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 are smashing auction estimates, while others are barely making a splash.
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.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and isn’t investment advice. Art prices can fluctuate, and past sales don’t guarantee future returns. Make sure to do your own research and chat with a financial advisor before making any big decisions!
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 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! Thinking about buying a Jim Moir piece? You’re probably asking yourself: How much does his art actually sell for?
Well, buckle up, because the prices are a bit of a wild ride. Auction prices for Moir’s pieces are all over the map—some fly off the shelves, while others barely make it out of the nest.
The final price depends on a few key factors: size (bigger often means pricier), medium (paintings vs. prints), and subject matter (his Bird Series? Super popular!).
According to MutualArt.com, his works have sold for anywhere between $103 and $1,053, with his biggest sale—a piece from his Bird Series—hitting $1,053 at Rosebery’s 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.
Art should be fun, after all!
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 in Manchester Art Gallery and featured in publications like The Guardian and BBC News, signaling growing acceptance in the art world.
However, he’s not yet in the league of blue-chip artists whose works consistently fetch five or six figures.
If he continues to gain traction in major galleries and auctions, his prices may rise over time.
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 – Moir’s art has been showcased in respected galleries like Manchester Art Gallery, which is a promising sign. When an artist gets more institutional recognition, their work tends to increase in value.
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 |
---|---|
Affordable for new collectors | Auction prices can vary wildly |
Cross-appeal from comedy fans and art lovers | Demand could dip over time |
Featured in respected galleries like Manchester Art Gallery | Not yet hitting high-price territory like Banksy or Hirst |
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.
Note: This article has undergone peer review and adheres to the highest editorial standards.