Bonhams is one of the world’s leading auction houses, renowned for its expertise in fine art, antiques, and luxury goods. Established in 1793 in London, it has grown into a global brand with salerooms in major cities, including New York, Hong Kong, and Paris. Bonhams is celebrated for its diverse auction categories, ranging from fine art, classic cars, and jewellery to rare books and wine. Known for its personalised client service, it caters to both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers. The auction house has overseen record-breaking sales and curated landmark auctions, blending a rich tradition of excellence with a forward-looking approach to the art and auction industry.

Sales Coming up:

March 2025

Bonhams' March sale promises an exciting selection of works by some of the most celebrated artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, featuring striking pieces by Alexander Calder, Fernando Botero, David Hockney, and Ernie Barnes. Calder’s signature bold geometric compositions bring a dynamic energy to the auction, while Botero’s voluptuous, exaggerated figures continue to captivate with their distinctive sense of volume and form. Meanwhile, the expressive, movement-filled paintings of Ernie Barnes, known for their celebration of Black culture and sport, add a rhythmic vitality to the sale.

Ernie Barnes (1938–2009) was an American artist renowned for his unique style that combined his experiences as a professional football player with his passion for art. His paintings often depict elongated figures in motion, capturing the energy and rhythm of African American life. Barnes's work gained widespread recognition, with his painting "The Sugar Shack" featured on the cover of Marvin Gaye's album "I Want You" and in the television show "Good Times." His art continues to celebrate the vibrancy of Black Southern life and culture. Ernie Barnes' painting An Ounce of Luck depicts a group of African American men playing a game of dice, a common street or gambling pastime. The players are intensely focused, crouched low, and caught in a moment of anticipation as they await the outcome of the roll. The exaggerated, elongated figures—characteristic of Barnes’ style—add a sense of movement and tension to the scene. This painting was featured in Playboy magazine, which often included fine art alongside its more famous content. During the 1970s, Playboy supported and showcased African American artists, and Ernie Barnes was among them. His art captured elements of Black culture, everyday life, and community, making it resonate widely. His work was also used in Playboy's annual art auctions and exhibitions.

February 2025

Bonhams, the renowned international auction house, is gearing up for an exciting lineup of sales in the coming weeks, offering a wide array of exceptional items for collectors and enthusiasts. From fine art and rare books to vintage automobiles and exquisite jewelry, the upcoming auctions promise something for every taste. Highlights include rare paintings by celebrated artists, unique antiques with fascinating provenance, and luxury watches from iconic brands. With opportunities for both seasoned collectors and new buyers, Bonhams' sales continue to showcase world-class offerings and unparalleled expertise in the art of auctioneering.

Bonhams, through its Danish branch Bruun Rasmussen, has several upcoming auctions featuring coins. On 2 February 2025, a dedicated Coins auction will take place in Denmark, offering 345 lots. Bruun Rasmussen holds more than 25 coin auctions annually in Copenhagen and online, with prices ranging from €100 to €500,000. These auctions present a diverse selection of numismatic items, including rare and historically significant coins.

January 2025

They have some absolutely fabulous dresses on sale at Bonhams. They were created by the former Ralph & Russo atelier, and this is the first time these gowns have been offered at auction. The collection includes designs seen on the runway and worn by Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Nicole Kidman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Sydney Sweeney, Kaia Gerber, and Kylie Jenner.

From 9 to 17 January 2025, Bonhams proudly presented Surrealist Treasures: The Urban S. Hirsch III Collection. A successful businessman, passionate art collector, and motorcycle enthusiast, Urban S. Hirsch III (1941–2024) built a remarkable collection of Surrealist art and Old Master prints, inspired by his career in the printing ink industry. His deep understanding of lithographic printing processes and a family legacy of art appreciation fueled his collecting pursuits. Beyond art, Hirsch's interests extended to pre-1916 motorcycles and custom Harleys, reflecting his zest for life. This extraordinary sale celebrated his diverse passions and enduring legacy.

December 2024

From 28 November to 16 December 2024, Bonhams presented a remarkable sale featuring the curated contents of a Holland Park residence designed by the renowned Nicky Haslam. Built in the 1860s, the property posed unique challenges with its compact proportions, which Haslam masterfully transformed into whimsical Rococo-style interiors. The sale included furniture, prints, and mirrors sourced or designed for this enchanting space. Also featured were select items from the estate of Michael Winner, offering an insight into the British filmmaker's career through annotated shooting scripts spanning from the 1960s to his final film in 1997. The sale concluded with Geoffrey Sawyer's archive of Cecil Beaton photographs, showcasing iconic portraits of royalty, stars, and society figures, alongside intimate family images from Beaton’s celebrated career.