Christie’s delivered strong results during its triple-header evening auctions in London, where major works by Henry Moore and Dorothea Tanning set new records. The combined sales generated £197.4 million, marking a significant rise compared with last year’s results.

Collectors showed steady interest throughout the nearly four-hour event. As a result, several lots exceeded expectations and highlighted continued demand for high-quality modern and surrealist art.

🎨 Record-Breaking Sale for Henry Moore

The standout result came from Henry Moore’s bronze sculpture King and Queen (1952–53). The work sold for £26.345 million, establishing a new world auction record for the British sculptor.

Bidding quickly intensified as multiple collectors competed for the sculpture. The final price rose 76% above its high estimate, reflecting strong demand for museum-quality works.

Importantly, the sculpture represents one of Moore’s most recognisable double-figure compositions. Moreover, it remained in the same family collection since 1954, which increased its appeal to buyers.

“People are really pursuing quality,” said a Christie’s vice-chairman after the sale.

Therefore, the result confirmed Moore’s continued importance in the international art market.

🖼️ Dorothea Tanning Achieves New Auction Record

Meanwhile, Surrealist artist Dorothea Tanning also achieved a milestone. Her painting “Children’s Games” (1942) sold for £4.686 million, setting a new auction record for the artist.

The sale formed part of The Art of the Surreal evening auction, which performed exceptionally well. In fact, the event recorded a 100% sell-through rate by lot and value.

Collectors competed strongly for several surrealist works. Consequently, prices across the category rose well above estimates.

📊 Strong Overall Results at Christie’s London

Overall, Christie’s evening auctions generated £197.4 million, representing a 52% increase compared with the equivalent sales last year.

The auctions also achieved 96% sold by lot and 98% sold by value, indicating strong buyer confidence despite broader global uncertainties.

Several additional artists performed strongly during the evening. Works by Toyen, René Magritte, Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso attracted competitive bidding from international collectors.

Meanwhile, experts noted that artworks appearing fresh on the market generated the most interest. As a result, high-quality pieces continued to command premium prices.

🌍 What the Results Mean for the Art Market

The London results provide an important early signal for the spring auction season. Moreover, they demonstrate sustained demand for modern and surrealist masterpieces.

Collectors remain selective; however, they continue to pursue exceptional works. Consequently, record-breaking results like those for Henry Moore and Dorothea Tanning reinforce the strength of the high-end art market.