HOLLYWOOD COMES TO BONHAMS

 ‘Hollywood’, a rare screen print by the celebrated American artist, Ed Ruscha, whose 50 year career was the subject of an acclaimed 2009 retrospective exhibition at London’s Hayward Gallery, is one of the leading items at the Bonhams Print sale in London on 12 July.

 

The print, a representation of one of Ruscha’s signature images, is one of only 100 copies and is signed and dated by the artist.  It is estimated at between £20,000-30,000. 

 

‘Hollywood’ is one of a number of works by iconic American artists including Andy Warhol, whose ‘Mao’ from 1972 is estimated at £25,000-35,000. His 1964 ‘Liz’ – a portrait of the actress Elizabeth Taylor - carries an estimate of £20,000-30,000).  Among other pieces is a rarely seen ‘Self Portrait’ by leading Pop Artist Alex Katz at £2,000-3,000 and a copy of Tom Wesselmann’s ‘Big Blonde’ produced outside the commercial run of 100 and estimated at £12,000-15,000.

 

Bonhams Head of Prints, Robert Kennan, said, “Modern American artists are renowned for their innovative approach to print making and we’re lucky to have such unusual and arresting examples in this sale.”

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son and Neale UK. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals through two major salerooms in London - New Bond Street, and Knightsbridge - and a further four throughout the UK. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Boston in the USA; Toronto in Canada; and in Switzerland, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 57 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments, go to www.bonhams.com