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.
Mark Wilkinson
Out of The Ordinary Sales
Mark joined Sworders in 2017 having previously worked for Christies for 31 years and Bonhams for 2 years. During his time at Christie’s Mark helped to devise the ground-breaking Interiors sales, moving to Bonhams in 2015 to work his magic as European Head of Decorative Arts. He now heads up our ‘Out of The Ordinary’ sales, an eclectic mix of art and antiques with a wow factor, and acts as our regional representative for Kent. Outside of work, he is a passionate collector, photographer, and videographer.
T: 01732 757675
E: markwilkinson@sworder.co.uk
