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Happiness Is Expensive
26.5in x 40in | 67.31cm x 101.6cm
31in x 44in | 78.74cm x 111.76cm
Fine Art Print
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Get $450 Off
To celebrate our 30th anniversary, we’re offering you $450 off when you spend over $1,500. Use code 30YEARS at checkout.
Limited Time Only
Harnessing the alluring magic of an old book and a powerful quote, this bold and exciting limited edition artwork is by mysterious artist James McQueen. The artist, whose anonymity allows viewers to truly appreciate the art for itself, draws from a powerful range of materials and influences to create his work. For example, he sands through layers of paint and even the threads of a canvas to create the unmistakable texture of a vintage book; evoked here through a meticulous ink and silkscreen process.
Framed and mounted in angled, charcoal pine and spruce, the playful colour of this artwork reflects its satirical quote; subverting the vintage aesthetic of a historical book. The elegant and poignant text thus completes this bold modern artwork also replete with contemporary art influences, from Rothko to Tracey Emin.
You can learn more about the elusive artist McQueen here or shop his full collection Non-Fiction.
Delivery & Returns
Production & Delivery
All our artwork is made to order in Birmingham, UK, ensuring top quality. Please allow up to four weeks for delivery. Each piece is carefully crafted to meet our high standards.
If you order multiple artworks, they may arrive separately for efficiency.
Returns
We offer a 14-day cooling-off period so you can view the artwork in your home. If it's not right for you, we’ll collect it free of charge or you can return it to one of our galleries.
For international orders, the same policy applies—contact us to arrange collection.
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Happiness Is Expensive
Sale price$1,869.00
Part of
The sell-out book-themed collection | 2022
Uniting book-lovers, art collectors and ardent readers, the sell-out debut Non-Fiction collection from James McQueen was a huge hit with our collectors. The infamously private painter recreates the nostalgia of vintage books through his mixed media artworks, with the subversive titles and graffiti elements giving his Pop Art inspired paintings a contemporary aesthetic.
View Collection
The artist
James McQueen
You should never judge a book by its cover, and McQueen is keeping his firmly under wraps. The elusive artist, who operates under a name as fictitious as the titles he paints, has so far launched one collection of his book-themed Anthology works, three collections of his Non-Fiction works with Castle Fine Art and, the most recent Special Edition collection. They proved to be a page-turner with our collectors, and McQueen's limited edition captivating works are extraordinarily popular and in incredibly high demand - with the Non-Fiction collection selling out in just hours!
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Frequently Asked Questions
At checkout, you'll have the option to have your order delivered to your home or to collect it from one of our galleries across the UK. For more information on delivery, visit our delivery page here.
Yes, Castle Fine Art is based in the UK, but we ship internationally. All of our international orders are delivered via DHL.
To ensure a secure transit, every artwork is handled with utmost care. We take precautionary measures by using foam around the piece for added safety during transportation, and then the artwork(s) are packaged in double-walled, reinforced cardboard boxes that offer superior protection. All of this ensures that your artwork arrives safely.
Most artwork orders will need to be professionally mounted and framed before being dispatched, so delivery can take up to four weeks from the date you placed your order, but we do strive to deliver your order as soon as we can.
Books and gift cards are delivered within 2-3 working days. Please note, if multiple artworks are purchased within the same order, they may be delivered separately for efficient delivery.
The majority of our originals and limited editions are hand signed by the artist themselves. On some occasions where we have limited edition sculptures, this is hand written into the mould before production. If you're unsure, please contact us.
30 years of fantastic art
In 1995, we opened our first-ever gallery in Stratford-upon-Avon. With just one goal in mind - to make our art accessible to all - our fledgling company began to spread its roots.
Craftsmanship and Quality
Every piece of art is mounted, glazed or framed by hand, with our bespoke framing service selected by our creative department.
Built to last
Our foundations are built on a passion for art, and many of our staff (and collectors!) have been with us from the very beginning.
Free Delivery
Free US delivery on all artwork and sculpture orders*