Jim Moir (yep, that Vic Reeves) has been making waves in the art world, but should you actually invest in his work? Some of his pieces have ruffled feathers in a good way at auction, while others have kinda just fluttered by unnoticed.
So, is this the next hot-ticket art investment, or just a cool piece to hang on your wall? We crunched the numbers, analyzed auction trends, and talked to art market experts to get the real scoop.
Stick around, and we’ll break down what makes Jim Moir’s artwork tick, which pieces people are scrambling for, and whether snagging one is a genius move or just a fun splurge.
Note: This guide is for educational purposes and does not count as financial advice. Always talk to a certified art advisor or investment pro if you’re planning to make major moves in the art world.
Who Is Jim Moir as an Artist?
Jim Moir is a prolific British artist whose work spans paintings, drawings, and prints. Known for his surreal and often whimsical style, he has created a body of work that combines humor with detailed artistic expression.
His fascination with birds has particularly stood out, leading to the popularity of his Bird Series, which has performed notably at auctions.
Moir’s work has been exhibited in respected venues, including the Manchester Art Gallery, and featured in Telegraph, The Guardian, BBC News, and It’s Nice That.
While he remains known for his television career, he has firmly established himself in the art world.
So, How Much Does Jim Moir’s Art Actually Cost?
Let’s talk numbers!
Prices for Moir’s work are a bit of a wild ride. Auction results are all over the map—some pieces fly off the shelves, while others barely make it out of the nest.
Final sale prices depend on a few key factors: size (bigger often means pricier), medium (paintings vs. prints), and subject matter (his Bird Series? Super popular!). His works have sold at auction for as little as $96 and as much as $1,053 USD.
His biggest sale? A Bird Series piece that soared to $1,053 at Roseberys Fine Art Auctioneers in 2022.
Notable Auction Sales:
| Artwork | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Birds Series | 2022 | $1,053 (Record sale!) |
| Lapwing Peewit Plover | 2023 | Sold 15% below mid-estimate |
| Crested Tit | 2023 | Sold 4% above mid-estimate |
| Guy Fawkes | 2020 | Sold 133% above mid-estimate (Big jump!) |
| Piers Morgan | 2018 | Sold 42% below mid-estimate |
The takeaway? Moir’s art market is a bit of a roller coaster—some pieces soar, while others struggle to even lift off the ground.
If you’re just starting to collect, don’t dive in headfirst—do some research, check out what’s selling, and pick up pieces you actually vibe with, not just ones you think will make you rich.
What Makes Jim Moir’s Art Worth Anything (or Nothing)?
So, what actually makes Jim Moir’s art worth something? Like any art investment, a mix of popularity, subject matter, and quality plays a role.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what affects the value of his work:
Celebrity Status & Popularity
Moir’s Vic Reeves fame gives his art a cool factor—comedy fans might snag his pieces as collector’s items.
The real question? Will this demand last? While some celebrity artists fade from the market, others (like Bob Dylan or David Bowie) have built strong artistic legacies.
Moir’s market is still developing, so keep an eye on how his reputation evolves in the fine art world.
Exhibition & Critical Recognition
Moir’s work has been showcased at Manchester Art Gallery and featured in publications like The Guardian and BBC News—a clear sign of growing recognition in the art world. If he continues gaining traction in major galleries and auctions, his prices could rise over time.
That said, he’s not yet in the league of blue-chip artists whose works reliably fetch five or six figures.
The Subject Matter of His Art
Some themes are more popular than others, and Moir’s Bird Series? Total crowd favorite. Why? Bird art has broad appeal—not just among his comedy fans but also among nature and wildlife art collectors.
If you’re after works that have a solid following, his bird pieces are a safe bet compared to his more out-there creations
Medium & Size
Size matters—at least when it comes to art pricing! Smaller prints and digital works tend to sell for less, while original paintings have a higher earning potential.
If you’re considering buying, think about whether you want a more affordable print or if you’re ready to invest in a larger, hand-painted piece that could appreciate over time.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Is Jim Moir’s Art Worth Buying?
Alright, so you’re thinking about buying some Jim Moir artwork—but is it actually a smart move to buy his art?
The answer? It depends on what you’re looking for.
If you’re in it purely for profit, there are some risks. But if you love his art and wouldn’t mind a potential upside, it could be worth considering.
Let’s break it down:
Pros:
- Affordable Price Tag: Unlike some contemporary artists who charge crazy prices, Moir’s art is still within reach, making it perfect for newbies to the collecting world. If you’ve been wanting to dip your toes into art collecting without breaking the bank, this could be your chance!
- Cultural Cross-Over: Moir’s art isn’t just for fine art lovers—his comedy fans (hello, Vic Reeves!) are all over it, too. That crossover appeal could help maintain demand over time. Plus, his Bird Series has a nature-loving audience beyond his usual fanbase.
- Exhibition History: Jim Moir’s work has actually landed on the walls of places like the Manchester Art Gallery—so yeah, he’s seriously getting noticed. And when an artist racks up that kind of institutional cred, their work usually gets a nice little value boost.
Cons:
- Unpredictable Auction Prices: While some of Moir’s pieces have totally outperformed expectations, others have barely made a dent in the auction room. If you’re hoping for a guaranteed profit, his auction history shows that prices can be all over the place.
- Demand That Goes Up and Down Like a Roller Coaster: Moir is still best known as a comedian, not a full-time painter. While that gives his art a cool celebrity factor, it also means the demand could fluctuate more than it would for career artists with a long-standing collector base.
- Limited High-Value Sales: Compared to blue-chip artists (think Banksy or Damien Hirst), Moir’s artwork hasn’t hit the big leagues in terms of price. If you’re looking for an artist whose work consistently sells for five or six figures, he’s not quite there yet.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Perfect for newbies wanting to dip their toes without breaking the bank. | Auction prices can be all over the place. |
| Comedy fans and art lovers? Win-win. | Demand could dip — he’s still best known as a comedian, after all. |
| Shown in respected places like Manchester Art Gallery — big plus! | Not hitting Banksy-level price points just yet. |
Final Verdict: Should You Buy Jim Moir’s Art?
So, should you take the plunge and grab a Jim Moir piece for your collection? Well, it depends on why you’re buying.
If you love his art and want to own a piece just because it speaks to you—go for it! His work is fun, unique, and has a cult-like appeal among fans of both comedy and contemporary art. Plus, his prices are still relatively affordable compared to other artists, making it an exciting way to dip your toes into the art world.
But if you’re looking purely for an investment? Proceed with caution. While Moir’s art has gained attention and sold at major auctions, the market for his work is still unpredictable. Some pieces have exceeded expectations, while others have sold for less than estimated—or not at all.
Unlike established blue-chip artists whose values consistently climb, Moir’s market is still developing.
Bottom Line: If you’re into Moir’s art and want a piece for your wall, that’s reason enough to buy! But if your goal is long-term financial gain, you might want to mix in investments from more established artists to balance the risk.
Worst case? You’ll own a cool piece of art with a great story behind it.
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