Photographs

Bonhams Photographs auctions span the history of photography from the 19th century to the present day, with works by established photographers as well as up-and-coming, contemporary practitioners. We hold several dedicated Photographs auctions each year and our team of knowledgeable specialists bring years of expertise and market familiarity to the department.

Our department offers collectors the opportunity to own images at the heart of our visual culture, from highly sought-after names including Ansel Adams, Diane Arbus, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Walker Evans, Bill Brandt, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Irving Penn, Robert Mapplethorpe, Helmut Newton, Peter Beard, Edward Weston, Sebastião Salgado, Weegee, Andreas Gursky and many more.

In 2023, Bonhams photographs department hosted Elliott Erwitt: A Life in Photographs, a single-owner collection which set various market records, including the world record for Erwitt's 'Paris' (Umbrella Jump), and the second highest price for Erwitt ever achieved at auction. In 2021, we held a single-owner sale of Edward Curtis photographs which achieved the highest auction result for an Orotone in the last 15 years, making it the second highest price ever achieved for an Orotone by Curtis. Other notable sales include online auctions dedicated to Ruth Orkin in 2021 and 2022, both of which also achieved sensational results.

Buying and selling photographs at Bonhams
With offices and representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams gives buyers and sellers access to a global network of collectors and unparalleled marketing resources to achieve the highest price and level of client satisfaction possible. Contact a specialist directly for more information or submit your item online for a free auction estimate.