VIP Day Sales Dominate Frieze London 2025: Quality Reigns

The Frieze London 2025 event has highlighted a resurgence in the art market, showcasing strong sales and a vibrant atmosphere. The event featured an array of galleries, particularly those in the Focus section, attracting crowds of art enthusiasts and buyers. François Chantala from Thomas Dane Gallery remarked on the palpable energy reminiscent of the 1990s, as the UK art scene adapts to current economic challenges.

VIP Day Sales at Frieze London 2025

On opening day, notable sales were recorded, signaling confidence within the market. The Contemporary Art Society purchased Michael Landy’s work, Multi-Saint (2013), for approximately €125,000 for the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool. Josh Lilley, a London-based gallerist, observed a shift in buyer behavior, with a focus on local buyers and more measured decision-making.

• Michael Landy’s Multi-Saint sold for €125,000
• Gareth Cadwallader’s Egg sold for £85,000
• Rebecca Manson’s porcelain sculpture priced at $85,000

Record Sales at Hauser & Wirth

Hauser & Wirth reported impressive sales, offering 17 works at Frieze London and 16 at Frieze Masters. Among the highlighted transactions were:

• René Magritte’s Le domaine enchanté (1953) for $1.6 million.
• Gabriele Münter’s The Blue Garden (My Garden Gate) from 1909 for $3 million.

Additionally, George Rouy’s DESIRELINE II (2025) was listed at £275,000, while Avery Singer’s Lost Boccioni (2025) carried an asking price of $800,000. Neil Wenman, Hauser & Wirth’s creative director, emphasized that, despite market corrections, quality art continues to attract buyers.

Emerging Trends in Buyer Behavior

Tax reforms in the UK have influenced some wealthy collectors to reconsider their status in London, but significant sales have still occurred. Wenman reported that collectors, even those moving away, remain engaged with the market. Many newcomers were noted at the fair, reflecting a diverse pool of buyers.

Innovative presentations caught attention, with Cecilia Brunson Projects achieving sales of woven works by the Wichí collective early in the event. Prices for these textiles ranged from $19,000 to $55,000, attracting art enthusiasts from various regions.

Memorable Sales and Cultural Impact

Other poignant sales included two paintings by the late artist Sarah Cunningham, sold to significant collectors and institutions. These works were priced at $26,000 and $30,000, illustrating the deep connection between collectors and the art they acquire.

• Robert Rauschenberg’s Polls (1987) sold for $850,000, benefiting from renewed interest in the artist’s legacy.
• New Delhi’s Vadehra Gallery reported strong sales, selling nearly half its stand at Frieze London.

The dynamic atmosphere of Frieze London 2025 reflects an art market that, while facing challenges, continues to thrive and evolve. With quality pieces front and center, buyers demonstrate a willingness to invest, signaling a hopeful horizon for the contemporary art scene.