Bonhams

Bonhams is an auction house with headquarters in the UK. It operates two London salerooms as well as others in Edinburgh, New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong. 

In 2000, Bonhams was merged with Brooks, a specialist Classic Car auctioneer, and Phillips Son & Neale not long after. US auctioneers Butterfields joined the group in 2002.

In September 2018, chairman Robert Brooks stepped down after selling the company to private equity group Epiris. In 2022, the firm went on a buying spree purchasing US auction house Skinner, Swedish saleroom Bukowskis, Danish saleroom Bruun Rasmussen and then French outfit Cornette de Saint Cyr.


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William Prinsep prices pick up the pace as records tumble

16 September 2024

Recent sale results for the Anglo-Indian artist show a sharp rise as topographical views gain popularity

carved giltwood horse

Rare fairground memorabilia gallops ahead at London auction

11 September 2024

On entering an Edwardian fairground, the sheer size and scale of the ornately carved ‘bioscope’ show front would stop an observer in their tracks.

Bonhams new york headquarters

Bonhams announces new headquarters in New York at the iconic Steinway Hall

10 September 2024

Bonhams is set to relocate its New York headquarters from 580 Madison Avenue to the historic Steinway Hall at 111 West 57th Street.

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Big three auction houses to host Asian Art in London dealer shows

09 September 2024

For the first time London’s three major auction houses will host commercial dealer and gallery exhibitions as part of Asian Art in London (AAL).

Whistler portrait

Whistler’s first portrait commission comes to Bonhams

02 September 2024

Bonhams is offering James McNeill Whistler’s (1834-1903) first portrait commission, a painting of Lucas Alexander Ionides, at its 19th Century Art auction next month.

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Throwing shapes: Collectors eye Cartier watches with bold cases

02 September 2024

Once damned with faint praise, watches from Cartier’s Bond Street boutique are now winning fans among collectors for their adventurous case designs

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Export bar placed on Alan Turing’s unpublished Second World War papers

20 August 2024

A remarkable archive of newly discovered scientific papers by the mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing and his collaborator Donald Bayley has been temporarily blocked from export.

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The Hobbit stands tall for new auction high

12 August 2024

Spotlight on copy sold in superb Strutz collection – plus a look at other recent results for the Tolkien classic

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Roll up, roll up for an auction extravaganza of fairground memorabilia

10 August 2024

All the fun of the fair comes to Bonhams New Bond Street with a sale featuring an array of vintage and antique fairground figures and carvings, ride seats shaped as animals, games and posters.

Chabi Nouri

New Bonhams global CEO among latest movers and shakers

08 August 2024

The latest jobs news across the world of art and antiques

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Lot that shows loads of interest

05 August 2024

The rarity of an unusual saleroom visitor - and its original condition - was confirmed after research by Bonhams’ arms and armour department.

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Arms and armour: A selection of swords in play at auction

05 August 2024

Edged weapons have been a strong feature of the market recently and involve a wide range of ages, styles and countries

Chabi Nouri

Bonhams appoints Chabi Nouri as new global CEO

01 August 2024

Chabi Nouri joins from Swiss bank taking over from Bruno Vinciguerra at the international auction house

19.07.24 Webpv Rory Gallagher Guitar

Rory Gallagher’s 1961 Fender Stratocaster comes to Bonhams

23 July 2024

The Irish musician’s guitar collection, including his famous Fender Stratocaster, will appear at Bonhams in October

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Dutch winter scene stands out in selective Old Master sale at Bonhams

22 July 2024

This winter scene by Dutch Golden Age painter Jan Griffier (1656-1718) was a highlight of Bonhams’ (28/27/21/14.5% buyer’s premium) Old Masters sale.

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Items of devotion amassed by devoted collector set market test

22 July 2024

Dealer Speelman’s own figures and vessels shine among Asian art sales held in Paris

Sotheby’s Global Fine Art team

Movers & Shakers: the latest art and antiques appointments including a shake-up in Sotheby's fine art team

15 July 2024

Changes to Sotheby's Global Fine Art leadership team feature among the latest recruitment, promotions and business updates

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More Suffragette hunger strike medals appear at auction

15 July 2024

A medal awarded to a Suffragette for going on hunger strike hammered down for £17,000 on June 7 at Bonhams (plus 28% buyer’s premium).

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Intriguing timeline of a rediscovered Tompion clock

15 July 2024

Bonhams’ Fine Clocks sale in London on July 3 included a table clock by Thomas Tompion (1639-1713) that came for sale via an unorthodox route.

Gavel Spotlight

Charity sales: should buyer’s premium be charged?

15 July 2024

Bonhams has clarified its stance on buyer’s premium charged for charity sales after a dealer claimed the firm benefited from fees in a recent auction.

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