experiences. Thomas was a surprise, a colorful reminder of the otherness we seek or sometimes fear. He was unexpected. His knowledge and astute observations were those of a cosmopolitan thinker, an admirer of the smallest details, a world-class curator.
As a curator, he exhibited art with the captivating ability to step back and give the art space. As a passionate and accomplished writer and scholar, his numerous publications will resonate for a long time to come, for Thomas spoke and wrote about art with a disarming blend of rigor and wit. His life was entirely devoted to it. His most important milestones are listed in the attached announcement.
In 2013, he joined our bank, and in 2017, he joined us in Switzerland as an advisor for private collections, an ambassador for contemporary art, a mediator, and an advocate for excellent art. Under his care, one of the most important collections of writing and art was formed: the Written Art Collection. He wrote astute, nuanced newsletters that combined curatorial wisdom with philosophical wit. He called them “facts behind the facts.” He was always searching, asking questions, never satisfied with superficialities.
Thomas Kellein never claimed that art was simple, or simply always good—but he insisted that it was necessary and that talking about it was enriching. He carried its contradictions with wit, carried its questions with irony, and generously shared the things that often could not be seen. He was an inspiration to colleagues, a mentor to many, an ally to artists, and a voice to readers that both astonished and enlightened.
Artists shaped his view of the world—and he shared it with us. He leaves behind institutions he transformed, collections he shaped, and thoughts and texts that will continue to amaze and delight for a long time to come. Above all, he leaves behind wonderful memories of a man who was art and reminded us that the world is bigger, wilder, and more alive than we sometimes think.
Our thoughts are with his wife Elisabeth Masé and his children during this difficult time. We wish them strength and confidence in coping with this great loss.
With silent regards, The Bergos management team,
Peter Raskin, Danting Liu, Till Budelmann, Simon Wanzenried
Press Material:
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Download Photo Dr Thomas Kellein
