A generation ago the collecting market for photography was dominated by demand for the small number of surviving images from the pioneering years of the mid 19th century. Mediums such as the daguerreotype, the ambrotype or albumen and salt prints (among the first commercially successful photographic processes) were the collecting zeitgeist. However, in recent decades the market has broadened substantially to embrace the more artistic works of 20th century photographers while also rewarding the masters of genres such as fashion photography and photo journalism. There exists too a quite different market for 19th century albums of topographical images and photo-illustrated books - particularly those taken in the Middle and the Far East and India that appeal to an international audience.
Sworders have sold examples of all of these works - including the 1992 dry transfer print of Genko Leaves by Irving Penn (American 1917-2009) for £61,000 in 2015.
Kirstie Imber
Modern and Contemporary Prints
Kirstie has 15 years’ experience in the art world, including specialist roles in the Print and Topographical department at Christies, where she was responsible for cataloguing, researching and assisting a number of important single-owner print sales. She has also held roles at The British Museum and the Royal College of Art and has lectured widely on 20th Century British Art. Kirstie holds a PhD in History of Art.
T: 01279 817778
E: kirstieimber@sworder.co.uk
