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#BritishCoolSale #DylanJonesCollection #BonhamsAuction #DamienHirstArt #DavidHockneyMasterpiece #PopCultureMemorabilia #ArtCollectors #ModernBritishCulture #BanksyArt #MensFashionSale #IconicArtworks #CulturalCollectibles #AuctionHighlights #ArtAndStyle #BonhamsMagazine
The upcoming British. Cool. sale at Bonhams, running online from April 7-16, will feature a remarkable collection of artworks and memorabilia curated by journalist and author Dylan Jones. Known for his influential roles at prominent cultural magazines such as GQ and i-D, Jones has amassed a collection that reflects his deep engagement with British culture over the past five decades. The sale offers a unique glimpse into the world of British art, pop culture, and fashion, with highlights including works by Damien Hirst, David Hockney, and Dame Paula Rego, alongside iconic memorabilia.
Dylan Jones: A Cultural Curator
Dylan Jones, a veteran journalist and editor, has been at the forefront of British cultural journalism, shaping and documenting the zeitgeist through his work at publications like The Face, Arena, The Observer, and The Evening Standard. His collection, assembled throughout his career, serves as a personal archive of modern British culture. In Bonhams Magazine, Jones reflected on his collection, stating, “My work has afforded me amazing access to extraordinary people and places, and along the way I have collected things which reflect that. My collection is a labour of love, which I suppose has inadvertently become a reflection of modern British culture over the last 50 years.”
Highlights from the Dylan Jones Collection
The Dylan Jones collection is a diverse mix of contemporary art, photography, and pop culture artifacts, offering a vibrant snapshot of British creativity. Key highlights include:
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Damien Hirst, For the Love of God, 2012
Estimated at £2,500-3,500, this piece exemplifies Hirst’s fascination with mortality and materiality, themes that have defined his career as one of Britain’s most iconic contemporary artists. -
Dame Paula Rego, Mist I, from Pendle Witches, 1996
With an estimate of £1,500-2,000, this work by the late Dame Paula Rego reflects her powerful storytelling and exploration of folklore and feminist themes. -
David Hockney, A Bigger Book, 2016
Estimated at £1,000-1,500, this work by the celebrated British artist showcases Hockney’s lifelong experimentation with perspective, color, and scale. - Photograph of David Bowie and Twiggy by Justin De Villeneuve
A striking image from the 1973 Pin Ups album shoot, estimated at £400-600, captures the essence of 1970s British cool and Bowie’s groundbreaking influence on music and fashion.
British. Cool.: A Celebration of British Culture
The British. Cool. sale is a celebration of Britain’s cultural impact, bringing together works from private collections that span art, design, and memorabilia. Suzanne Irvine, Bonhams Head of Sale, remarked, “This is always such a fun sale and this year promises to be no exception. We’re particularly excited to bring the pieces from Dylan Jones’ collection to auction for the first time. Dylan has always been in the centre of the coolest scenes Britain has to offer, and so British. Cool. and Dylan Jones are a perfect match.”
Additional Highlights from the Sale
The sale extends beyond the Dylan Jones collection, featuring other notable works from private collections:
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Banksy, Mickey Snake, 2015
Estimated at £150,000-200,000, this piece by the enigmatic street artist combines pop culture iconography with political commentary, characteristically challenging consumerism and corporate influence. -
Banksy, Girl With Balloon, 2004
A screenprint from the limited edition of 600, estimated at £50,000-70,000, this iconic image has become a universal symbol of hope and loss. -
David Hockney, Pretty Tulips, 1969
Estimated at £15,000-20,000, this early work by Hockney highlights his mastery of color and composition, themes that have remained central to his practice. - GERONIMO aka JUMPING BULL, Back to the Roots, 2023
With an estimate of £20,000-30,000, this contemporary piece reflects the artist’s exploration of cultural identity and heritage.
Men’s Fashion Sale: A Stylish Addition
Complementing the British. Cool. sale, Bonhams will also host its first dedicated men’s fashion sale, running from April 23 to May 1. This auction will feature fashion highlights from Dylan Jones’ collection, further emphasizing his role as a tastemaker in British style and culture. The sale promises to include rare and iconic pieces from renowned designers, offering a unique opportunity for collectors and fashion enthusiasts.
A Cultural Time Capsule
The Dylan Jones collection, alongside the broader British. Cool. sale, serves as a cultural time capsule, capturing the essence of British creativity and innovation over the past half-century. From the provocative works of Damien Hirst and Banksy to the timeless elegance of David Hockney and Dame Paula Rego, the sale offers a diverse and compelling narrative of British art and culture.
Jones’ collection is not just a personal archive but a reflection of the broader cultural movements he has chronicled throughout his career. As he aptly put it, “Having worked at i-D, The Face, Arena, The Observer, The Sunday Times, GQ and The Evening Standard, I feel I’ve been under the bonnet of British culture for quite some time, and it’s been rewarding to be able to create my own cultural bubble.”
Conclusion
The British. Cool. sale at Bonhams is a must-see event for art collectors, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the evolution of British creativity. With its eclectic mix of contemporary art, photography, and memorabilia, the sale offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of British cultural history. The inclusion of Dylan Jones’ collection adds a deeply personal and insightful dimension, making this auction a celebration of the individuals and movements that have shaped modern Britain. Whether you’re drawn to the bold statements of Banksy, the timeless beauty of Hockney, or the cultural significance of Bowie and Twiggy, this sale promises something for everyone.
