On Thursday March 7th, Roseberys’ first Prints & Multiples sale of 2023 went well with strong prices across the board. Particularly strong prices were achieved for works by Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Bob Dylan, Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Grayson Perry. This shows the underlying strength of the print market especially when you have celebrity names on offer. Signed works by Hockney continued to attract a lot of interest and Bob Dylan has firmly established himself as highly collectible in this field. Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Grayson Perry remained popular because of the artists’ wide price points, depending on the popularity of the works.
Lot 97: Andy Warhol,American 1928-1987,Mick Jagger [F. and S. II.138], 1975
The number one standout lot of the auction was lot 97, Warhol’s 1975 print of Mick Jagger, which sold for £85,000 hammer. The glamorous image of the Rolling Stones frontman by the pop art icon, was one of the best images of the Jagger series showing his face clearly. This work confirms Warhol’s continued popular commercial appeal at auction and was praised for its beauty with its juxtaposition of pale green and silver ink in daring shapes.
Another work by Warhol - lot 98 - also proved successful. ‘Oyster Stew’ is an iconic Warholian image, and the 1969 print (made at the beginning of the artist’s pop art journey) sold for £34,000. The ongoing strength of the red colour in the soup can (now deeply linked with Warhol’s practice) added to the striking image’s appeal.
Lot 223: David Hockney OM CH RA, British b. 1937- Untitled 346, 2010 (iPad Drawing)
Lot 223 - an iPad drawing by British pop artist David Hockney - achieved double its estimate at sale. The beautiful flower still life work by Hockney featuring strong colours sold for £30,000 hammer. Hockney’s works are very in-vogue currently, whether they be iPad- or traditional prints. Roseberys successfully sold an iPad drawing print in the last sale and this work continues that trend.