NEW YORK, NY.- When one mentions James Bond, what are the first words that spring to mind? For us, it is power, exclusivity, style and sophistication. The James Bond brand has become a beacon of inspiration for artists, inspired by Bond’s patriotism, his love for the finer things in life and a ‘live fast, die young’ mentality. The connection between 007 and the art world was made stronger when the National Gallery was featured in Skyfall as Bond meets his new Q and discusses artist J.M.W. Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire. Let’s take a look at some of the most compelling James Bond-inspired artworks and collectables found in many leading exhibitions, galleries and collections around the world.

SPIES Society of London’s Bond-influenced ‘Bondage’ exhibition
James Bond movies have become a national institution in the UK, with the character’s creator, Ian Fleming, inspired to create a suave, well-educated protagonist working diligently in MI6. 007 certainly enjoys the finer things in life and many of the films based on Fleming’s novels were set in plush and indulgent surroundings. In fact, James Bond films feature some of the most legendary film scenes of all time, many of which are housed in classy high-stakes casino environments. Who can forget Sean Connery crushing the baccarat tables in 1962 classic Dr. No and Daniel Craig surviving an attempted poisoning mid-poker game to win a million-dollar cash game in the exclusive 2006 hit movie Casino Royale? In order to celebrate the hero who never dies, between 3rd March and 13th April last year the SPIES Society of London put together a hugely fascinating James Bond-inspired art exhibition at the South Place Hotel, titled ‘Bondage’. Curated by Ben Moore, the exhibition included 15 pieces of artistry on display, the most expensive of which was an oil and mixed media canvas painting worth £45,000. Artist Nasser Azam was the brains behind Ursula, modelled on Ursula Andress, the Swiss-born actress who was the inaugural Bond girl, Honey Ryder in Dr. No. A 3D hand holding a silencer pistol, designed by Schoony, also captured the imagination of many a cold-blooded kill in Bond movies. The most unique artistry on show here was the ‘Pixels Are Forever’ opening Bond scene made out of individual Pantone colour charts.

Royal Doulton’s Bulldog statue modelled on M’s desk statue
Many of the James Bond movies have provided artistic inspiration, none more so than the 23rd Bond film, SkyFall, released in 2012. It was to be M’s final hurrah in the plotline, played by Dame Judi Dench. One of the most iconic features of M’s stoic attitude is her Bulldog Union Jack statue, which survives the attack on MI6’s headquarters and finds its way to their relocated underground location. Royal Doulton, who’ve been producing collectables since 1815 and are an English institution, designed a limited edition 007 SkyFall edition. The original Bulldog statue collection was modelled by Royal Doulton’s iconic art director, Charles Noke back in 1941. In October 2015, a redesigned version was unveiled, with the Jack Bulldog receiving an ‘after-explosion’ makeover; maintaining close links to the SkyFall storyline.

Saatchi Art curations from artists throughout the world
One of the most sought-after online art galleries on the planet, Saatchi Art is one of the best places to connect artists and people. The Los Angeles-based organization specializes in expertly curated environments to give artists the best possible platform to showcase their work. Saatchi Art’s very own art collection, ‘Inspired by James Bond’, features 42 hugely engaging pieces of artwork and photography influenced by Ian Fleming’s unmistakable franchise. The collection includes Guillaume Montier’s £9,500 ($12,650) ‘Tragedie 15’ oil painting, which depicts a bleak scene with a chair and broken glass much like the scenes where Bond villains have attempted to terrorize and interrogate Bond himself. Thomas Sailot’s Waiting for my man painting features an outline of a man who could conceivably be Bond in any of the 1960s or 70s films. He cuts a lonely figure, representing Bond – a man afraid of commitment and orphaned at childhood.

Proud Gallery’s archival photos from iconic photographer Terry O’Neill
As mark of celebration of 50 years in film for the James Bond franchise, in 2012, Proud Chelsea Gallery on the King’s Road curated an exhibition of iconic James Bond photography by Terry O’Neill similar to their 2008 portraits of Muhammad Ali. Many of the historic snaps, some of which are film stills and others are taken on set, date back as far s 1965. O’Neill’s artistry perfectly documents the kickstart of the James Bond franchise, covering six actors in the Bond role; beginning with Sean Connery and ending with Pierce Brosnan. The unmistakable Bond girls which played such a key role in SPIES Society’s ‘Bondage’ exhibition were also on display here, including Honor Blackman and Ursula Andress once again. O’Neill’s work is timeless; so much so that his photography has secured no fewer than 65 spots in the National Portrait Gallery to date.

James Bond’s unique sense of style and charm has become ingrained in the British lexicon. It’s wonderful to see so many talented artists inspired by the Bond franchise to push the creative boundaries and capture vintage moments of the swinging sixties all the way through to the present day.