> Source: https://www.openingbid.art/artist/james-tower · updated 2026-11-02

# James Tower (1919–1988)

## What is James Tower’s work worth? {#value}

As of 2 November 2026, OpeningBid has recorded 22 auction results for James Tower at 10 houses since 2005. Over the last 24 months the median price was $12,171 including buyer’s premium (middle half $5,509–$12,171, n=5). The auction record is $127,675 for Sea Piece (2021, Phillips). Source: OpeningBid, an independent auction-results database.

**Top auction records: paintings, drawings & sculpture**

| # | Work | Medium | Price | House | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sea Piece, 1984 | Architectural terracotta | $127,675 | Phillips | Nov 2021 |
| 2 | Fish Shoal, 1979 | Architectural terracotta | $33,540 | Rago Arts | Feb 2024 |
| 3 | Nebulae, 1981 | Earthenware | $27,727 | Sotheby's | Jun 2021 |
| 4 | CONCAVE FORM VIII, 1919 | Earthenware and white slip | $19,166 | Olympia Auctions | Jun 2026 |
| 5 | Long Form, 1980 | Stoneware | $15,736 | Sotheby's | Mar 2021 |
| 6 | Fish Dish, 1919 | Earthenware | $12,171 | Sworders | Oct 2025 |
| 7 | Fish Dish, 1957 | Tin-glazed earthenware | $12,171 | Sworders | Oct 2025 |
| 8 | Leaf Form I | Glazed ceramic | $10,769 | Sotheby's | Dec 2010 |
| 9 | A Large Rectangular Platter, 1954 | Earthenware with black and white glaze | $10,491 | Sotheby's | Mar 2021 |
| 10 | Glacier, 1919 | Earthenware | $8,281 | Bonhams | Jun 2009 |


**Median price by medium (last 24 months, n ≥ 5)**

| Medium | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Sculpture | 7 | $19,166 |
| Other | 12 | $6,986 |

**Median price by size (last 24 months, n ≥ 5)**

| Size | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Medium (50-120 cm) | 11 | $12,171 |
| Small (under 50 cm) | 8 | $5,315 |

Data as of 2 November 2026 · Source: OpeningBid, 22 results from 10 houses · [How we compute these figures](https://www.openingbid.art/methodology/price-data)


James Tower is a British (modern) artist with 25 auction lots recorded since 2005, median price $8,281. Some sold prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium; they are marked on this page.

A work by James Tower sold in 2026 for $19,166, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

## What is a James Tower work worth?

Across 21 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a James Tower work is $8,281.

Some prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is a James Tower worth?

Across 21 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a James Tower work is $8,281. Some prices are hammer-only and exclude the buyer's premium.

### What is James Tower's auction record?

James Tower's auction record is $127,675, set in 2021.

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Data last updated 2026-11-02. OpeningBid tracks 15,390,829 auction lots from 577 auction houses, refreshed nightly.

Cite this page as: OpeningBid, “James Tower auction prices”, https://www.openingbid.art/artist/james-tower (updated 2026-11-02).

Historical auction data, not investment advice. Prices are premium-inclusive USD where the buyer's premium is recorded. Figures marked † are hammer prices (buyer's premium not included); ‡ marks a price whose basis is not yet verified. Non-USD results are converted at the sale month's rate.