Auction Houses - An Overview

1. Christie’s
It is a fine art auction house and is one of the most popular and the oldest amongst all. It was founded by James Christie in the year 1766. Soon after French Revelation, when London became the centre of international fine art, Christie became the hub of fine art. Some of the most notable auctions conducted by Christie’s are the auction of artworks of Pablo Picasso, Princess of Wales Lady Diana, Marilyn Monroe, Leonardo Da Vinci, Napoleon Bonaparte, Vincent van Gough.

2. Sotheby’s
It is the second oldest international auction house, yet it is functioning actively. Situated in London, this auction house was founded by Baker on 11 March 1744. One of its most notable auctions was the sale of Frans Hals painting in 1913. Sotheby’s has its offices in Manhattan as well. Sotheby’s and Christie’s auction houses are intense rivals.

3. Bonham’s
It is the third largest auction house after Sotheby’s and Christie’s. It conducts about 700 auctions every year. It operates in the US as well but under a different name.

4. Lyon & Turnbull
Scotland based auction house, Lyon & Turnbull is privately owned. This auction house has offices in Edinburgh, London, Glasgow, and New York. It is the largest auction house outside the United Kingdom.

5. Phillips de Pury & Company
This auction house has its offices in New York, London, Brussels, Munich, Milan, Paris and Los Angeles. Harry Phillips founded this auction house in the year 1796 in London. The most distinguished auctions of this firm are the sale of artwork of Marie Antoinette, Beau Brummel and Napoleon. This firm was the first and the only one to conduct an auction inside the Buckingham Palace.

Other notable auction houses are MarkNet Alliance, Auman auctions, Emirates Auction, Dorotheum.

Written by Nikola Jankovic. Find top house auctions on http://www.house-auction.net/

Source: www.a1articles.com