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A Seller's Guide To John Piper

EA
reviewed by Erin Argun,
Last updated23 Jan 2025
Two abstracted heads on a brown canvas with stylised foliage in pink, yellow, and blue shades accentuating their features. Additional abstract elements include vertical rows of patterned squares and circles on the left edge, and horizontal lines in blue and white running down the centre.Image © Tate / Foliate Heads I © John Piper, 1975
Leah Mentzis

Leah Mentzis, Partnerships Managerleah@myartbroker.com

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John Piper?

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John Piper was a British painter, printmaker, designer, and art critic. He was born on December 13, 1903, in Epsom, Surrey. Piper was a prolific artist who produced a wide range of works, including paintings, prints, stained glass windows, and tapestries. He is known for his modernist style, which drew inspiration from the natural world, particularly the landscapes of England, and often incorporated elements of Abstraction and Surrealism.

Piper studied at the Royal College of Art in London from 1926 to 1929 and went on to become a prominent figure in the British art world. He was a member of the influential artist group The Seven and Five Society and also worked as a critic and writer, contributing articles to various publications. Piper's work has been widely exhibited and collected, and he is considered one of the most important British artists of the 20th century.

Oil painting of a harbor scene viewed through an interior window with doily patterned curtains. A flower vase rests on the windowsill. The street, a house, the sea, and the harbor are visible. The painting exhibits loose brushstrokes and predominantly features shades of red, yellow, blue, green, and blue.Image © Sotheby's / Harbour Scene © John Piper 1932

How Much Do John Piper Prints Sell For?

The price of John Piper prints can vary widely depending on factors such as the rarity of the print, the condition of the artwork, the edition size, and the demand from buyers. Generally speaking, his prints can sell for anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand.

In recent years, Piper's work has continued to sell well at auction spanning various mediums and periods of his career. In April 2023, St Mary The Virgin Church, Fawley (1983), a unique watercolour drawing sold at Dawson’s Auctioneers and Valuers for £13,000 (hammer). In 2019 his painting Harbour Scene (c. 1932) sold at Sotheby’s (London) for £52,500, both works outperforming the preset high estimates.

It's important to note that sales values of Piper prints can vary depending on many factors. It's always recommended to consult with a reputable art dealer or auction house for an accurate valuation of a specific print. Get in touch with MyArtBroker for a free consultation!

A landscape painting adorned with decorative lines and patterns in vibrant and bold colors. The lines and patterns add intricate details and visual interest to the scene, enhancing the overall composition.Image © Tate / Near Newcastle Emlyn Cardigan © John Piper 1968

How Do You Authenticate a John Piper Print?

It is important to ensure your prints authenticity to attract serious buyers and get the best value for your artwork. The following steps can help you authenticate a John Piper print:

  1. Research the print: Gather information about the specific print you have, including its title, edition size, and any identifying marks or labels. Compare your print to known examples and information about the artist's work.
  2. Check the paper and ink: Examine the paper and ink used in the print to ensure they are consistent with the artist's known materials and techniques.
  3. Look for signatures and markings: Look for the artist's signature or other markings that indicate the print is part of a limited edition. Be aware that some prints may have been signed or marked after the fact, so it's important to verify the signature.
  4. Consult an expert: If you're unsure about the authenticity of your John Piper print, consider consulting an expert or a reputable art authentication service. They can examine the print in person and provide a professional opinion on its authenticity.

By following these steps, you can authenticate your print and ensure that it is accurately represented to potential buyers.

Collaged print showcasing three negative photographic proofs of a seated woman. The woman is nude, with crossed legs and her arm resting on her shin. The composition starts with a blue gradient and transitions to warmer hues from left to right, creating a visually dynamic effect.Image © Tate / Eye And Camera © John Piper 1983
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Has Your John Piper Print Been Kept In Good Condition?

The condition of the print plays a significant role in determining its value and desirability to potential buyers. Taking good care of art prints can increase its value and appeal to potential buyers. Here are some things to consider:

Firstly, you should examine the print for any visible signs of damage, such as tears, creases, stains, or fading. If there is any damage, it's best to be transparent with potential buyers and disclose this upfront.

Secondly, make sure the print has been stored properly. It should have been kept out of direct sunlight and moisture, as these can cause damage to the paper and ink. Ideally, the print should have been stored in acid-free archival sleeves or framed under UV-protective glass.

