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.
Want to know how much your Photography may be worth? Fill out our easy to use form and a member of the team will be in touch with free advice shortly.
We are delighted to be offering a collection of Roberto Rigon's stylised animal works in our first Design auction of 2026, which takes place on Tuesday 27 January.
24 November 2025
Sworders are delighted to present the David Rapley Collection – a lifelong assemblage of fine silver, gold, and decorative arts.
At a recent valuation day in our Stansted Mountfitchet salerooms, two ceramics were brought in that made our specialists sit up and take interest.
24 November 2025
