Contemporary Art

The Contemporary Market: Insights from Our January Auction

4 February 2026

Carly Shearer

Reflecting on our first Fine Art auction of 2026, it is clear that Contemporary Art in Edinburgh continues to command both confidence and sustained interest. Here Head of Contemporary Art, Scotland, Carly Shearer shares her insights.

Strong results across the sale reaffirmed the enduring appeal of Scottish artists, with figures such as Jack Vettriano, Peter Howson and John Bellany once again performing with notable consistency. Their continued success speaks not only to market strength, but to the depth of engagement these artists enjoy among collectors both locally and further afield.

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January 2026 Sale: A Review

Head of Contemporary Art, Edinburgh, Carly Shearer shares some insights with us from our first Contemporary Art auction of 2026. Which artists performed as expected. What were some exciting results.

Sold for £30,240 incl premium

JACK VETTRIANO O.B.E. (SCOTTISH 1951-2025)

HOMAGE TO FONTANA

As ever, buyers were drawn to works underpinned by compelling narratives and thoughtful provenance. The market remains particularly responsive to material that offers a tangible connection to the artist, whether through personal associations or distinctive circumstances of creation. This was especially evident in the works by Eduardo Paolozzi from the collection of his long-time friend and collaborator, Ray Watson, where the provenance added a meaningful layer of context and authenticity. Similarly, the set of Hippopotamus pictures by Alasdair Gray captured attention not only for their visual impact, but for the fascinating story surrounding their original commission, reinforcing the value placed on works with depth, character and history.

Sold for £13,970 incl premium

EDUARDO PAOLOZZI K.B.E., R.A., H.R.S.A. (SCOTTISH 1924-2005)

HERMES/MONDRIAN HEAD - 1996

The sculpture offered within the sale demonstrated the breadth and range that Contemporary Art in Edinburgh is able to encompass. From the sleek, refined elegance of Gerald Laing’s Galina X from the late 1970s, through Paolozzi’s unmistakable sculptural heads spanning the mid-1980s to mid-1990s, to Nicholas Party’s playful and irreverent Blakam’s Stone (Steak) of 2010, the selection traced a thoughtful arc across styles, periods and approaches. Though distinct in form and intent, each of these artists engages with sculptural tradition in a way that is both knowing and subversive, reflecting a continued appetite for works that challenge convention while remaining grounded in craftsmanship and concept.

Sold for £3,048 incl premium

NICOLAS PARTY (SWISS 1980-)

BLAKAM'S STONE (STEAK) - 2010

Together, the results of the sale underline the strength of the category, the importance of quality and provenance and the ongoing confidence of collectors who value both discernment and originality.

Specialist

Carly Shearer

Head of Contemporary Art | Edinburgh

Department