Bold, British and brilliantly irreverent 🎨
If you’re thinking about collecting contemporary art and want something that shouts personality, Gilbert & George’s ink washes are an ideal starting point. Known for their bold humour and graphic punch, the pair’s most recent works — the Royal Ink Washes (2023) and The 21st Century Ink Washes (2025) — bring colour, chaos and satire to your walls.
These editions are hand-painted on heavyweight 400 gsm watercolour paper, each signed, numbered and limited to 50. Whether you hang one in a hallway or above the sofa, they make a statement that says “serious collector with a sense of humour”.
The 2023 ‘Royal Ink Washes’ 👑
Created to “commemorate and celebrate the accession of King Charles III”, this suite includes designs like GOD SAVE THE KING (V) and GOD SAVE THE KING (H) — bursting with red, white, blue and gold.
Each piece feels somewhere between a patriotic poster and a punk protest. The brushstrokes are loose and energetic, the lettering bold, and the tone very Gilbert & George — irreverent, loud, and oddly touching.
You can find them directly at The Gilbert & George Centre or via reputable galleries like White Cube.
The 2025 ‘21st Century Ink Washes’ 🌍
Fast-forward to 2025 and Gilbert & George are back with THE 21ST CENTURY — a new pair of ink washes, one horizontal, one vertical, priced at around £2,500.
Available via the Southbank Centre Shop and the Gilbert & George Centre, these pieces continue their tradition of turning slogans into visual poetry. The phrase THE 21ST CENTURY painted in bold black letters over washed red backgrounds captures both optimism and absurdity — a perfect mirror of modern Britain.
At 70 × 100 cm or 100 × 70 cm, they’re the right size to dominate a wall without overwhelming a room. They work beautifully framed in minimalist black or white wood, letting the text do the talking.
From a buyer’s point of view 💬
“I’ve got GOD SAVE THE KING (V) hanging in my kitchen and it honestly makes me smile every morning. It’s bright, it’s cheeky, and it completely changes the mood of the space. Everyone comments on it — it feels both classy and irreverent, like a conversation with old London itself.
I never thought I’d own something by Gilbert & George, but these editions made it possible. The texture of the ink and paper feels handcrafted, not flat like a print. If you’re new to collecting, this is the kind of art that makes you want to buy more.”
Why collectors love them 🧠
- Prestige meets playfulness: Gilbert & George are British icons with work in Tate, MoMA and the Pompidou. Their ink washes let you own a slice of that legacy.
- Accessible price: Around £2 – 2.5 k per piece puts them within reach of emerging collectors.
- Visual punch: Whether you prefer patriotic reds or existential blacks, they command attention.
- Cultural relevance: The 2023 and 2025 editions speak directly to British life — monarchy, media, and the absurdity of modern times.
- Home-friendly scale: 70 × 100 cm fits most walls perfectly.
Buying & framing tips 🖼️
- Always buy from the official Gilbert & George Centre or an authorised gallery.
- Check that the work is signed, numbered (edition / 50), and comes with a certificate or receipt.
- Use UV-protective glass and acid-free mounts to preserve the paper.
- For maximum visual impact, hang it solo — these works don’t need company.
Final thoughts 🌈
Gilbert & George’s ink washes from 2023–2025 are proof that collecting contemporary art can still be witty, affordable, and a little bit wild. Each work combines British eccentricity with visual clarity — you’ll either laugh, gasp, or fall in love (possibly all three).
If you’re starting your art collection this year, this is where clever meets collectible. And if you’re looking for more ways to level up your home or collection, explore our Gift Guides and Service Guides for curated offers and framing advice.
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