Collector Behaviour, the Art Market and Sir Claude Francis Barry’s Peace Night (1919)
2026 Art Market Trends: Why Collectors Are Rediscovering Sir Claude Francis Barry
Following a few years of decline, the art market is experiencing a structural shift, recording its best results since the post-pandemic peak in 2022. As highlighted in recent findings from the Art Basel & UBS Art Market Report and The Art Newspaper, modern collectors are better informed, more deliberate, and moving away from short-term hype or trends.
London has reasserted its position as a global auction centre and is leading momentum worldwide. Specifically following the March 2026 sales, restoring confidence for Sotheby’s to announce the Lewis Collection in June 2026. However, beyond the headlines and total numbers, the modern collector profile itself is shifting.
What Does the 2026 Art Basel & UBS Report Say About Modern Collectors?
Collectors are prioritising uniqueness in their acquisitions: the rarity of the work and its long-term historical significance above all else. The UBS report highlights that women are driving sales upward by collecting more frequently, while male collectors are acquiring work less frequently but at higher investment. Gen Z collectors also demonstrate the highest spending habits, with 43% of their collections focused on paintings.
How Gen Z Collectors Are Driving Demand for Lesser-Known Artists
Importantly for the market, Gen Z is showing an openness to procuring lesser-known artists as they seek authenticity and genuine moments of connection–additionally valuing physical encounters through live events over non-digital channels. Interestingly, young collectors who began their journey online are the most likely to attend live events. This suggests that a self-directed collector (pursuing a true passion project) is far more likely to become an engaged and long-term collector.
Why Sir Claude Francis Barry’s Peace Night Fits Today’s Art Market
For Sir Claude Francis Barry (an artist with whom I have become deeply acquainted in recent years) impressive pointillistic works like Peace Night, Trafalgar Square (1919), an outstanding oil on canvas, measuring 203 x 165cm, signed “F. Barry”; James Bourlet & Sons Sticker (on the reverse stretcher) sit directly at the intersection of these market demands and shifting demographics. To me the craftsmanship and quality of this work is undeniable. Depicting one of Britain’s most historic and pivotal moments, its rarity is outstanding: this work has only been exhibited to the public three times since it was painted, and was auctioned at Sotheby’s 1987 and Christie’s 1989.
When rediscovery meets an art market seeking genuine depth, works such as Peace Night (1919) will naturally find renewed liquidity.
Sources: Art Basel & UBS Art Market Report | The Art Newspaper.