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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In association with The Fry Art Gallery, Sworders is delighted to be hosting an exclusive evening with acclaimed illustrator, painter, and printmaker Chloë Cheese, as she reflects on a life steeped in art and on the evolving role of women in the creative world.
4 September 2025
Following on from the success of our October 2024 and April 2025 Modern and Contemporary Art auctions, Sworders are pleased to be offering a further painting by Terence Cuneo from The David and Pam McCleave Collection in our autumn sale.
4 September 2025
In our 24 September sale, Ken Bolan | Nature Follows Form, we’re excited to be offering a car with real character and history: a 1969 Rover P5B coupé once used for many years by antiques dealer Ken Bolan as his daily driver.
28 August 2025