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.


Constable

Constable sketch rediscovered after more than 70 years offered at Bonhams auction

17 November 2016

A sketch for one of John Constable celebrated paintings has been rediscovered after more than 70 years and is estimated to take £200,000-300,000 in Bonhams Old Master auction next month.

Eric ‘Winkle’ Brown

Medal Group at auction from “the greatest British aviator”

15 November 2016

It is easy to understand the appeal of a Victoria Cross to medal collectors. Likewise, any honours connected with the name ‘Dambusters’ or those awarded to flying ‘aces’ have a high value.

Glyn Cywarch

Lord Harlech to sell family collection at Bonhams

14 November 2016

The new Lord Harlech, music video-maker Jasset Ormsby Gore, is offering 400 items at auction from his family estate.

Harry Potter Bonhams

World record price achieved for first Harry Potter book at Bonhams auction

10 November 2016

A first edition of ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ reached a world record price of £35,000 at the Bonhams Fine Books and Manuscripts Sale last night.

Rolls exterior

“The Phantom of Love” - Art-filled Rolls-Royce comes up for auction at Bonhams

22 October 2016

An ornately decorated Rolls-Royce, which includes Rococo-style panels, a French ormolu clock and Elkington gilt bronze mounts, is one of the starring lots at Bonhams' upcoming Bond Street sale.

Coalport vase

Bonhams to offer largest Coalport vase ever produced

19 October 2016

Coalport porcelain, like that produced at Derby, is renowned for its quality and decoration, drawing inspiration from work produced at the celebrated Sèvres factory.

Livery cupboard at Bonhams auction

Hidden attractions help cupboard to £60,000

07 October 2016

Livery cupboards are a pretty rare species in the oak lexicon but what makes the example shown here particularly unusual is its early date combined with the presence of drawers.

Michael Andrews' Colony Room 1

The Colony Room on show at auction house Bonhams

15 September 2016

Auction house Bonhams are to host an exhibition titled The Colony Room: Masterpieces from Pallant House Gallery, celebrating the fabled London drinking den beloved of artists.

Bonhams increase buyer’s premium thresholds

09 September 2016

Bonhams have followed Christie’s in increasing their buyer’s fees by adjusting their premium thresholds.

Still life 'Roses' by Henri Fantin-Latour

Still life painting once owned by Chelsea Flower Show founding father up for auction

08 September 2016

A painting once owned by Sir Harry Veitch, founder of the Chelsea Flower Show, will be offered for sale at Bonhams’ in London later this month.

First printing of Harry Potter

False friends: some early copies of Harry Potter may not be all that they appear

25 August 2016

Not all copies of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone that bear a tell-tale typo sometimes signifying the first edition, first run of the book are the real deal.

Rene Lalique car mascot Victoire

René Lalique motoring mascots head single-owner sale at Bonhams

17 August 2016

A collection of motoring mascots formed by Robert White, a leading UK camera retailer, will be offered at Bonhams next month. Offered in single-owner sale in London on September 19, the consignments include 37 examples by René Lalique.

Herbert George Ponting - Petty officer Evans and Crean mending sleeping bags.jpg

Golden Age of Polar exploration inspires at Bonhams exhibition and DNW auction

02 August 2016

The Golden Age of Polar exploration is a constant source of fascination. Essentially, this period is the first three decades of the 20th century, when names such as Shackleton, Scott, Amundsen and Peary came to fame.

Sputnik-1 model at Bonhams

Sputnik-1 model goes into orbit at New York auction selling at 15 times estimate

21 July 2016

A full-scale test model of the satellite Sputnik-1 sold at Bonhams New York yesterday for $220,000 (£167,012), outstripping a $10,000-15,000 estimate.

William Dobson self-portrait at Bonhams

Early William Dobson self-portrait takes £920,000 at Bonhams

06 July 2016

An early 17th century self-portrait by the English court painter William Dobson (1611-46) was knocked down at £920,000 at Bonhams’ Old Masters sale today.

1949 Aston Martin DB

Aston Martin takes top spot at Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed auction

28 June 2016

It was definitely a case of the ‘best of British’ this weekend as Aston Martin, Jaguar and Bentley went head-to-head at Bonhams classic car auction.

Hannah O’Leary of Sotheby’s

Sotheby’s launch specialist auctions in London of Modern and Contemporary African Art

21 June 2016

Sotheby’s will start dedicated sales of Modern and Contemporary African Art in London next year. The decision underlines the growing importance of a sector in which Bonhams have stolen a march in recent years.

Persian (Qajar) jambiyas

Wagner weapons sold after ivory elements surrendered to customs

25 May 2016

A series of antique weapons were sold by Bonhams earlier this month missing their ivory elements after the items had been surrendered to the UK’s Border Force.

Bonhams launch online-only auctions with single-owner watch sale

24 May 2016

Bonhams are launching into the internet-only auction arena with a timed sale of watches from a single-owner collection of a European nobleman.

18th century Imperial Famille Rose ‘Chilong’ bottle vase

Rare 18th century Qianlong vase highlight at Bonhams' Fine Chinese Art sale

16 May 2016

A porcelain vase thought to be from a Chinese Imperial palace over two centuries ago sells at Bonhams for £110,500

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