20th Century British Art

From the Edwardians and the beginning of British Modernism to the present day, 20th Century British Art is a collecting area with universal appeal. Christie’s holds two specialist sales of this category annually at King Street and four at our South Kensington saleroom.

Christie’s has led the market in this increasingly popular collecting field for over fifteen years and the category continues to attract new buyers as well as appealing to established collectors. During 2008 we realised exceptional prices for a number of key artists, including new auction records for William Scott and Graham Sutherland. Also during 2008 Christie’s was entrusted with the sale of the private collection of late Simon Sainsbury, who had assembled one of the finest private collections of 20th Century Art. The group of sixteen 20th Century British Art works which were offered in this landmark sale were 100% sold and seven new world auction records were established for artists including Paul Nash, Robert Bevan and Spencer Frederick Gore.

Christie’s are also the world auction leaders in selling works by L.S. Lowry, having sold 140 works by the artist in the last five years, for a total approaching £30 million, including Good Friday, Daisy Nook, which set a new world record for the artist in our June 2007 sale, and a new record for a work offered in this category of sale.

Christie’s also holds market share for 20th Century British sculpture, and since 2006 has sold almost £11.5 million in this category. Highlights include Dame Barbara Hepworth’s Sculpture with Colour (Oval Form) Pale Blue and Red, which achieved the highest price at auction for a carving by the artist; and the world auction record for Dame Elisabeth Frink's Walking Madonna.

We are now actively collecting for our upcoming sales. With the expertise of eight specialists, we are the longest established team working in this field and best placed to advise you about buying and selling 20th Century British Art. Our specialists travel regularly and would be delighted to assist you with any queries you may have. Please contact one of the specialists listed below if you would like to discuss, without obligation, a market appraisal of your work.

RELATED DEPARTMENTS

See also:
British & Irish Art Articles

Upcoming Sales from this department

Full Auction Calendar

Department Contact Info

Specialist Profiles

London, King Street Contacts

South Kensington Contacts

New York Contacts