A Seller's Guide to Bridget Riley
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Key Takeaways
Bridget Riley's print market has shown significant growth, with works that once sold for around £300 now fetching tens of thousands of pounds. The value of Riley prints can range from approximately £4,000 to £70,000, influenced by factors like size, edition, production date, and provenance. Notably, her Fragment series and 1970s colour experimentation prints have seen substantial increases in value. Authenticating Riley prints relies on catalogues like Bridget Riley: Complete Prints 1962-2012 and COAs from reputable galleries. Timing is crucial when it comes to selling, with market peaks often aligned with major exhibitions and auction cycles, as is maintaining prints in optimal condition, and protecting them from damage.
The market for British Op-artist Bridget Riley has experienced a significant rise. When Riley's prints first entered the secondary market in the late 1980s, they sold for around £300. Today, if you're considering selling a Riley print, these same works fetch tens of thousands of pounds with a new record set recently in June 2024. The market has notably strengthened in recent years, with consistent year-on-year increases since 2018. This comprehensive seller's guide will provide insights and key considerations for selling your Riley print.
How much do Bridget Riley prints sell for?
In 2023, Riley prints sold for between approximately £4,000 and £70,000 (with fees) at auction, underscoring the continued strength of her market. The Fragment series, historically one of her highest valued collections, performed exceptionally well in 2021. Although these editioned plexiglass works remain highly sought after, they have become increasingly rare, prompting collectors to shift their attention to other trending series.
Recently, there has been a notable increase in the auction presence of Riley's 1970s series, where she first began experimenting with colour. These works have shown a significant increase in value. For instance, Firebird (1971) appeared multiple times at auction, with its highest value in 2023 reaching £33,000 with fees in October. This shift indicates a growing appreciation for her explorations in colour and highlights the dynamic nature of her market.
Size played a crucial role in the value trends of 2023, with collectors showing a marked preference for larger works such as Ra Inverted (2009) and New Day (1992) from the Rhomboid series, which spans the 1980s and early 1990s. Ra Inverted commanded a record price of £44,100 with fees in 2023 and is currently valued between £35,000 and £60,000 by MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio. Recent market trends have also shown increasing demand for Riley's earliest works dating to the early 2000s. The curvilinear Large Fragment (2006) has similarly seen a significant rise in value, achieving a new record of £20,480 with fees at Bonhams and is currently valued between £16,000 and £24,000 by MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio.
The current value of a Riley print depends on various factors, including its size, the series' production date, rarity, edition size, and condition. Provenance, such as notable previous ownership or exhibition history, also impacts value. Since 2018, the average selling price (ASP) of Riley's prints has nearly doubled, reflecting the strong market demand for her works.
Browse Bridget Riley prints on the Trading Floor and find out more about print market performance in the Bridget Riley Investment Guide.
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How do you authenticate a Bridget Riley print?
The Bridget Riley Foundation and Its Role in Authentication
The Bridget Riley Foundation, established in 2011 as a registered charity, aims to support and promote the visual arts. Currently, the Foundation does not authenticate or attribute works of art. Instead, it focuses on research, education, and maintaining archives.
Riley's work is extensively documented in various catalogues and art publications. A key reference is the Bridget Riley: Complete Prints 1962-2012
catalogue raisonné, which provides a comprehensive listing of her print works over sixty years. First published in 2012 and revised in 2020, this catalogue is now complemented by The Complete Paintings 1946–2017, a five-volume set published in 2018. Together, these publications represent the pinnacle of research for Riley’s extensive body of work and print authentication. For those looking to sell a Riley print, it is essential that the print is listed and verified within these catalogues in order to be recognised by the secondary market. Although not available online, these catalogues can be found in many local libraries. These references include detailed information on edition numbers, print types, and historical context.
Obtaining a Certificate of Authenticity
For collectors and buyers, obtaining a certificate of authenticity (COA) for a Riley print is essential for verifying its legitimacy. While The Bridget Riley Foundation does not provide direct authentication, reputable galleries representing Riley's work will issue a receipt serving as a COA, which is crucial to maintain for provenance records. Riley's works are held in numerous collections worldwide and she is represented by various blue chip galleries. Key galleries that also contribute to print publications include Cristea Roberts, David Zwirner, Max Hetzler, Sprüth Magers, and others. When selling a Riley print, having a COA receipt from one of these reputable galleries will significantly enhance its value.
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Has your Bridget Riley print been kept in good condition?
Riley's prints are created on high-quality wove paper, making them relatively resilient. However, maintaining them in optimal condition is crucial for achieving the best possible price. If you are considering selling your Riley print, it is imperative to inspect the work for signs of damage, such as scratches, tears, foxing (brown spots from mould spores or iron minerals), light damage (faded colours or yellowing paper), or warping due to humidity changes.
If you identify any issues or have concerns, it is always recommended to seek professional guidance. MyArtBroker can assist by connecting you with a wide network of professionals who can examine and advise on the proper care or restoration of your print before selling. For detailed guidance, refer to our comprehensive guide on restoring and caring for modern and contemporary prints.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SELL MY RILEY PRINT?
Market Trends and Record Sales
Determining the optimal time to sell a Riley print involves understanding market trends and recent high-profile sales. Riley, as a leading figure in the Op Art movement, has seen her works fetch impressive sums at auction, reflecting strong demand among collectors. For instance, 2016 was a prominent year for Riley's print market. In April, Untitled (Based on Blaze) (1954) appeared on the market four times, culminating in a record sale of £53,750 (with fees) in December. Similarly, that year Untitled (Diagonal Curve) (1966), an original monochrome work on canvas, sold for £4.3 million at Christie's, setting Riley's auction record for her highest-valued work.
