Bonhams Photographic Department

Bonhams appoint Jocelyn Phillips as head of new photographic department.

Jocelyn Phillips has been appointed Head of Bonhams new Photographic Department to be based in London.

A Cambridge Classics graduate she also has an MA in Cultural Heritage Studies from University College London (Institute of Archeology). The thesis for her Masters degree was on 19th century photography and classical art, which was her introduction to the world of photographs.

Jocelyn joined Sotheby’s Photographic Department in 2004 and by 2006 was Acting Head of Department. In 2008 she was promoted to Deputy Director at Sotheby's. During her time there, in addition to the twice yearly various owner sales, she worked on the single owner collection of Dr Ehrenfeld (19th century photographs of India) in May 2005, and the prestigious final instalment of the Collection Marie-Thérèse et André Jammes (part IV, held in Paris in November 2008).

This year she has been a nominator for the Prix Pictet (photographic prize for sustainability set up last year by Pictet Bank in conjunction with the Financial Times. And earlier this year she made a presentation on the auction market for photographs at Foam Museum in Amsterdam, as part of the Foam Editions Collecting Photography programme.

Besides her interest and expertise in Photography she has had a lifelong interest in contemporary and classical dance and has performed at Cambridge University, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and at the Royal Opera House, London.

Jocelyn Phillips says, “The market for photographs at auction is constantly developing, showing strength across the board from 19th century to contemporary work. Photography’s universal appeal and central position in our visual culture continues to draw in new collectors as well as inspire veterans of the subject. I am delighted to be a part of this new venture for Bonhams and look forward to welcoming all to our first sales in 2010.”

Matthew Girling, Bonhams European and Middle East CEO comments: “We are delighted to have Jocelyn join us to head up this exciting new development, a stand alone Photographic Department, which will help Bonhams to service the huge and growing interest in collecting photography.”