After taking an impressive £197.5 million ($265 million) from its marathon, three-pronged modern and contemporary evening sale last week, Christie’s London is now preparing for its modern British and Irish art sale on March 18. Frank Auerbach, Lynn Chadwick, and Barbara Hepworth spearhead the tightly curated auction of 26 works. Among the top lots is Auerbach’s *Christmas Tree at Mornington Crescent* (2004-05), which has a high estimate of £2 million ($2.6 million). Rendered in the artist’s trademark thick paint and striking in scale, the painting exemplifies Auerbach’s tactile approach to landscape. Mornington Crescent, located near Auerbach’s Camden studio, was one of several North London sites he returned to repeatedly over decades. Another highlight is Chadwick’s bronze *Back to Venice* (1988), appearing at auction for the first time and from the collection of Dr. Robert Holton.…