Christie’s London has announced its Modern British and Irish Art sale scheduled for March 18, featuring a curated selection of 26 works. The auction is led by Frank Auerbach’s "Christmas Tree at Mornington Crescent," estimated at up to £2 million, alongside significant sculptures by Lynn Chadwick and Barbara Hepworth. Other notable entries include a monumental bronze by Chadwick titled "Back to Venice" and a 1986 painting by Bridget Riley.
This sale follows a period of high momentum for the British art market, coming shortly after Christie's set a new record for Henry Moore. The inclusion of works with strong provenance—some appearing at auction for the first time—reflects a strategic effort to capitalize on growing international demand, particularly from U.S. collectors. The auction serves as a key indicator of the stability and global appeal of the Modern British category amidst a shifting secondary market.