Tag: British Art

Historic Dalai Lama Sale at Bonhams Breaks Records with Krishna Kanwalโ€™s Watercolors and Sir Basil Gouldโ€™s Archive

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The Dalai Lama on the Throne

Discover the remarkable story behind Sir Basil Gouldโ€™s historic collectionโ€”featuring exclusive artworks, rare photographs, and personal artifacts from Tibetโ€™s most pivotal moments. From Krishna Kanwalโ€™s evocative watercolors capturing the enthronement of the young Dalai Lama to Gouldโ€™s intimate archive of images and memorabilia, this auction offers a rare glimpse into a transformative chapter of Tibetan history. Uncover the full story of this extraordinary sale and the figures who shaped itโ€”an event that achieved nearly a million pounds in just one day.

Rare Gandhi Portrait Achieves ยฃ152,800, Tripling Its Estimate

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Portrait of Mahatma Gandhi by Clare Leighton

Discover the extraordinary story behind a rare oil portrait of Mahatma Gandhi that recently shattered auction records. Created by Clare Leightonโ€”an artist who personally met Gandhi during a pivotal moment in historyโ€”this painting is more than just a work of art; itโ€™s a unique glimpse into a legendary leaderโ€™s life. From its remarkable journey through history to its astonishing sale price, uncover the fascinating details that make this portrait a true treasure for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Dive into the full story to learn why this artwork captivated the world and what it reveals about Gandhiโ€™s enduring legacy.

Bruton + Coโ€™s opening exhibition line-up to include major works of Abstract Expressionism alongside significant Asian artists

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On the corner of Bruton Street in Mayfair, a new kind of art space is quietly preparing to shake up Londonโ€™s cultural and investment landscape. Bruton + Co, the brainchild of art entrepreneur Olyvia Kwok, will open its doors this June with a striking retrospective of post-war abstract artโ€”bringing together masterpieces by the likes of Joan Mitchell, Robert Motherwell, Sam Francis, and Kazuo Shiraga. More than just an exhibition, this is a statement on the shifting power of art as an alternative asset, where emotion meets investment strategy. With global markets in flux, and blue-chip art increasingly seen as a financial safe haven, this opening marks more than a cultural momentโ€”itโ€™s a sign of where discerning collectors may be looking next.

Banksyโ€™s British Cool Mickey Snake Triumphs at Bonhams, Selling for ยฃ330,600

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Banksyโ€™s Mickey Snake, a rare sculpture from the artistโ€™s infamous Dismaland exhibition, stunned the art world this week by more than doubling its estimate at Bonhams. With its unsettling blend of pop culture and dark satire, the piece drew intense interestโ€”and an even higher final bid. Here’s how this unexpected result is reshaping conversations around contemporary British art.

Bridget Riley Stuns Art World as Myrrh Soars to $2.36M at Bonhams

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A legendary pioneer of Op Art, Bridget Riley just made headlines againโ€”this time with a dazzling canvas from her Egypt series that ignited a bidding war at Bonhams. At 93, Riley isnโ€™t just relevantโ€”sheโ€™s setting records. Discover why Myrrh, a work painted four decades ago, became the crown jewel of the evening and what it says about the enduring power of colour, perception, and artistic legacy.

Reception in the Harem: Discovered Masterpiece by John Frederick Lewis Shatters Expectations, Selling for Almost $1.5 Million

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A long-lost masterpiece by John Frederick Lewis, A Reception in the Harem, has emerged from obscurity after more than 60 years, stunning collectors and experts alike. The extraordinary watercolour, once hidden away in a private collection, shattered expectations when it fetched almost $1.5 million at Bonhamsโ€™ prestigious 19th Century & Orientalist Paintings auction in London. With its vivid colours and intricate detail, this rediscovered gem is one of the most significant discoveries in the art world this year.

Brief History of Tense US-Canada Relations Through Iconic Art

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Donald Trump’s recent suggestion that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state might sound like political theater, but it has reignited debates about the deeply intertwined histories of these neighboring nations. From the burning of the White House in 1814 to the cultural exchanges reflected in historic art, the U.S. and Canada share a relationship defined by collaboration, conflict, and mutual influence. Explore this unique bond through the lens of iconic artworks that reveal the stories, tensions, and identities shaping two nations separated by a borderโ€”but connected by history.

Obscure Artist Stuns Auctioneers: Leonardo Guzzardiโ€™s Portrait of Lord Nelson Sells 15 Times Estimate

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In a stunning turn of events, a rare portrait of Admiral Lord Nelson by the little-known Italian artist Leonardo Guzzardi sold for ยฃ94,380 ($120,000) at Bonhamsโ€™ Old Master Paintings auction in London, shattering its modest pre-sale estimate of ยฃ6,000โ€“ยฃ8,000 ($7600โ€“$10,200). The 1799 full-length depiction of Nelson in naval dress, set against a dramatic maritime backdrop, captivated bidders and underscored a growing appetite for rediscovered works by overlooked artists. Guzzardi, a relatively obscure figure believed to have worked for the Neapolitan Court, has gained renewed attention for his raw, realistic portrayals of the famed British naval hero, marking this sale as both a market surprise and a testament to the timeless allure of historical portraiture.

Jessica Dismorrโ€™s Self-Portrait Sets New Auction World Record at Bonhams

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Jessica Dismorr, a pioneering figure in British modern art, has achieved a new auction world record at Bonhams’ recent Blazing a Trail: Modern British Women auction. The sale, which ran online from September 9 to 18, showcased the largest known private collection of works by Dismorr, with the centerpiece, Woman Seated (Self-Portrait), selling for ยฃ57,600 (approximately $73,000). The final price far surpassed its pre-sale estimate of ยฃ4,000โ€“6,000 (approximately $5,000โ€“$7,600), cementing Dismorr’s position as a significant figure in 20th-century art.

Ultra-Rare Pre-Revolution 1652 Massachusetts Silver Threepence Coin Shatters World Records with $2.5 Million Sale

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In an unprecedented moment for numismatic history, a rare 1652 Massachusetts silver threepence, about the size of a modern nickel, sold for an astonishing $2.52 million in an auction conducted by Stackโ€™s Bowers Galleries. This sale marked a new world record for any coin struck in the American colonies before the American Revolution, surpassing the previous high of $646,250 by nearly $2 million. Additionally, this threepence set a new benchmark for any non-gold coin produced prior to the founding of the U.S. Mint.