Photographs

Photographs have existed in various forms from the daguerreotypes of the early 19th century right through to today’s development of digital technology.

London dealers P & D Colnaghi have been selling photographs since the 1850s while the first photographic auctions took place in London in the mid-19th century, and though slower to take hold in the US, Alfred Stieglitz established important photographic galleries in New York during the first half of the 20th century.

Some of the most collectable photographers include Julia Margaret Cameron, Ansel Adams, Cindy Sherman, and Irving Penn.

Photo fair clicks up new London venue

11 March 2019

The London Photograph Fair, on March 17, has a new venue at the Hellenic Centre in Marylebone for this edition.

Mayfair gallery hosts first solo Mulas exhibition

04 March 2019

This 1962 photograph of artist Lucio Fontana, below, is included in the UK’s first solo show of works by Ugo Mulas (1928-73).

Show under starter’s orders at Michael Hoppen Gallery

25 February 2019

An untitled photograph of a horse race is among the wide selection of photographs on offer from Michael Hoppen Gallery’s exhibition Simply the Best featuring works of 20th century sports photographer Gerry Cranham (b.1928).

London Photograph Fair moves to new Marylebone venue

29 January 2019

The London Photograph Fair has a new venue at the Hellenic Centre in Marylebone.

Price of Robert Capa’s 'Falling Soldier' photograph rises high

07 January 2019

One of the most iconic photographic images of war came under the hammer at a recent Westlicht (20% buyer’s premium) auction in Vienna.

Bill Brandt's groundbreaking photography including newly discovered prints celebrated in London show

29 December 2018

British photographer Bill Brandt (1904-83) is remembered for his photojournalism and later pictures of distorted nudes, portraits of famous artists and landscapes.

Duke and Duchess of Windsor snap from ‘Jumpology’ photo shoot comes to auction

06 November 2018

Photographer Phillipe Halsman loved to take photos of famous people jumping. He once said: “Starting in the early 1950s I asked every famous or important person I photographed to jump for me. I was motivated by a genuine curiosity.

Five images from pioneer photographers on sale in Paris

29 October 2018

November is a major month in the Paris calendar for photograph events. The central focus is the mammoth Paris Photo fair at the Grand Palais which opens to the public from November 8-11.

Kelly still standing after 20 bare-knuckle rounds

15 October 2018

“If I was to select just one lot we have sold this year,” says John Albrecht, managing director at Leonard Joel, “it would be the haunting, period photo of Australia’s infamous bushranger, Ned Kelly, taken in 1874 after a boxing match.”

Japan shines in grainy focus

15 October 2018

The exhibition Shashin: are-bure-boke at Michael Hoppen Gallery in Chelsea celebrates the work and legacy of Japan’s post-war photographers who rejected glossy, commercial and documentary images during the country’s turbulent period of reconstruction.

Eyes right for two striking photographs by Cameron and McCurry on offer in American auction

10 October 2018

If eyes really are the windows into the soul then two photographs taken nearly 120 years apart give the viewer plenty to ponder.

'The North American Indian' goes under the hammer at New York auction house where similar volume set a record in 2012

17 September 2018

An early photography book chronicling the lives and customs of Native American tribes is expected to reach $1.5m when it goes under the hammer in New York City next month.

Collection from the ‘father of forensic medicine’ and photography pioneer comes to auction in Suffolk

04 September 2018

The collection of photography pioneer and medical writer Alfred Swaine Taylor (1806-80) is to be offered at auction house Lacy Scott & Knight in Bury St Edmunds in October following the success of a first sale last year.

Fascinating archive up at Canterbury reveals the glory days of the space race

23 July 2018

The lifelong interest which inspired an extensive archive of space exploration photos now coming up at auction was first sparked off by a HG Wells novel received as a gift.

Photos from the collection of advertising legend Paul Arden go on offer in Sussex

19 June 2018

Advertising legend Paul Arden (1940-2008), the mastermind behind some of Saatchi & Saatchi’s best-known campaigns, is commemorated in a photography exhibition in Petworth this month.

A photograph of Mary Ryan by Julia Margaret Cameron

Forum Auctions set to hold first photographs sale

24 May 2018

The inaugural photography sale staged by Forum Auctions will take place in London on June 1.

“Scotland’s photo album” saved for the nation at a price of £1m

17 May 2018

A collection of photographs capturing a century of Scottish history has been saved for the nation at a price tag of £1m.

Rare pre-First World War photographs of Winston Churchill painting come to auction in Bristol

14 May 2018

Prime minister, politician, army officer, war journalist and writer - Winston Churchill had many talents, but it was while painting that he truly relaxed.

Julia Margaret Cameron, Pomona, 1887, Albumen print, © The RPS Collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.jpg

Fresh details and opening date announced as V&A Photography Centre clicks into action

07 May 2018

More details and a launch date have emerged for the Victoria and Albert Museum’s new Photography Centre.

Photo London involves 108 exhibitors offering images from very early days to contemporary works