Rare Madge Gill Textile Sets Auction Record for the Self-Taught Artist

The visionary artist's market has grown since her work was included in the 60th Venice Biennale.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 5:11pm

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A rare embroidered work by British self-taught artist Madge Gill (1882–1961) set a new auction record when it sold for $120,650 at Christie's New York on February 26, well above its $60,000 to $80,000 estimate. Textile works by Gill are exceptionally rare, with only a small number known to survive, and this 1930s example was the first to ever appear at auction.

Why it matters

Interest in Gill's work has grown in recent years, boosted by its inclusion in the 2024 Venice Biennale main exhibition, 'Foreigners Everywhere.' The recent record price for the artist is 54 percent higher than her previous high, indicating a rising demand for her visionary and intricate compositions.

The details

The artist is best known for her dense, visionary ink drawings on calico and postcards, which she believed were guided by a spiritual entity she called 'Myrninerest.' This embroidered work remained with Gill's family before being acquired in Essex by Leslie Berger around 1961 and later passed down to the current consignor.

  • The work sold at Christie's New York on February 26, 2026.
  • Gill's previous auction record was $78,120 for an ink-on-cloth work sold at Christie's in March 2024.
  • Gill's work was included in the 2024 Venice Biennale main exhibition, 'Foreigners Everywhere.'

The players

Madge Gill

A British self-taught artist known for her dense, visionary ink drawings on calico and postcards, which she believed were guided by a spiritual entity she called 'Myrninerest.'

Leslie Berger

An art collector who acquired the embroidered work by Gill around 1961 in Essex, England.

Christie's

The auction house that sold the rare Madge Gill textile for a record price of $120,650 on February 26, 2026.

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The takeaway

The record-setting sale of this rare Madge Gill textile highlights the growing demand and appreciation for the visionary work of this self-taught British artist, whose inclusion in the 2024 Venice Biennale has further elevated her profile in the art world.