Art Market

Twelve pieces of Post-War & Contemporary art from upcoming auctions taking place in the UK and overseas.

Christo (1935-2020) is famous for the series of monumental projects to wrap landmarks around the world undertaken with his wife and collaborator Jeanne-Claude (1935-2008).

The works of French painter André Masson (1896-1987) are regarded as a bridge between Surrealism and Abstract Expressionism.

A notable of feature of the Post-War and Contemporary art market is the wide variety of mediums employed.

Interest from overseas bidders appears to be lifting the market for Banksy (b.1974) prints to a higher level.

A work on paper by Czech artist Mikulas Medek (1926- 1971) drew strong competition at Chiswick Auctions’ (25% buyer’s premium) latest British & European Fine Art sale.

North Yorkshire saleroom Tennants (20% buyer’s premium) has a solid track-record with the artist Joash Woodrow (1927-2006). Eight of his top 10 auction prices are held by the Leyburn saleroom (source: Artprice by Artmarket).

The auction record for modern Guyanese artist Aubrey Williams (1926-1990) was broken three times at auctions in the south of England this summer.

To seasoned observers, the market for Post-War and Contemporary art might not seem as novel as it once did. Sales in this area are now a core part of the auction calendar and the field has been regarded as having the highest potential for growth for over two decades.

An auction record for Grayson Perry’s (b.1960) 'Britain is Best', a limited edition coloured embroidery depicting five loyalists from East Belfast, was set at Phillips (25% buyer’s premium) in London on September 10.

When it comes to Old Masters, sleeper spotters will trawl through auction catalogues looking to spot works of an earlier date than specified.

Provenance of the Duke of Gloucester adds extra appeal to single-owner collection

The collection of pictures formerly owned by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, offered at Bellmans included 42 lots relating to the 10th Royal Hussars.

A group of three watercolours depicting Indian scenes attributed to Major General John Brownrigg Ballasis (1806-90) attracted interest at a timed sale held this summer by 1818 Auctioneers (20% buyer’s premium) in Milnthorpe, Cumbria.

An intriguing Indian miniature portrait drew strenuous competition against an estimate of just £30-50 at Clarke’s (18% buyer’s premium) in Shaftesbury, Dorset.

Indian miniatures are a common sight at UK auctions. With a keen, dedicated and often very knowledgeable collecting base, they remain a somewhat independent but active sub-set of the art market.

Wider spectrum of buyers means presenting catalogue entries in greater detail can pay off

Two pictures with animal appeal generated decent bidding at a North Yorkshire auction.

Three modestly valued works selling at regional sales including a Harry Clarke.

While Sotheby’s and Christie’s shifted their main Old Master offerings to the end of July, Bonhams (27.5/25/20/13.9% buyer’s premium) maintained its auction earlier in the month with a sale in New Bond Street on July 7-8.