London - British. Cool. Featuring Etched Lives | School of London, an online auction took place on 23 April 2026 Bonhams New Bond Street. The sale celebrated the best of British art, fashion, music, and culture from the 20th century up to the present day, with a special emphasis on the School of London, bringing into focus iconic British artists including Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon, Frank Auerbach and David Hockney. The auction coincided with the National Portrait Gallery's major exhibition Lucian Freud: Drawing into Painting (12 February, 3 May 2026), offering collectors an exceptional moment to explore Freud's work in depth.
Carolin von Massenbach, Head of Prints & Multiples, commented, "Celebrating the artists whose vision has shaped modern British culture, this annual sale brought together a carefully curated selection of significant artworks and objects that trace the story of British creativity from the 20th century to the present day. We're delighted to present this auction once again, and this year's highlights span fine art, prints and multiples, photography, design, ceramics, entertainment memorabilia and fashion, reflecting the remarkable breadth and dynamism that define Britain's creative heritage."
Suzanne Irvine, Head of Sale & Specialist in Prints & Multiples, commented, "several exceptional results were achieved for the School of London works, underlining their enduring appeal to collectors. There was also a keen interest in the modern British works in different media, which included a complete set of John Piper Death in Venice screenprints and tapestries by Dame Elizabeth Frink and Craigie Aitchison.
Frank Auerbach's Six Etchings of Heads (1980 to 81) delivered an outstanding world record result, realizing £46,080 against a pre-sale estimate of £15,000 to 20,000. The complete proof set gifted from the artist, from a remarkable private collection, comprising six signed and titled etchings represents Auerbach's first sustained engagement with portraiture in the medium of etching. The series depicts fellow artists and members of the painter's inner circle, offering a rare and intimate insight into his practice.
Craigie Aitchison's Bedlington in Red (2012) achieved a remarkable world record price of £38,400, against a pre-sale estimate of £2,000 to 3,000. The vibrant wool pile tapestry, number 6 from the edition of 20 and published by Barry Cronan Fine Art, exemplifies Aitchison's instantly recognisable visual language depicting the admirable subject of the Bedlington Dog.
Other notable highlights of the sale include:
Banksy Nola AP (Grey Rain), screenprint in colors, 2008, signed and inscribed proof sold for £46,080.
Dame Tracey Emin How I Wish I Slept (2011), a pair of bronze multiples sold for £25,600.
Frank Auerbach Study for 'To the Studios', pencil wash and gouache, sold for £23,040.
John Piper Death in Venice, complete portfolio, 1973, comprising ten screenprints in colors, sold for £14,080.
Dame Elisabeth Frink On the Road to Chartres, tapestry, 1983, signed and numbered from the edition of 30, sold for £10,880.
Terry O'Neill David Bowie, Diamond Dogs, silver gelatin print, 1974, sold for £8,960.
(Press Release)
