Bloomsbury Auctions, the world’s largest auction house for rare books, posted an impressive set of figures for 2007. Overall turnover increased from £8.2m in 2006 to £15.6m, an increase of 90%. This leap reflects a 35% increase in the London saleroom’s turnover (from £7.8m to £10.6m), a full year of sales in the Rome saleroom, and a stunning opening series of sales in New York which totalled $6.15m (£3.05m).

With 52 auctions presenting the entire gamut of books and works on paper - decorative prints, manuscripts, watercolours, drawings, photographs, maps and posters - Bloomsbury offered more lots in their specialist fields than any other auctioneers in the world. The most successful year in the company’s history included their highest hammer total ever achieved in a single sale ($2.3m), the highest hammer total achieved in a London sale (£730,000) and ‘white-glove’ sales (where every lot is sold and, according to 19th century tradition, to honour the occasion the auctioneer is awarded a pair of white gloves) on consecutive days in May.

While books comprise about two-thirds of the total turnover, Bloomsbury is fast developing a strong reputation in other areas of the art market. In Rome the 19th Century Art department had an exceptional year with several world record prices; and in London the Modern and Contemporary Prints/Art department almost doubled turnover by achieving £2.5m. The fledgling New York saleroom, which occupies a prime location in mid-town Manhattan, a stone’s throw from Rockefeller Plaza, quickly established itself as a major player in the city, with a comparable turnover to that of the other major auction houses over the same four month period.

“This has been an outstanding year for Bloomsbury,”said Rupert Powell, Managing Director. “We are now firmly established as the leading auction house for rare books and works on paper. Our ability to process consignments promptly and offer multiple locations for selling, enables us to give an unrivalled service to our customers.”

“Bloomsbury Auctions is able to report a substantial increase for the fourth consecutive year” said the Chairman, Tommaso Zanzotto, adding: “The response from sellers and buyers has been very gratifying in helping us to become the home for books and works on paper.”

For further information please contact: Vanessa Clewes Salmon vanessa@wildwood13.fsnet.co.uk

Posted: 02|8|08 at 8:59 pm. Filed under: Press Release.