Bernard Meadows Auction Prices and Value Guide

Bernard Meadows auction prices are tracked in Appraisily's artist market index, with source-directory coverage of 214 records. Use this page to review sold-lot activity, market context, and valuation factors before requesting a formal appraisal.

Bernard Meadows auction prices: quick answer

Bernard Meadows auction prices depend on medium, size, date, condition, provenance, edition details, attribution confidence, and recent comparable auction sales.

Artist
Bernard Meadows
Source records
214
Market update
2026-02-06

Artist context

About Bernard Meadows

Bernard Meadows (1915–2005) was a British modernist sculptor, graphic artist, and influential educator whose career spanned nearly seven decades. Born in Norwich, Meadows is recognized as Henry Moore's first assistant, working closely with the elder sculptor during formative periods in the late 1930s and late 1940s, and again in Moore's final years. Meadows emerged as a central figure in the Geometry of Fear generation of British sculptors, a group whose angular, expressive metalwork gained international attention at the 1952 Venice Biennale. His own sculpture frequently drew on animal and avian forms—crabs, cockerels, and birds rendered in spiky, threatening bronze configurations that reflected post-war anxiety. Beyond his studio practice, Meadows shaped a generation of artists as professor of sculpture at the Royal College of Art from 1960 to 1979, following an earlier teaching post there beginning in 1948. His work is held in major public collections including Tate, which maintains a dedicated artist page and significant holdings.

Geometry of FearBritish modernist sculpturesculpture (bronze, metal)graphic works / printsanimals and birds (especially crabs, cockerels)human figures with angular, threatening formsabstracted organic forms

Common works and media

Meadows worked primarily in cast bronze sculpture, often producing editions of animal and bird subjects such as crabs, cockerels, and abstracted avian forms. He also created smaller-scale metal constructions, plaster maquettes, and preparatory drawings. His graphic output includes prints and works on paper. Collectors encountering Meadows' work at auction will most commonly find mid-century bronze casts from the 1950s–1970s, typically signed, numbered, and bearing foundry stamps. Works on paper and prints represent a secondary but active market segment.

Market and appraisal context

Bernard Meadows' work appears regularly in Post-War and Modern British art sales at major auction houses. His bronze sculptures—especially animal and bird subjects with the jagged, biomorphic forms characteristic of the Geometry of Fear period—are the most sought-after works at auction. Edition number, foundry marks, date of casting, and documented provenance (particularly any connection to the Henry Moore studio circle) are key factors in appraisal. Prints and graphic works by Meadows trade at more accessible price points and represent a significant portion of his market presence. Condition, authenticity of cast, and exhibition history can materially affect value. Collectors should note that Meadows' long teaching career at the Royal College of Art means works may carry additional academic or institutional provenance.

Auction categories and appraisal factors

Common auction categories

  • Post-War British Sculpture
  • Modern British Art

Value drivers

  1. Provenance linking to Henry Moore's studio circle strengthens attribution and collector interest.
  2. Bronze casts with documented edition numbers and foundry marks are the most commonly traded works.
  3. Works from the Geometry of Fear period and the 1952 Venice Biennale context carry particular significance.
  4. Graphic works and prints form a more accessible segment of the artist's market.

Appraisal caveats

  • The source pack does not include specific auction results or price records; market observations are based on category and biographical context only.
  • Edition size, foundry, and condition can materially affect value for bronze sculptures; these should be verified per work.

Evidence

Sources for artist context

This source-grounded artist context passed Appraisily's promotion threshold: high confidence, strong sources.

Source-grounded artist Markdown

Data basis

This page is built from Appraisily's public auction market index. Private transactions, incomplete sale feeds, and attribution changes may not be fully represented.

LLM-readable Markdown summary for Bernard Meadows

LLM summary index · LLM full index

Artist value FAQ

How much is Bernard Meadows worth?

Comparable public auction sales are the best starting point, but final value depends on the specific artwork, condition, size, medium, provenance, and attribution confidence.

Can Appraisily value my Bernard Meadows artwork?

Yes. Appraisily can review photos, dimensions, signatures, condition, provenance, and comparable market data to prepare a current valuation.