At 101 New Bond Street, in the heart of London's Mayfair, Bonhams occupies a fitting address for one of the world's most respected auction houses. Founded in 1793, it has spent more than two centuries earning the trust of serious collectors and private sellers. What distinguishes it today is not simply its age but the genuine specialist depth it brings to dozens of collecting categories.
The range of departments is broad and carefully maintained. Fine art and works on paper span Old Master Paintings through to Impressionist and Modern Art, with dedicated cataloguing that takes provenance and attribution seriously. Decorative arts collectors will find expert sales covering European Ceramics and a long list of applied arts categories. Specialist fields extend further still — Watches, Jewellery, Scientific Instruments, Automobilia, Native American Art, and Photographs each carry their own focused sales team. This is not a generalist platform. Each department brings the kind of concentrated knowledge that matters when a piece's history is part of its value.
The auction calendar stays active throughout the year. Bonhams runs a large number of specialist sales across its full range of categories, though not every department holds a sale every month. The online platform lets collectors browse upcoming lots by category, review detailed lot information, and set reminders for relevant sales. Some sales take place in the saleroom; others run entirely online. All accept remote bids, and buyers competing from abroad join the live sale on equal terms with those in the room. That real-time parity makes Bonhams genuinely international in practice, not just in name.
Registering to bid requires creating an account and providing standard identification. The process is straightforward, and once registered, online bidders access the same lots and compete under the same conditions as in-room buyers. Sellers can approach Bonhams for a free initial appraisal. If a piece is considered suitable, a specialist provides a preliminary estimate and the item is marketed to Bonhams' international collector base. Commission and applicable expenses are deducted from the hammer price, with fee structures varying by country and sale type. Neither buyers nor sellers need to be based in London to engage fully with what Bonhams offers.
The office and saleroom at New Bond Street operates Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00. Bond Street station on the Elizabeth line sits approximately 100 metres away and offers the most direct rail access. Bond Street Underground station — served by the Central and Jubilee lines — is roughly 260 metres away. The New Bond Street bus stop, around 140 metres from the address, connects to buses 7, 94, 98, 139, and night routes N7, N98, N113 and N207. Oxford Circus Underground station, with Bakerloo, Central and Victoria line services, is approximately 340 metres away and provides a useful alternative for those arriving from a different direction.
Bonhams suits collectors who are buying or consigning fine antiques, decorative arts, classic automobilia, significant jewellery and watches, or important works on paper and canvas. It is not the right venue for casual secondhand browsing. Its real distinction is specialist knowledge combined with a global buyer network that can place the right piece in front of the right audience. Keeping a regular eye on the sale calendar is the most practical way to stay ahead of upcoming lots in any category you follow seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What kinds of antiques and collectibles does Bonhams specialise in?
A: Bonhams runs dedicated sales across a wide range of specialist categories, including Old Master Paintings, Impressionist and Modern Art, European Ceramics, Watches, Jewellery, Scientific Instruments, Automobilia, Native American Art, and Photographs. Each department has its own focused team, so cataloguing, provenance and attribution are handled by people who know the field rather than generalists.
Q: Can I bid without attending in person at New Bond Street?
A: Yes. All sales accept remote bids, and online bidders compete directly with those in the room in real time. Some sales run entirely online. Once you have registered an account and provided the required identification, the process and access to lots are the same whether you are bidding from London or abroad.
Q: How do I find out what is coming up for sale in a particular category?
A: The Bonhams online platform lets collectors browse upcoming lots by category, review detailed lot information, and set reminders for relevant sales. The auction calendar stays active throughout the year, though not every specialist department holds a sale every month. Check the platform directly for current schedules.
Q: Can I get an appraisal if I want to sell something through Bonhams?
A: Bonhams offers a free initial appraisal for potential consignments. If a piece is considered suitable, a specialist provides a preliminary estimate and the item is marketed to Bonhams' international collector base. Commission and applicable expenses are deducted from the hammer price, with fee structures varying by country and sale type.
Q: How do I get to Bonhams at 101 New Bond Street?
A: Bond Street Elizabeth line station is approximately 100 metres away and gives the most direct rail connection. Bond Street Underground station, served by the Central and Jubilee lines, is around 260 metres away. Buses 7, 94, 98, and 139 stop at New Bond Street about 140 metres from the address, along with night routes N7, N98, N113, and N207. The saleroom and offices are open Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00.
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