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The article provides an overview of the September 2024 Phillips Editions sale, highlighting strong performances from Andy Warhol's Trial Proofs, alongside solid results for works by Post-War and British Contemporary artists like Bridget Riley, Banksy, and Harland Miller. It discusses notable sales trends, record-setting results, and the market's selective buyer activity, particularly focusing on well-known series and artists. The analysis reflects current collector preferences and market stability for high-demand prints.
Phillips launched their second-half print sales with the live Evening & Day Editions auction in London from September 19th to 20th, featuring a wide range of works by blue chip artists. This report highlights key sales and standout performances from the auction.
The sale highlighted strong demand for Andy Warhol’s trial proofs, reflecting a market preference for iconic imagery and recognisable motifs across various artists. This suggests a strategic approach among collectors, indicating a stable appetite for high-profile works in the current market landscape. For a quick recap of this sale and other print market updates, listen to our weekly podcast, where we discuss the latest trends and news in the world of prints.
Warhol's trial proofs (TP), distinguished by their unique colour variations, stood out as the top performers in this year’s sale, reflecting a strong and anticipated performance. Several works from various sought-after series, which we’ve highlighted throughout the year, unsurprisingly ranked among the highest in the sale. Notable pieces included:
Warhol’s overall performance in this sale was impressive, with both his TPs and regular editions from iconic series like Campbell’s Soup Cans, Mao prints, and Reigning Queen portraits performing well. These results highlight the strength of the print market and the significant appeal of TPs, which have become increasingly valuable due to their unique colour variations and high tradeability. Despite the challenging economic climate, collectors are willing to pay a premium for these works, viewing them as a distinctive alternative to originals. For more in-depth analysis on the rising popularity and value of Warhol's TPs and complete sets, explore our latest Andy Warhol market report.
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Roy Lichtenstein has shown an intriguing trajectory in 2024 print sales. While 2023 saw a varied selection of works from his Nudes, Landscapes, Moonscapes, Seascapes series, 2024's standout pieces have come from his Composition series, which provide a more accessible entry point for collectors. Top performing results from Lichtenstein included:
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Other notable performances in American Pop included works by Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Haring’s Pop Shop I, Plate III (1987) met expectations, achieving £25,400, just above its high estimate of £20,000. Meanwhile, Basquiat’s Riddle Me This Batman (1987/2022), from the Superhero Portfolio, a posthumous print signed by Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, also made its public debut, selling for £25,400.
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Banksy commanded strong attention in the sale with several offerings of high-value and more accessible prints, most of which meet expectations. This reflects a 2024 trend where collectors prioritise iconic imagery within works, which offers a sense of stability and potential for sustained value. For more 2024 print market trends listen to our weekly podcast: The Week In Prints. Banksy’s results included:
Other unsigned Banksy works also performed as expected on a lower scale. The results from this sale highlight a strong market for his recognisable imagery, with signed pieces adding further value reinforcing their status as both cultural statements and valuable investment assets. For further insights to Banksy's print market, refer to our comprehensive Banksy market report.
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Bridget Riley's print market remains robust and sustainable, with auction sales representing only a small portion of her overall market activity. Many of her prints, which are becoming increasingly rare, are primarily traded privately. This sale featured several Riley prints, all of which demonstrated solid performance and ongoing collector interest.
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Harland Miller made a notable solo appearance in the sale with This is Where it’s Fuckin At (2012), an artist proof (AP) that surpassed expectations by £8,000, ultimately achieving £35,560. Miller’s prints are celebrated for their exceptional colour production and meticulous printing techniques, making them highly sought after in the market.
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Damien Hirst's appearance in the sale notably reflected current market trends. In 2023, his Spot works were highly sought after, setting competing records alongside complete sets from The Virtues. In this sale, individual prints from The Virtues series stood out, consistently outperforming estimates. This mirrors trends seen in other blue chip markets, where collectors focus on well-known, affordable pieces with high desirability. Hirst’s individual Virtues prints, with their appeal and accessibility, continue to show strong demand and investment confidence. Here are the standout results from Hirst’s sales:
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Francis Bacon has been on our watchlist this year, with a growing interest in his prints on the market. What makes Bacon’s prints particularly appealing is that they are derived from his iconic paintings, offering enthusiasts an accessible alternative to the multi-million-dollar originals while retaining the intense, visceral imagery he is known for. These works are instantly recognisable and bolster collector confidence. At Phillips’ sale, Triptyque août 1972 (after, Triptych August 1972) (1979) performed well, selling at the high estimate for £24,130 with fees.
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Overall, Phillips September edition sale accurately mirrored current market dynamics, with most works achieving their expected prices. Warhol’s record-breaking sales highlighted the impact of aggressive public bidding, which is boosting the value and tradability of these rare prints. While trending Lichtenstein and Haring pieces have become scarcer in 2023, auction sales only represent a fraction of market suggesting that collectors are increasingly looking towards transactions on the private market. Riley's market is holding steady due to the cultural significance of her works, and interest in Banksy's iconic pieces remains evident. This sale is just the beginning of a busy print auction season. For more insights on Phillips’ coinciding David Hockney sale, see our David Hockney Auction Report.