Bonhams is a distinguished auction house with a long-standing heritage dating back to the late 18th century.
-
Foundation and Early History:
- Bonhams was founded in 1793 in Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London by Thomas Dodd, a prominent print dealer of his era. In the ensuing years, the auction house navigated through various challenges and changes in leadership, with George Jones taking over following Dodd's bankruptcy in 1817. Subsequently, in the 1850s, George Bonham partnered with Jones, marking the beginnings of the Bonhams legacy12.
- Bonhams was founded in 1793 in Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, London by Thomas Dodd, a prominent print dealer of his era. In the ensuing years, the auction house navigated through various challenges and changes in leadership, with George Jones taking over following Dodd's bankruptcy in 1817. Subsequently, in the 1850s, George Bonham partnered with Jones, marking the beginnings of the Bonhams legacy12.
-
Growth and Development:
- The auction house underwent several relocations and rebrandings, reflecting its expanding operations and resilience amid adversities such as bombings during the war years. Notably, in 2000, it merged with Brooks to form Bonhams & Brooks, and in 2001, it further merged with Phillips Son & Neale to become the modern-day Bonhams. This merger brought together two of the four surviving Georgian auction houses in London, further solidifying Bonhams' position in the auction industry32.
- The auction house underwent several relocations and rebrandings, reflecting its expanding operations and resilience amid adversities such as bombings during the war years. Notably, in 2000, it merged with Brooks to form Bonhams & Brooks, and in 2001, it further merged with Phillips Son & Neale to become the modern-day Bonhams. This merger brought together two of the four surviving Georgian auction houses in London, further solidifying Bonhams' position in the auction industry32.
-
Global Expansion and Modern Era:
- Bonhams has significantly expanded its global footprint over the years, establishing a presence in key markets across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia. It has over 60 locations worldwide, including salerooms in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong, and holds more than 400 specialist sales annually in 60 different categories45.
- Bonhams has significantly expanded its global footprint over the years, establishing a presence in key markets across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia. It has over 60 locations worldwide, including salerooms in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong, and holds more than 400 specialist sales annually in 60 different categories45.
-
Specialties and Reputation:
- Bonhams is renowned for auctioning fine art and antiques, motor cars, and jewelry, among other categories. It has a legacy and reputation for connoisseurship and bespoke service known globally. Moreover, Bonhams has taken market leadership in certain areas of the British art market and has set world record prices for some items at auction, reflecting its standing in the industry6.
- Bonhams is renowned for auctioning fine art and antiques, motor cars, and jewelry, among other categories. It has a legacy and reputation for connoisseurship and bespoke service known globally. Moreover, Bonhams has taken market leadership in certain areas of the British art market and has set world record prices for some items at auction, reflecting its standing in the industry6.
-
Recent Developments:
- In recent years, Bonhams has embraced digital transformations, holding its first online-only auction in 2016. Furthermore, it underwent a change in ownership in 2018 when it was acquired by the UK-based private equity company, Epiris, marking a new chapter in its illustrious history2.
- In recent years, Bonhams has embraced digital transformations, holding its first online-only auction in 2016. Furthermore, it underwent a change in ownership in 2018 when it was acquired by the UK-based private equity company, Epiris, marking a new chapter in its illustrious history2.
-
Community and Buyer Engagement:
- Bonhams also engages with a broad spectrum of buyers and sellers through its extensive network of offices and salerooms globally, offering a platform for individuals to buy and sell a vast array of items. Its emphasis on expertise and personalized service has cemented its position as a trusted and reputable auction house in the global market.
Bonhams' enduring legacy, coupled with its expansive global network and diverse auction categories, underscores its reputable standing in the auctioneering world. Through centuries of operation, Bonhams has continually adapted to the evolving market dynamics, cementing its place as a leading auction house for connoisseurs and collectors alike.
