Bonhams relocates to Manhattan and releases iconic Rock 'n' Roll art collection

Art Business News, April, 2008

NEW YORK -- International fine-art auction house, Bonhams, has moved to a new office in the heart of Manhattan. The company's relocation will give it exhibition space in a prime location and will further develop the company's ambitions to challenge the top end of the art-auction business.

CEO Malcolm Barber says: "This is a substantial investment in New York, the most important art market in the world. The new premises will allow us to hold a full program of sales throughout the year in a wonderful environment."

A large archive of original Rock 'n' Roll Art will be one of the first major events held at the new Bonhams location in May. The comprehensive sale of iconic items includes three decades of paintings, original artwork, drawings, sketches and studies, original printing plates and poster sets, featuring legendary bands, concerts and events. The collection presents works by the most influential artists in Rock 'n' Roll.

The collection is owned by fashion designer and musician, Peter Golding, who built the collection after picking up a poster from a protest concert in Hyde Park, London, in 1967. Since then, he has taken great care and enthusiasm amassing his extensive archive over the years.

Artworks for famous bands and performers include: The Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd, Aerosmith, The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton, The Cult, The Sex Pistols, U2, Kiss, The Who, Alice Cooper, Quicksilver Messenger, Sly and the Family Stone, Ike and Tina Turner, Metallica and Guns and Roses.

Featured leading artists include: Rick Griffin, Stanley Mouse, Alton Kelly, Victor Moscoso, Gary Grimshaw, Randy Tuten, David Singer, Dennis Larkins, Wes Wilson, Michael English and Nigel Waymouth.

Bonhams' new salesroom is at the IBM building, formerly the home of the Dahesh Museum. Founded in 1793, Bonhams is one of the world's oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques.

"We are delighted to take on a building that offers our clients superb facilities to display their artworks and allows our customers to view sales in such a beautiful space," Barber says.

For more information, visit www.bonhams.com.