About the Bonhams Network
Founded in 1793, Bonhams is one of the world's leading auction houses — defined by connection, and home to the curious.
With over 230 years of expertise, Bonhams operates a global network of trusted specialists across 24 countries, including flagship salerooms in London, New York, Paris and Hong Kong. Across more than 60 specialist categories, Bonhams serves collectors of every kind — from emerging to established — with the objects, stories and expertise that define their collecting journey.
Beyond auctions, Bonhams is both a destination for discovery and for industry-leading services and support. Its rotating programme of exhibitions and public programming is free and open to all, reflecting a longstanding commitment to curiosity, cultural conversation and the enduring power of objects.
For forthcoming auctions and details of specialist departments, visit Bonhams.com.
Bonhams: A house built on knowledge. Defined by connection. Home to the curious.
About the Department
Bonhams Modern British & Irish Art department offer more artworks annually in this category than any other major auctioneer. We specialise in the period's major movements, spanning Edwardian Art to Camden Town, The Bloomsbury Group, British Surrealism, Neo-Romanticism, Irish Moderns, St Ives, Constructivism, Post-War and The London School. We hold five dedicated auctions a year in London, in addition to an exciting roster of themed sales such as Blazing a Trail: Modern British Women.
Our three annual online Knightsbridge auctions feature paintings, sculptures and works on paper by artists including L.S. Lowry, Alan Lowndes, Mary Fedden, Gary Bunt, Bryan Pearce, Ken Howard and John Piper, among others.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- Assist with research, cataloguing and authentication and oversee photography.
- Provide advice for Bonhams clients on sale viewings.
- Maintain and support the ongoing development of a database of customers – both buyers and sellers – for the department.
- Maintain contact with established collectors to encourage further business with the company, either as buyers or sellers.
- Maintain contact with established trade contacts to encourage further business with the company.
- Assist the specialists on the production of an advertising and marketing campaign, within the budgets set, to promote the business getting and sales activities of the department.
- Assist on the production of advertising and marketing campaigns, within the budgets set, to promote the business getting and sales activities of the department.
- Client valuations at New Bond Street and Knightsbridge, and specific off-site visits as and when necessary
- Assist on exhibition events as and when required.
- Maintain an awareness of our competitors’ strategies to maintain the competitive position of this department in the market.
- Keep exploring areas where your career can grow in terms of client development, expertise, and ultimately business getting.
- You will be the department’s experienced user of Auctioneer 3, Bonhams’ bespoke Auction Management System and primary business tool.
- You will be responsible for managing the administration of the department, carrying out or delegating work as necessary – managing clients and their property throughout the sale cycle, including receipting property into A3, generating and issuing consignment contracts, requesting and uploading client details and payment management.
- You will be the Department’s primary contact for a range of external stakeholders ranging from our clients to restorers and suppliers, escalating to your Specialists when required.
- You will help co-ordinate the movement of property throughout the sale cycle, working with regional offices, Shipping, Operations & Photography to ensure efficient and compliant stock transfer.
- You will work with Client Services, Operations and Shipping to support clients with after sale enquiries, including the resolution of payments and arranging shipping quotes for both purchased and unsold lots.
- You will support your department with preparing valuations, condition reports and condition photography as required.
- You will respond to client enquiries pre and post sale, bidding and event management.
- Provide the relevant information to the department administrator to ensure Bonhams clients contractual obligations are met and assist with administrative tasks if necessary.
Key Skills and Experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively to tight deadlines.
- Strong organisational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities.
- Collaborative and adaptable approach to working within a team environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
What We Offer
Some of our benefits and perks include:
- 28 days holidays (including Bank Holidays), increasing to 33 with service
- Healthcare and Life Assurance
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Season Ticket Loan
If you wish to apply, please send your CV and cover letter by the 27th July 2026 at midnight.
We thank you for your interest in this position but please note that we will only contact candidates chosen for further consideration.
Bonhams is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.
