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 photojournalism. 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.
Our specialists hold regular valuation days. Please contact us for more information, or complete the online form to enquire about the valuation of your items.
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A unique offering of two private collections of Pierre Jeanneret (1896-1967) furniture, in our 8 July Design auction, provides buyers with the opportunity to acquire an important and iconic piece of design history.
9 June 2025
Born out of the tumultuous events on the streets of Paris in May 1968, when students and workers joined together in protest to bring France to the brink of revolution, an array of student riot posters are offered in our upcoming 9 July sale 'DREAMS | A Unique Private Collection'.
2 June 2025
Offered in our upcoming 17 & 18 June Fine Interiors sale, the Roman marble portrait head of the Emperor Titus dates back to the Flavian period, and carries an extraordinary history.
30 May 2025
