Auction records for Bridget Riley, Reginald Brill and John Armstrong were set at Sotheby’s inaugural Made in Britain auction in London on April 1. The sale of the best of British art and design from the 20th century attracted new collectors and international buyers. It brought a combined total of £2.3 million against a top estimate of £1.8 million. The sale brought together fine art sculpture, studio ceramics, photography, prints and furniture to demonstrate the links between these often isolated disciplines.
Lydia Wingfield-Digby and Bryn Sayles, Co-Heads of the Made In Britain Auction commented: “Today’s unique sale succeeded in attracting new clients to Sotheby’s sale room from a diverse range of international locations across Europe, the US and Asia. Enthusiastic bidding drove over two thirds of the items in the sale above their high estimate. This, together with the high sell-through rate of 85%, reflects the growing international appreciation and demand for the very best examples of some of the greatest post-war British artists and designers across a broad range of collecting categories.”
BRIDGET RILEY
B.1931
UNTITLED (FRAGMENT 2) (S. 5B) sold for £40,000 over a top estimate of £7,000.
JOHN ARMSTRONG, A.R.A.
1893-1973
INITIAL STUDY FOR THE POSTER ‘CAN SPRING BE FAR BEHIND’
sold for £74,500 over a top estimate of £7,000.
REGINALD BRILL
1902-1974
EXCAVATORS sold for £80,500 over a top estimate of £15,000.