Paintings, Pictures & Prints Auctions

Selling paintings at auction

You may have a picture you no longer have space for, an inherited painting or a collection built over many years. The first step is an assessment of the work itself and the information that comes with it.

An auction estimate gives a guide to what a work may achieve at sale. It is not a fixed purchase offer or an insurance replacement value. We will discuss an estimate, the sale route and selling costs before you decide whether to consign.

If you have several pictures, start with an overview and then send photographs of each work. Keep any labels, receipts and written records with the pictures they relate to. You can make one enquiry about the group rather than submitting a separate form for every item.

Paintings, prints and photographs

Oil paintings and portraits

Our sales include oil paintings, with subjects ranging from portraits to landscapes and seascapes. A picture’s appeal may lie in the artist, subject, quality or history. We assess each work rather than relying on the name written on its frame.

Watercolours and works on paper

Watercolours and drawings need to be considered alongside their condition and any supporting details. Photograph the whole image and signature where visible. If a work is behind glass, try taking photographs in even light to reduce reflections.

Prints and photographs

An edition number, signature, publisher’s details or a label can help with the assessment of a print or photograph. Include these in your enquiry if you can see them. If you are unsure whether an image is a painting, print or reproduction, send photographs without trying to remove it from its frame.

For modern and contemporary works, our Modern Art & Design department offers a related specialist route. You do not need to choose the sale yourself; we can discuss where a work fits.

What affects a painting valuation?

Artist and attribution

A signature is a useful detail, but it does not establish who made a work on its own. We consider it with the picture, its materials and the available records. Tell us about any previous opinion or attribution, including where that information came from.

Subject, scale and quality

The subject and the way it has been painted can shape buyer interest. Dimensions also help us understand the work and describe it to bidders. A familiar name or an old date alone does not guarantee a particular sale value.

Condition and previous work

Let us know about damage, repairs or restoration you are aware of. Include photographs of tears, marks or other concerns as well as the whole image. There is no need to clean a picture or have it restored for the initial assessment.

History and supporting records

Where a picture came from is known as its provenance. Useful evidence may include a purchase receipt, an exhibition label, correspondence or a reference in a catalogue. Share what is documented and make clear any family account that has not been checked.

Photographs to send for a valuation

Begin with a straight-on photograph of the whole picture, including its frame. Add a closer view of the image and any signature, date or edition number. If it is safe to reach, photograph the back and any labels or writing there.

Give the height and width of the image in centimetres, plus the framed size if known. Tell us where the work is located and anything you know about how and when it was acquired. If an invoice or previous valuation exists, include a copy.

Do not remove a work from its frame or take off its backing just to photograph it. Explain what you can see and we can advise on any further inspection. Our selling guide explains the valuation options, including appointments and home visits for collections.

Inherited art and collections

An inherited group of pictures may include works bought at different times, with little written information about them. That is a common starting point for an enquiry. Room photographs and a brief outline of the collection can help us discuss what to assess next.

Please say if you need a formal valuation for probate or insurance. Our probate and insurance valuation service deals with those needs. A free auction estimate is a separate guide to a possible sale result.

If the pictures form part of wider house contents, you can also speak to our Furniture & Antiques department. For a collection by one artist or a substantial group, tell us about its size and history so we can discuss suitable sale options.

From valuation to auction

Once the work has been assessed, we will discuss the estimate, reserve options and the proposed sale. Ask about commission, lotting charges and any agreed transport costs before consigning. Current terms are set out in our guide to selling at auction.

Supporting documents help us research the work and prepare the catalogue description. Please share those early and tell us about condition issues or restoration you know of. Keep any loose labels or records with the work rather than discarding them.

Our published art highlights include works by John Singleton Copley, Émile-Auguste Hublin, Helen Allingham and John Arnesby Brown. These give examples of the range handled by the department; the assessment of your work will depend on its own details.

Buying art at auction

Start with the full catalogue entry and photographs. Read the wording about the artist and any attribution carefully, and ask the team if a description is unclear. Check the medium, size and condition information as well as the main image.

Viewing can help you judge scale, colour and condition in person. Check the dates and location on the relevant sale page before travelling. If you need more detail, ask about a condition report before placing a bid.

Use the auction calendar and catalogues to see what is available, and read our buying guide for registration and bidding. Allow for the buyer’s premium, VAT, any platform charges and collection or delivery when setting your budget.

Questions about selling pictures

Can I sell an unsigned painting?

You can ask for an assessment of an unsigned work. Send clear photographs and any information about its history. A signature is only one part of the assessment.

Do you offer online painting valuations?

You can start an enquiry online by sending photographs and details. These may allow an initial view, though an inspection or further research may be needed before an auction estimate is confirmed.

Should I clean or reframe it first?

There is no need to do either for the first enquiry. Show the work as it is and ask for advice before paying for cleaning, restoration or a new frame.