LONDON.- Christie's will present a dynamic series of live and online 20th/21st Century Art auctions this October to coincide with Frieze Week in London. Bringing together leading names across Impressionist, Modern, Post-War and Contemporary art, the sales will feature works by Lucian Freud, Peter Doig, Paula Rego, Yoshitomo Nara, Claude Monet, Paul Cezanne, Louise Bourgeois, Chris Ofili, Paul Signac, Gerhard Richter, Pablo Picasso and many others. Important highlights from distinguished private collections will be offered, including The Ole Faarup Collection*, providing collectors and audiences with a rare opportunity to encounter works of exceptional quality and provenance.
In addition to the sales, Christie's will present a vibrant programme of cultural projects, philanthropic initiatives, and partnerships that capture the creativity and diversity of London during Frieze Week. Highlights include Architects for the Birds, a unique fundraising initiative benefitting the Tessa Jowell Foundation; Lost Forests by artist Natasha Wightman; Christie's ongoing partnership with the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair and a special creative collaboration with artist Dr Esther Mahlangu. Together, these projects reinforce Christie's role as a compelling global destination during one of the art world's most important convening moments.
A unique philanthropic initiative conceived by Lord Norman Foster of Thames Bank O.M. and Marie Donnelly, Architects for the Birds brings together ten of the world's most influential architects to support the Tessa Jowell Foundation. Responding to an open brief, each architect - including Lord Foster, Renzo Piano, David Chipperfield, Grafton Architects, Sou Fujimoto, Lina Ghotmeh, Jacques Herzog, Frida Escobedo, Farshid Moussavi, and Kazuyo Sejima - has designed a one-of-a-kind birdhouse, interpreting themes of sanctuary, care, and hope. On view at Christie's King Street from 8-14 October 2025, the birdhouses will be auctioned at a private dinner at Christie's, with proceeds supporting the work of the Tessa Jowell Foundation to improve treatment and compassionate, excellent and equitable care for people with brain cancer across the NHS.
Christie's King Street galleries will host the launch of Lost Forests by Natasha Wightman - the artist behind NVW - a multidisciplinary project that unfolds in two chapters. From 8–22 October, Wightman's jewellery collection of wearable sculptures will be unveiled, coinciding first with Frieze Week. Characterised by bold, architectural forms enriched with intricate, nature-inspired detailing, the one-of a-kind works pay tribute to Britain's forests, coastlines, and ancient landscapes, inviting viewers and wearers alike to reimagine the wild places of the past and present. Presented during the Modern British and Irish Art exhibition, the second chapter expands these themes into architectural scale with Forest Cathedral, a bas-relief carved from prehistoric bog oak dating back 4,800–5,500 years. In this immersive installation, the intimate language of Wightman's jewellery transforms into a powerful encounter with nature's resilience and endurance. Together, both the miniature and monumental works celebrate British heritage craftsmanship while reflecting on the fragile yet enduring relationship between humanity and the natural world.
Now in its sixth year, Christie's ongoing partnership with the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair highlights a shared commitment to supporting and amplifying contemporary African art on a global stage. This collaboration continues to expand the fair's international visibility while underscoring Christie's dedication to showcasing the vitality and diversity of African artistic voices.
From 15–17 October, Christie's Education will also launch its first course dedicated to Contemporary African Art, hosted at Somerset House - the home of 1-54. Designed for collectors, students, and art enthusiasts, the programme will deepen understanding of both the art and the market, further cementing Christie's role in this growing field.
As part of this year's programme, Christie's is proud to collaborate with artist Dr Esther Mahlangu, renowned for her bold, geometric Ndebele patterns that bridge traditional and contemporary art. From 8–17 October, Christie's King Street front of house will be transformed with her distinctive designs across the coffee bar, seating areas, and coffee cups, creating a vibrant welcome for visitors during Frieze Week. Three of Mahlangu's works will also be offered in the Post-War and Contemporary Art Online Sale (8–22 October), with one lot benefiting The American Federation of Arts**. This collaboration is aligned with the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, where Mahlangu's work will also be exhibited.
An exhibition of the 20th/21st Century Art sales will be open to the public at Christie's King Street, London, from 8 to 15 October 2025.
On view during the same dates will be highlights from The Collection of Robert F. and Patricia G. Ross Weis and Elaine: The Collection of Elaine Wynn - including major works by Mark Rothko and J. M. W. Turner - ahead of their presentation in Christie's 20/21 auctions in New York in November 2025. On 15 October, David Hockney's celebrated double portrait Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy (1968), to be offered in the 20th Century Evening Sale in New York in November 2025, will be unveiled at King Street ahead of the 20th/21st Century: London Evening Sale.
