British Ceramics

Bonhams British Ceramics auctions offer British pottery, porcelain and enamels from the 15th to 20th centuries. As the recognised market leaders in this field and the only international auction house holding dedicated specialist sales of British ceramics, our auctions are a regular fixture of the auction calendar - taking place twice a year in London, with additional single-owner sales.

Our position as industry leaders was established in the late 1990s and early 2000s with numerous landmark single-owner sales, including the celebrated Watney Collection and the collections of Milton and Jeanne Zorensky, Billie Pain, Peter Bradshaw, Barbara Leake, and Geoffrey Godden. We have since continued to offer important collections in this tradition, including the Liane Richards Collection, the Leo Kaplan Collection, the John Alchin and Ralph Kenber Collections of Worcester porcelain, and the Twinight Collection. The comprehensive illustrated catalogues for these sales are in many cases now standard reference works on the subject.

Our world record results include a 'Lord Rodney' Toby jug from the 'Midshipman Family', the most expensive Toby jug sold at auction. An important Derby 'dry edge' figure group emblematic of 'Feeling' and a St James' (Charles Gouyn) figural group representing the fable of the Fox and Stork both achieved record prices for these factories. The celebrated 'Farming Scene' mug remains the most expensive piece of Isleworth ever sold at auction. As the leading authority in the sale of Welsh porcelain, we also hold the current records for both Swansea and Nantgarw having sold important ice pails from both factories.

Buying and selling British ceramics at Bonhams
Bonhams British Ceramics department has nearly a century of combined experience and our specialists are the authors of numerous articles and books, some of which have become standard works on the subject. Through the merge of Bonhams Skinner, we have specialists in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and in London who regularly travel throughout the UK and worldwide.

With offices and representatives in 22 countries, Bonhams gives buyers and sellers access to a global network of collectors and unparalleled marketing resources to achieve the highest price and level of client satisfaction possible. Contact a specialist directly for more information or submit your item online for a free auction estimate.