British artists dominated Sworders’ (23% buyer’s premium) Modern & Contemporary prints sale in Essex, with works by Banksy, Patrick Hughes, Damien Hirst, Bridget Riley and Grayson Perry all getting away.
The most expensive work in the 438-lot sale on May 9 was Banksy’s (b.1974)Love is in the Air screenprint in colours from 2003. The 19in x 2ft 3in (50 x 69cm) image of a protester, his face covered with a bandana and about to throw a bouquet of flowers, is among the street artist’s best-known creations.
Published by Pictures on Walls in an edition of 500 and numbered 332, it was accompanied by a certificate from Pest Control, Banksy’s authentication body.