From 2017 to 2019, there were mild fluctuations in Riley's print market, but in 2020, the market took off, with a subsequent rise in sales value and the number of lots sold. Her peak market performance by sales value and lots sold was in 2021, closely followed by 2023. That year saw significant sales, including Green Dominance/Blue Dominance/Red Dominance (1977), which set an auction record for Riley's prints at £70,849 (with fees). This record was recently surpassed in June 2024, when Untitled (Oval Image) (1964) sold for £82,550 (with fees), demonstrating a favourable selling period marked by excitement and continued demand for Riley's Fragment prints.
Impact of Exhibitions and Media Coverage
Significant exhibitions and media coverage can also boost the market value of Riley's prints. Notable instances include the major retrospective at the Hayward Gallery in 2019 and the Bridget Riley Drawings: From the Artist’s Studio at The Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, 2023. Additionally, in 2023, Riley was commissioned for the ceiling painting at the British School at Rome, which was widely recognised through her classic 'Egyptian palette'.
Additionally, Riley's work continues to be prominently featured in prestigious and annual art fairs, including Art Basel, Frieze London, and the London Art Fair. These events have showcased her influence in contemporary art, leading to a surge in private sales and auction results. The visibility and critical acclaim from these exhibitions created a favourable environment for selling Riley prints.
Seasonal Auction Cycles
Seasonal auction cycles play a crucial role in determining the best time to sell. Major auction houses like Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips often hold significant sales in May and November, aligning with the art market's peak periods. These events attract international buyers and generate substantial media coverage, positively impacting the prices realised for Riley's prints.
While there has been a notable absence of Riley originals in marquee evening sales recently, her print market continues to flourish. Riley's print works are also notoriously scarce, but her profound contribution to art history ensures continued and robust demand. This demand extends beyond auction cycles, with the private market becoming an increasingly popular option for selling prints.
Our Riley sales expert, Jasper Tordoff, notes this sustained demand and has remarked on her success, stating, “Bridget Riley possesses a remarkable ability to heighten our awareness of visual perception and cognitive processes.”
Bridget Riley Print Market Performance, 2015 - 2024
Bridget Riley Print Market Performance, 2015 - 2024 © MyArtBroker Where can I sell my Bridget Riley print?
When deciding to sell your Riley print, various avenues are available, including auction houses, private sales, and online platforms. Each option has distinct advantages catering to different aspects of the market.
Selling a Bridget Riley Print via Auction House
Auction houses are a popular choice due to their expertise and extensive market base, which can provide accurate valuations and attract the right buyers. The competitive nature of auctions can drive up the value of your work beyond estimates, potentially resulting in a healthy return. However, auction sales come with drawbacks such as high fees (often exceeding 25% for marketing, storage, condition checks, and seller commissions) and strict schedules. Auction houses may also limit the number of prints by the same artist in a single sale, possibly causing delays and affecting liquidity. Additionally, there's always the risk that your artwork may not sell, which can impact its value and the artist's market. For more detailed insights, refer to our Auction vs. Private Sale Guide.
Selling a Bridget Riley Print Privately via Dealer
An alternative to public auction sales is selling via the private market. One option is a private dealer who can provide a more personalised experience and guide you through the valuation process. Many dealers have extensive art market or auction house experience and a client base that can attract buyers for your print. It's crucial to choose a reputable dealer with expertise in the Bridget Riley market to achieve optimal results. Note that dealers also have their own set of fees.
Alternatively, online platforms like MyArtBroker offer a modern approach. With advancements in online and art technology and an increasing interest in online sales, many sellers are turning to the convenience of digital platforms. MyArtBroker provides a personalised experience along with art tech tools that enhance transparency and help you understand the nuances of the art market. MyArtBroker's Trading Floor directly reflects demand and connects sellers with buyers interested in specific prints. Contact one of our sales experts to explore our network and trading options further.
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Why Sell Your Bridget Riley print With MyArtBroker?
A Dedicated Expert
Choosing to sell your Riley print with MyArtBroker offers several advantages. Our platform ensures a personalised experience, addressing your specific needs and goals throughout the selling process. Our team of experts provides complimentary, no-obligation valuations, giving you an accurate understanding of your print's market value. With extensive knowledge of Riley's works and the art market, we offer precise and insightful assessments.
Minimise Risk
At MyArtBroker, we prioritise unparalleled transparency and security in the sale of your artwork. Our live Trading Floor provides real-time market data and insights, keeping you informed about current trends and conditions. Our comprehensive due diligence process ensures the authentication and provenance of your piece, minimising the risks associated with counterfeit trading. We also leverage our internal expertise and collaborate with trusted external partners to further reduce these risks. Additionally, we mitigate the uncertainties of public auction sales, such as unsold items that can impact value and the artist's market, by facilitating private sales that offer faster liquidity outside of auction seasons.
0% Seller’s Fees, 100% of the Time
We differentiate ourselves from traditional auction houses and private dealers by charging no seller fees, ensuring you retain the maximum amount from your sale. Our approach, combined with targeted marketing strategies, enhances your selling experience. Specialising in rare and special edition prints, we serve both seasoned collectors and newcomers. We offer complimentary valuations and prioritise digital innovation and targeted marketing through our network and in-house magazine.
Extensive Network
Our robust network of over 30,000 collectors actively looking to buy and sell prints allows us to quickly connect your Riley print with interested and serious buyers, maximising your chances of achieving a favourable sale.
Browse Bridget Riley prints on the Trading Floor and find out more about print market performance in the Bridget Riley Investment Guide.
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF MY BRIDGET RILEY PRINT?
Request a free and zero obligation valuation with our team without hesitation. Track your prints & editions with MyPortfolio.
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