The most famous auctioneer companies in the world were all founded in London and they are still highly respected. Sotheby's, Christie's and Bonhams are the finest auction houses London has to offer. Some of the world's most prized treasures have been sold in these establishments.
Fine art sales attract the most public attention, especially when they involve astronomical prices. However, auction houses London sales involve many different items in their catalogs. These include antiques, furnishings, silver plate, fine wines, arms and armor, books and manuscripts, jewelry, ceramics, photography and stamps, coins and medals. Toys, dolls and collectibles are also auctioned.
Sotheby's is the second oldest auctioneers in the world, dating back to 1744. They have branches in other cities too, including New York, Toronto, Paris, Hong Kong, Sydney and Milan. Their reputation was dented when it was revealed that a price fixing arrangement with rival Christie's had resulted in senior staff being convicted to prison sentences. Some of the world's most expensive paintings have passed through Sotheby's hands, including Dora Maar with Cat by Picasso in 2006, sold for $95 million. A recent sale of Impressionist paintings, including work by Cézanne was highly publicized.
Christie's was founded in 1766, forging a great competition with Sotheby's. Auction houses London based have gone from strength to strength, each keen to outdo the other. It has been announced that Christie's now lead the houses on earned revenue. They too are an international concern, with branches in New York City, European cities, Japan, Tel Aviv, Dubai, Mexico City and others. In addition to famous art work by iconic artists, such as Picasso, Van Gogh and Leonardo da Vinci, Christie's has auctioned possessions and memorabilia of Marylyn Monroe and Diana, Princess of Wales. Auction houses London style are not too proud to keep up with the times either. Christie's had a very successful sale of items from the hit science fiction franchise, Star Trek.
Bonhams, the only privately owned of the auction houses London founded, began in 1793. It's not as big as its two rivals in the city but it is growing all the time. It also has salesrooms in the United States and Australia. Along with the more traditional sales items, Bonhams has also had success with old motorcars and cycles and rock music and film memorabilia. Their auction of Beatles related items, such as a signed album sleeve and John Lennon penned lyrics fetched high prices.
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