Christie's Modern British and Irish Art Sale Highlights Works by Auerbach, Chadwick, and Hepworth

The tightly curated auction features 26 lots, including several major pieces by renowned 20th-century artists.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 9:52am

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Christie's London is preparing for its modern British and Irish art sale on March 18, which will feature works by Frank Auerbach, Lynn Chadwick, and Barbara Hepworth. The top lots include Auerbach's "Christmas Tree at Mornington Crescent" (2004-05), Chadwick's bronze "Back to Venice" (1988), and two sculptures by Hepworth. The sale also includes paintings from the postwar period, such as Bridget Riley's "Recollection" (1986) and Glyn Philpot's "Balthazar" (1929).

Why it matters

This auction represents a significant moment for the modern British and Irish art market, as it features works by some of the most renowned artists of the 20th century. The inclusion of pieces by Auerbach, Chadwick, and Hepworth, as well as other influential figures like Riley and Philpot, underscores the continued global demand for this category of art.

The details

The 26-lot auction is tightly curated, with a focus on works by three major artists: Frank Auerbach, Lynn Chadwick, and Barbara Hepworth. Auerbach's "Christmas Tree at Mornington Crescent" (2004-05), with a high estimate of £2 million ($2.6 million), exemplifies the artist's signature thick paint and striking scale. Chadwick's bronze "Back to Venice" (1988), appearing at auction for the first time, reflects the artist's long relationship with the city that helped establish his international reputation. The sale also includes two sculptures by Hepworth: "Curved Form" (1960) and "Solitary Form" (1971), with high estimates of £1 million ($1.3 million) and £700,000 ($900,000), respectively. Other notable works include Bridget Riley's "Recollection" (1986) and Glyn Philpot's "Balthazar" (1929).

  • The modern British and Irish art sale will take place on March 18, 2026.
  • Chadwick's "Back to Venice" sculpture was conceived and cast more than three decades after the artist won the International Prize for Sculpture at the 1956 Venice Biennale.

The players

Frank Auerbach

A renowned British painter known for his thick, expressive brushwork and focus on urban landscapes.

Lynn Chadwick

A British sculptor who won the International Prize for Sculpture at the 1956 Venice Biennale and is known for his abstract, welded metal sculptures.

Barbara Hepworth

A pioneering British sculptor known for her abstract, organic forms carved from stone and wood.

Bridget Riley

A British painter known for her op-art paintings that create the illusion of movement and vibration.

Glyn Philpot

A British painter known for his luminous portraits, including the work "Balthazar" (1929) that will be featured in the sale.

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What they’re saying

“It really represents a culmination of Chadwick's career. What's particularly exciting is that, with the Biennale opening later this year, the sculpture feels inseparable from his long and transformative relationship with Venice. It has remained in the same private collection for almost 30 years. It's about 10 feet wide, so it's fairly monumental.”

— Alice Murray, Head of Modern British and Irish Art at Christie's (ARTnews)

“I think we've estimated things very reasonably. We feel confident in our pricing and we're looking forward to seeing how the market responds.”

— Alice Murray, Head of Modern British and Irish Art at Christie's (ARTnews)

“Our modern British and Irish art sales benefit from sustained and active international bidding. Interest in the category continues to expand globally, with particularly robust demand from the United States.”

— Alice Murray, Head of Modern British and Irish Art at Christie's (ARTnews)

What’s next

The 2026 Venice Biennale, which opens later this year, is expected to generate additional interest in Chadwick's sculpture "Back to Venice" and its connection to the artist's long relationship with the city.

The takeaway

This auction highlights the continued global demand for modern British and Irish art, with works by some of the most renowned artists of the 20th century commanding high prices and attracting international bidding. The inclusion of pieces by Auerbach, Chadwick, Hepworth, and other influential figures underscores the enduring appeal and significance of this artistic movement.