August is often a quieter month for the art market, and this year was no exception. Still, there were notable flashes of activity, from strong Banksy print sales to a headline Warhol auction preview. For savvy buyers, the summer slowdown can present a strategic advantage, offering opportunities to acquire works before the busy autumn season begins.
In London, we have also been treated to a vibrant programme with the annual Royal Academy Summer Exhibition and Yoshitomo Nara’s landmark retrospective at the Hayward Gallery. This edition of The Hang unpacks some key sales, institutional updates, and exhibitions driving the market and highlights what is coming next.
Banksy took centre stage in the secondary market, with Tate Ward’s sale (30 July–13 August) delivering strong results. Highlights included Happy Choppers - Unsigned at £16,250 against a £10,000–15,000 estimate, I Fought The Law - Unsigned at £12,500 against £7,000–9,000, and Applause - Unsigned achieving £11,250.
Warhol remains firmly in focus. His birthday on 6th August sparked global reflections on his cultural influence, while Sotheby’s primed the market with The Scream (After Munch), estimated at $2.7m–$4.06m for its September sale. It is a reminder that demand for top-tier Warhol remains strong.
A major Bridget Riley exhibition has just been announced at Turner Contemporary in Margate. Conceived in close collaboration with the artist, it will bring together early figurative works, key paintings from the 1960s, and more recent large-scale wall pieces from the last decade. This promises to be one of the most significant presentations of Riley’s work in the UK in recent years.
Banksy’s Piranhas, from his beloved series of animal-themed murals, has now entered the collection of the London Museum. The work will be held in secure storage until 2026, when it will be unveiled as part of the museum’s new permanent display at its Smithfield site.
Summer may appear quieter, but it has become the smart season for collectors. With fewer auctions and fairs dominating the calendar, the pace slows and opportunities widen: pricing becomes more flexible, negotiations more open, and emerging artists more visible.
Many buyers use August to research, fill gaps, and secure works before the intensity of the autumn season. Rather than downtime, it’s a moment for strategic acquisitions and positioning. Those who act now often enter September ahead of the curve.
This August confirmed that even in the quieter months, clear signals emerge. Banksy’s certified editions continued to perform strongly, Warhol maintained his market presence, and institutions set the agenda with major exhibitions.
Collectors are looking for stability, transparency, and cultural weight over speculation. Summer has proven less a pause than a recalibration, a window to buy thoughtfully, explore new voices, and prepare portfolios before the autumn rush.
The takeaway is simple: opportunity lies in accessible, authenticated, and culturally resonant works that continue to define today’s market.
