Bonhams Opens Brand New Salesroom in Hong Kong

Bonhams, the third-largest international fine art auction house in the world, will open the doors of its brand new saleroom in Hong Kong on the 20^th floor of One Pacific Place, a setting that provides what will be the most technically advanced permanent auction saleroom in the region. This is the first dedicated saleroom created by any auction house in Hong Kong. It means an end to hiring temporary preview space and instead provides the very best and latest in auctioneering expertise. This will be a permanent platform for appreciating art in stunningly lit and displayed previews, and a setting for entertaining among superb art. 

Bonhams has set out to create a new global standard in Asia, from the sophisticated museum-quality lighting for the art on display, through to superb online bidding facilities, and the outstanding art expertise available onsite. Designed by award-winning architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, the saleroom gallery echoes the company’s brand new £30m Bond Street headquarters in London’s Mayfair, a project undertaken by the same firm of architects, and recent winner of a major American architectural award.

Colin Sheaf, Chairman of Bonhams Asia, who has a 30 year track record selling Chinese art around the world, says: “Today, a new chapter starts for Bonhams in Hong Kong and China. With this new saleroom we are signaling our further commitment to this hugely important and vibrant market, which in five years has become our fourth biggest international auction centre. Just a decade ago Bonhams only operated in Britain, but under its new management the company has grown massively. It now operates in 27 countries on five continents and with its spread of 60 specialist collecting areas and 800 specialist staff it regularly achieves world records in everything from classic cars to jewellery, wine to watches, Old Master Painting to Urban Art. Our record in selling Chinese art on four continents is exceptional. We plan to offer clients the very best auctioneering experience which is why we have invested in these wonderful new premises in a city that is fast becoming a great challenger to London and New York as a global arts hub. We look forward to welcoming our clients from across Asia to this new facility which will further enhance our brand.”

He adds: “It is time that the city's auction scene moves away from a "Roll up to the circus" operation. Auction houses tend to make most of their Hong Kong revenue in two separate weeks of hyperactivity in the spring and autumn, while sales are far more spread out in London and New York. Bonhams will no longer call its May sales the "Spring" auctions. Instead, we will expect to hold our premier auctions as well as smaller sales more evenly spaced throughout the year, an approach more in line with international practice.”  The new Hong Kong premises will accelerate Bonhams growth as the fastest growing international fine art auction house in the world.