Christie’s London achieved a robust £197.4 million total across three evening sales, representing a 52% year-on-year increase for the season. The marathon auction was defined by a high 96% sell-through rate and record-breaking prices for major artists, most notably Henry Moore, whose sculpture "King and Queen" sold for £26.3 million. The evening demonstrated a strong appetite for "fresh to market" works and Surrealist masterpieces, even as some lots hammered at the lower end of their estimates.
These results signal a resilient demand for high-quality, blue-chip art despite broader global economic uncertainty. By setting new auction records for Moore, Dorothea Tanning, and Toyen, the sale reinforces London's position as a critical hub for the Modern and Surrealist markets. The success of the Surrealist-dedicated sale, now in its 25th year, particularly highlights the enduring commercial strength of this movement among international collectors.