For its inaugural British. Cool. Sale on 25 February, auction house Bonhams is celebrating the best of British with a diverse range of British and émigré talent from the last 100 years.
The cross-departmental sale of works of art, photographs, designer fashion and memorabilia by the likes of Vivienne Westwood, David Bailey and Damien Hirst will explore what really gives Britain the right to the prefix ‘Great’.
Needing no explanation why it’s one of the stand-out lots is a striking lenticular 3D print of supermodel Kate Moss by UK-based light artist Chris Levine, which has been jointly donated by Levine and Moss to raise funds for Oxfam GB and has an estimate of £20,000-30,000.
Levine uses light to imbue his work with a spiritual and meditative edge and is one of the world’s leading light artists, which has led to cross-media collaborations with the likes of Massive Attack, Grace Jones and Jon Hopkins, as well as Moss.
Speaking of the work, Kate Moss commented, “Working with Chris was an incredible creative experience. The atmosphere on set was really calm and meditative and he has captured that stillness perfectly in this piece. I love the serenity in this image.”
Chris Levine added: “This meditative piece is very special to me and it was a dream come true to create it. It speaks of inner beauty and infinite peace within us. The work draws the viewer towards stillness, which is a portal to the divine, offering a moment's refuge in a crazy world.”
A large number of prints by Banksy, including Girl with Balloon, 2004 (estimate: £100,000-150,000) a multi-coloured Alexander McQueen Birds of Paradise Gown, circa Spring/Summer 2008 (estimate: £1,500-2,000), and music photographer Art Kane’s The Who With Flag, 1968, (estimate £10,000-12,000) are just some of the other highlights of the sale.
As part of the sale, Bonhams will also be partnering with British-Nigerian multidisciplinary artist Yinka Ilori, who will be curating a selection of his favourite works from the sale. Three unique works by the artist will also be on offer; United We Stand United We Fall, 2021, (estimate: £3,000-5,000), Sometimes The Grass Is Greener On The Other Side, 2021, (estimate: £3,000-5,000), and Ayomide, 2021 (estimate: £3,000-5,000).
*Images provided by Bonhams
