British Art

Rare Gandhi Portrait Achieves £152,800, Tripling Its Estimate

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 Leighton—an artist who personally met Gandhi during a pivotal moment in history—this painting is more than just a work of art; it’s a unique glimpse into a legendary leader’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 Gandhi’s enduring legacy.

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

Detail of alternating yellow, pink, green and blue vertical bands in Bridget Riley’s Myrrh.

A legendary pioneer of Op Art, Bridget Riley just made headlines again—this time with a dazzling canvas from her Egypt series that ignited a bidding war at Bonhams. At 93, Riley isn’t just relevant—she’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

Detail of figures on cushions and a small horned animal in John Frederick Lewis’s A Reception in the Harem.

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 Bonhams’ 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.

Jessica Dismorr’s Self-Portrait Sets New Auction World Record at Bonhams

Detail of Jessica Dismorr’s Woman Seated (Self-Portrait), showing a woman holding a pencil beside a window.

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 £57,600 (approximately $73,000). The final price far surpassed its pre-sale estimate of £4,000–6,000 (approximately $5,000–$7,600), cementing Dismorr’s position as a significant figure in 20th-century art.

Legendary Admiral Lord Nelson’s Memorabilia Up for Auction

Gold and black enamel mourning ring for Lord Nelson, with two coronets and the word Trafalgar.

Admiral Lord Nelson’s indelible mark on British history extends far beyond his iconic victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. His naval prowess, coupled with his captivating personal life, continues to captivate the public imagination. This April, Bonhams Knightsbridge is set to showcase a remarkable collection of memorabilia celebrating Nelson’s legacy in two distinct sales: Nelson Forever! A Naval Legacy in Ceramics and Glass on April 23, followed by the Marine Sale on April 24.

Lucie Rie’s Ceramic Bowl Shatters Records, Sells for €406,800 at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr Auction in Paris

Pink footed bowl by Lucie Rie with fine vertical grooves, a dark rim, and a turquoise band.

In a riveting event at the Ceramic Masterpieces sale in Paris on Tuesday, December 6, 2023, a Footed bowl by Lucie Rie (1902-1995) stole the spotlight, executed circa 1980 with inlaid pink radiating lines, turquoise, and manganese bands. The intense bidding war that ensued saw the bowl fetching an astonishing €406,800, nearly 10 times its initial estimate of €40,000-60,000, setting a new world auction record for the renowned artist.

High-End Ceramics: Timeless Masterpieces by Hans Coper, Lucie Rie, and Jennifer Lee from an Exquisite Private French Collection at Bonhams

Selection of ceramic works by Hans Coper, Lucie Rie and Jennifer Lee.

A selection of 15 exceptional ceramics by Hans Coper, Lucie Rie, Jennifer Lee, Ewen Henderson, Colin Pearson, Duncan Ross and Walter Keeler from a private French collection will be offered at Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr in Paris on Wednesday 6 December 2023. Hans Coper (1920-1981) was a leading figure in the field of studio pottery — the production of unique ceramic wares made by individual artist-potters in small batches. Together with Lucie Rie (1902-1995), he was instrumental in revolutionising British ceramics, adopting a style which was increasingly sculptural.

Double Olympian Martial Artist Neil Eckersley: Fighting Dementia Through Visual Art – An Exclusive Interview

Man holding a face drawing labeled “We Are Olympians” in front of colorful painted circles.

In this insightful interview, we delve into the remarkable journey of Double Olympian Neil Eckersley, a martial artist whose passion for both sports and art has transcended artistic boundaries. Raised in a working-class environment near Manchester, Neil discovered his love for judo at a young age, leading him to become a Double Olympian and secure a Bronze Medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Games. However, it was a profound personal tragedy, the loss of his older brother, that ignited his passion for visual art. Neil’s artistic expression not only became a form of therapy but also a powerful means to advocate for dementia awareness, a cause close to his heart after witnessing his father’s struggle with the disease. Through his captivating artwork, Neil channels his resilience and Olympian spirit, creating a dialogue around dementia and inspiring change. Join us as we explore the intersection of athleticism, artistry, and advocacy in Neil Eckersley’s extraordinary journey, profoundly shaped by his father’s courage in facing dementia.

Ninjin Art makes a big splash at Tokyo’s Flying Teapot

Reg Cleet meets his first alien in Ninjin Art’s The Night Turns (Mandelgrün).

Ninjin Art’s newest animation ‘The Night Turns (Mandelgrün)’ has picked all the right numbers for its premiere at The Flying Teapot, a key Tokyo locus for the Japanese avant-garde art scene. With a runtime of 3 minutes 52 seconds, ‘The Night Turns (Mandelgrün)’ combines the kimo-kawaii animation of Cornwall’s Ignatius Rake with the haunting synthesizer sounds of London’s Louis S Hill to tell the story of Reg Cleet, a man abducted by telepathic aliens that look like teeth and who want him to marry their queen and seed the next generation of alien/human hybrids.

Vivienne Becker’s Jewellery Designer Vivarium at GemGenève

Gold-colored necklace with a green circuit-patterned pendant and pink, blue, and green accents.

This May, the Designer Vivarium is set to return to GemGenève, featuring five international contemporary designers, with four of them being new to the Vivarium, presenting their work at GemGenève for the first time. As usual, the Designer Vivarium is curated by renowned jewellery historian, Vivienne Becker, who meticulously scouts the globe for fresh and creative talent, seeking out independent, under-the-radar designer jewellers, artists, and goldsmiths who have something unique to offer in their jewellery. Becker’s discerning eye seeks out a strong, singular creative vision, intense individuality, and sophistication of craftsmanship.