Finally, consider having the print appraised by a professional appraiser or art dealer. They can provide an expert opinion on the condition and value of the print, which can help you determine an appropriate asking price and attract potential buyers who are interested in acquiring John Piper's work. To explore our valuation and appraisal services, get in contact with us at MyArtBroker where our specialists are ready to speak with you.

Large-scale collaged painting depicting the photographic shadow of the central city-center of Rome. Abstracted markings of famous cathedral architecture in yellow, purple, and red add identifiable elements to the composition.Image © Sotheby's / Capriccio of Rome, Design for the Cover of the Brandenburg Concertos © John Piper 1964

When Is the Best Time to Sell My John Piper Print?

The best time to sell your John Piper print may depend on several factors, including the current demand for his works, the rarity of your particular print, and the condition of the artwork. In general, it is recommended to sell a print when it is in high demand or when the market is strong, which can potentially increase the value of the work. Read our guide dedicated to navigating the blue-chip art market to help. Additionally, using MyArtBroker's MyPortfolio feature, the only dedicated print market index, can aid in tracking the demand of your artwork in real time and help you to identify the best time to sell.

Additionally, it is important to consider the timing of any upcoming exhibitions or events related to the artist, as this may increase interest and demand for their works. It is also helpful to keep an eye on auction results for similar works to get a sense of current market value. MyArtBroker is always publishing the most current auction reports. Read our latest April auction report for sales information.

Ultimately, the decision to sell your work should be based on your personal financial goals and circumstances. If you are unsure about the value or timing of selling your print, it may be helpful to consult with a reputable art dealer or auction house to get a professional opinion.

An abstract painting depicting England's coastal industrial landscape. Vertical canvas with three stacked scenes showing various scenery using abstracted blue, yellow, pink, and orange colours representing building structures. Detailed outlines in black emphasise the features.Image © Christie's / Portland Trio © John Piper 1954

Ways to Sell with MyArtBroker

At MyArtBroker, our specialists provide a free market valuation for your artwork, offering a level of transparency unmatched in today’s market. In addition to our valuations, through our online Trading Floor, you can access real-time insights into works by the artist you’re looking to sell, including pieces that are most in demand, wanted, or currently for sale: allowing sellers to trust the valuation that they are provided.

Additionally, the MyPortfolio collection management service grants you free access to our comprehensive print market database. This resource allows you to review auction histories for the specific work you’re looking to sell, including hammer prices, values paid, and seller returns. In a fluctuating market, this historical data is invaluable - and often comes at a cost elsewhere - offering insights into past and current values to further inform decisions based on market timing and conditions. In addition to our specialists guidance, you have concrete data.

Our approach is tailored to align with the unique attributes of each artwork, and offer optimal results:

How a Private Sale Works

Unlike peer-to-peer platforms, which lack specialised expertise, authenticity guarantees, and legal infrastructure for high-value sales, MyArtBroker operates through private sales ensuring a secure and seamless transaction process. We charge sellers 0% to sell, and take a small commission from our buyers, absorbing essential aspects including insurance, shipping, and marketing - at no extra cost to the seller. There is no magic to it, we’re a lean specialised business with less overheads than traditional models meaning we can do better for our clients.

Our revenue is derived from buyer commissions only, which are individually negotiated upon offer, and we aim to give the client the best return in the market place. By focusing on high-value artworks in excess of £10,000, we provide specialised care and expertise, ensuring each piece receives the attention it deserves, while simultaneously maximising returns with our clients. For works that fall below this threshold speak to the team about a recommendation, we offer market advisory free of charge. Our goal at MyArtBroker is to offer a seamless solution, setting us apart in the art market.

Advisory and Recommendations

In cases for artists and artworks, where our existing network of collectors isn’t the best fit due to value, medium or condition we collaborate with reputable partners to facilitate its sale. Carefully tailoring your artwork to the right party. This tailored approach is especially important as it considers the unique attributes of each artwork, providing sellers with the best possible outcome in today’s shifting art market. You can discuss this approach with us without charge as part of our advisory service.

Such recommendations are on a case-by-case basis, and ensures broader exposure and takes advantage of our knowledge of where a work will do best.

Leah Mentzis

Leah Mentzis, Partnerships Managerleah@myartbroker.com

Interested in buying or selling
John Piper?

Get a valuation