Auction Catalogues
Date range: 1676-present
Medium: Printed
Number of items: Over 5,600.
Auction catalogues record the sale of collections belonging to both individuals and institutions, plus material from a variety of sources united by a common theme, eg English literature; natural history; travel and exploration. They are an important reference source for identifying trends in collecting, as well as for tracing the provenance of specific items. Relating to the sale of books, prints, manuscripts, maps and photographs, the Library’s collection of auction catalogues dates from the 17th century to the present day, providing a fascinating insight into the history of print and manuscript collecting.
Most of our auction catalogues are found in one of four discrete collections: Library Auction Catalogues; Bonhams Auction Catalogues; Christie’s Auction Catalogues, and Sotheby’s Auction Catalogues. However, catalogues can also be found within some named collections, eg the Christie Collection.
Library Auction Catalogues
This collection focusses on sales in England, mainly in London, but with provincial catalogues available from several northern towns/cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Halifax, Chester and York. There are also examples from Europe and the United States. Many of the catalogues have been marked-up with the prices attained at auction, and some include the names of the purchasers.
Bonhams Auction Catalogues
A collection of illustrated auction catalogues relating to the sale of books, maps, manuscripts and photographs, held at Bonhams auction rooms in London.
Christie’s Auction Catalogues
A collection of auction catalogues (some illustrated) relating to the sale of books, prints, maps, manuscripts and photographs, held at Christie’s auction rooms. Most catalogues relate to sales held in London, but other venues include Glasgow, Amsterdam, Paris and New York
Sotheby’s Auction Catalogues
A collection of auction catalogues (some illustrated) relating to the sale of books, prints, maps, manuscripts, and photographs, held at Sotheby’s auction rooms. Most catalogues relate to sales held in London, but other venues include Paris, Monte Carlo, New York and Tel Aviv.
See also:
Further information:
- Recorded in Library Search.
Other information:
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