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UEL graduate’s art sells for more than 200 times its original value

Monday 14 May 2012

Jake Champman Four Rooms

The work of one of UEL’s most accomplished graduates has fetched more than 200 times its original value on national television.

In 1986, Andrew Ruffhead, former Head of Textiles at UEL, bought sculpture Utopian Scheme by then recent UEL graduate, Jake Chapman, for a mere £50. Chapman was later to become infamous within the art community, as one half of the Chapman Brothers, for his irreverent commentary on the West’s increasing detachment towards war. The duo have since gone on to worldwide notoriety, selling pieces for millions to celebrities such as Charles Saatchi and Elton John.

Appearing on hit Channel 4 art dealer show Four Rooms, Andrew had hoped to see the graduation piece sell for £7,000. However, by capitalising on the keen interest of resident art dealer, Andrew Lamberty, Ruffhead was able to push the price up to £10,000.

The piece itself, composed of seven individual items, comprises snowglobe-like forms containing icons of Greek democracy. True to the Chapman Brothers form, the globes are topped by toy figurines of mutilated Nazi officers. 

Dean of UEL’s School or Arts and Digital Industries, Catherine Harper, said: “This incredible revaluing of one of UEL’s most talented alumnus is an inspiration to all our student artists, especially given that this year's art and design graduates are about to install their own shows, at which their work will be for sale. It should also serve as an incentive for people to go out and invest in our strudents artwork, when it does become available to buy.”

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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