Explore Sotheby’s legacy from 1744 to today — 280+ years of excellence in art, auctions, and global luxury real estate.

Sotheby’s - Brand Timeline & History

For over 280 years, Sotheby’s has been the trusted name behind some of the world’s most valuable possessions. What began as an auction house for fine art and rare manuscripts has grown into a global authority in the luxury market. In 1955, Sotheby’s became the first international auction house, expanding to New York, Hong Kong, France, and India, before launching Sotheby’s International Realty in 1976. Today, the Sotheby’s name is a mark of international credibility and quality—whether in the auction house or in a Sotheby’s International Realty showroom. It is a connection to heritage, excellence, and a world without boundaries.

Our history

TIMELINE

Sotheby’s first established its name as a seller of valuable books and manuscripts, including rare library collections and prized first editions. Its growing reputation quickly made it a national authority, with operations starting at the Exeter Exchange on London’s Strand. By 1917, Sotheby’s had found its enduring home on Bond Street in Mayfair—a move that cemented its place at the heart of London’s art and cultural scene.

The Beginning

Throughout the Autumn of 1928, Sotheby's offered priceless Shakespeare relics for auction in London. Archive/SSPL/Getty Images.

In July 1957, Sotheby's London sold the collection of Dutch banker William Weinberg. Queen Elizabeth II attended the preview, which attracted the attention of the media. Photo by Ullstein Bild via Getty Images


A Period of Growth

Sotheby’s International Realty is Founded

On May 2, 2012, Edvard Munch’s The Scream sold at Sotheby’s New York for $119,922,500, setting a new world record for any work of art at auction at the time. The sale cemented Sotheby’s reputation for presenting the most valuable and iconic masterpieces to the global market.

Going Global and Public

RM Sotheby’s is Founded in Canada 

Committed to exceptional results

100+ Expert Brokers

80% of our transactions on super-prime Dubai properties

AED 40 Million Average

spoken across our diverse team

15 Languages

most visited luxury property website in the region

33M Visitors

Sheikh Zayed Road Showroom

DIFC Showroom

Four Seasons Jumeirah Showroom

ICD Brookfield Place

Dubai Sotheby's International Realty founded

Sotheby's International Realty goes public on NYSE

20+ Expert Brokers

Al Faisaliyah Tower Riyadh, Raffles Residences Jeddah

2 Luxury Retail Showrooms

With leading financial institutions and global brands

Strategic Alliances

Saudi Arabia Sotheby's International Realty founded

40+ Expert Brokers

of combined experience

637 Years

10 Languages

long standing relationships in the region

UHNWIs

Mayfair

St. John's Wood

Knightsbridge

Marylebone

Kensington

Wimbledon

United Kingdom Sotheby's International Realty founded

Company

Journal

Cities