Photography Auctions During Global Pandemic

Since the Covid-19 pandemic swept the world, businesses across the globe have sought to adjust their operations including the numerous auction houses such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Phillips. Though some auctions have been cancelled and exhibition previews have been scrapped all together, many auctions are continuing to take place with telephone and online bidding. 

Phillips, for example, decided to restructure their entire spring auction calendar due to the pandemic, shifting the New York and London auctions due to take place in April and May (including two photography auctions) to June onwards. Christie’s, however, have sought to keep many of their auctions functioning with virtual galleries of available artworks and remote bidding. Likewise, Sotheby’s has focused its efforts on its digital strengths by shifting most auctions scheduled for late March and April into online auctions. The Photographs auction, which was scheduled to take place from 24th March to 3rd April has continued to take place with online bidding, seemingly without a hitch. 

With this slight disruption in mind, here is the auction calendar for April to July:

Note that dates are preliminary and may be subject to change. Click auction titles to find out more.

April

24-3 April – Photographs, Sotheby’s New York

June

23 June – Photographs: Icons & Style, Christie’s Paris

26 June – Form & Focus: Important Design & Photography, Christie’s New York

July

13 July – Photographs, Phillips New York

TBC – Photographs – Phillips London

Image: Deanna J Gallery