LONDON—Despite his über-successful straight-from-the-studio sale at Sotheby's London earlier this fall — to the tune of £111 million (then $200 million) — it appears even multimillionaire artist Damien Hirst isn't immune to the downturn in the global economy.

According to the Guardian, sources said up to 17 of the 22 people who make the pills for his multimillion-dollar medicine cabinet series, and three who work on his butterfly paintings, were told last week that their contracts would not be renewed. It's thought that those laid off made up about half of his London-based assistants. According to sources, they were paid about £19,000 a year.

Hirst announced in July that he would stop making his spin and butterfly paintings, as well as the medicine cabinets, but it is unclear whether the staff cuts were planned or not.

Jude Tyrell, a director at Science Ltd., Hirst's main production company, confirmed that jobs had been cut but wouldn't say how many.

According to a source, "It was unexpected, especially after Hirst made a killing from the Sotheby's sale. The workers who will not have their contracts renewed can work their notice period into December, but I'm not sure how many will stay. They will need to find jobs quickly."