Popular Culture

Bonhams is the only global auction house to offer dedicated sales in the fields of Film, Entertainment, Music, and Sporting Memorabilia. With Specialists based in London, New York and Los Angeles, our Popular Culture team is truly global and one of the most highly experienced group of experts in this evolving market. Our team includes highly respected specialists from leading auction houses and world-renowned museums, including those responsible for leading this collecting category from its beginnings in the early 1980s.

Our auctions take place throughout the year and include an array of vintage film and music posters, autographs, photographic archives, animation artwork, props, musical instruments, vintage fashion, costume and other important property relating to some of the most prominent actors, musicians, entertainers and sporting legends of the Twentieth Century.

In 2017, Bonhams set the world record for the most expensive piece of film memorabilia ever sold at auction; Robby the Robot from MGM's Forbidden Planet (1956) which achieved $5.3million - a record we still hold today.

Notable Achievements (Including Buyer's Premium):

· The iconic original Robby The Robot suit and jeep from Forbidden Planet, MGM (1956) $5.3million
· The piano from 'Casablanca' on which Sam plays "As Time Goes By", $3.4million
· The Maltese Falcon statuette from the 'The Maltese Falcon', $4million
· Bert Lahr's cowardly Lion costume from the 'Wizard of Oz', $3million
· Judy Garland's gingham dress from the 'Wizard of Oz', $1.56million
· An EMI TG12345 Mk IV recording console used by Pink Floyd at Abbey Road Studios, $1.7million
· Alligator! Jerry Garcia's Fender Stratocaster guitar, $524,000
· Neil Peart's Slingerland drumkit from his time with RUSH, $500,000
· The silver trophy cup for the Football Association challenge 1896-1910, £759,000
· Steve McQueen's iconic racing suit from 'Le Mans', $425,000

Buying And Selling Entertainment Memorabilia At Bonhams

Marketed globally, our sales offer collectors the opportunity to acquire pieces relating to their icons. You can contact us directly to consign an artwork or visit our digital digital Selling Hub for valuations on consignments to future sales.

You can also buy and sell through Private Sale. Bonhams Private Sales provide clients with a bespoke approach to buying and selling, outside of the auction calendar. Whether you are looking for a specific artwork or to sell an object, our global team is on hand to help research, source or sell on your behalf. Contact a specialist below for more information.