Gazing upon this elegant building, one might wonder what treasures lie within Bonhams. Bonhams is a renowned auction house steeped in history. It stands as a testament to London’s enduring connection to art and antiques.
Founded in 1793, Bonhams began as a partnership between Thomas Dodd and Walter Bonham. Dodd was an antique print dealer. Bonham was a book specialist. From these humble beginnings, Bonhams has grown into a global force in the art world.
Bonhams now operates from 66 locations worldwide. The headquarters is located at 101 New Bond Street, London. This address has become synonymous with fine art and exquisite collectibles.
The story of Bonhams is one of mergers and acquisitions. In 2001, Bonhams & Brooks merged with Phillips Son & Neale. This fusion created a powerhouse that retained the Bonhams name. Phillips had been founded in 1796 by Harry Phillips. He was formerly a senior clerk to James Christie.
Bonhams’s reach extends far beyond London. Sales are held in New York, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Paris, and Sydney. These international locations reflect Bonhams’s global presence.
Inside Bonhams, experts curate auctions spanning over 60 collecting areas. These include Asian art, pictures, cars, and jewellery. Each sale is a carefully orchestrated event. It draws collectors and enthusiasts from around the globe.
Bonhams has witnessed many remarkable auctions. A blue and white garlic mouth vase sold for an impressive sum in Hong Kong in 2014. In 2018, La fête d’anniversaire by Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita achieved a world record price for the artist. Bonhams is not just about art. It also handles the sale of motorcars.
In 2013, an ex-Juan Manuel Fangio 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R sold for a staggering amount at The Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Bonhams’s history is intertwined with other notable auction houses. In 2002, Bonhams purchased Butterfields. This acquisition expanded Bonhams’s presence on the West Coast of the United States.
Bonhams faced challenges and changes over the years. In 2005, Bonhams gained full independence by buying back a stake held by LVMH. In 2018, the UK-based private equity company Epiris acquired Bonhams.
Bonhams continues to evolve. In recent years, Bonhams has embraced online auctions. This reflects Bonhams’s adaptability in a changing world. Bonhams acquired Nordic auction house Bukowskis in January 2022. In March 2022, Bonhams acquired US auction house Skinner Inc. and Danish auction house Bruun Rasmussen.
Today, Bonhams stands as a symbol of tradition and innovation. Bonhams remains a key player in the international art market. The story of Bonhams is far from over. It continues to unfold with each auction. Each new discovery adds to the rich tapestry of its history.