Bonhams is to build a new international headquarters in London to provide the most advanced salerooms in the world.

Designed by architects Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, the building is to be constructed on the site of the company’s current headquarters.

Plans include the construction of facilities offering modern facilities while retaining the Art Deco facades on Bond Street and Blenheim Street.

The new building will feature three showrooms with double-height roofs and skyboxes to maximise viewing of sales, preview galleries, a café and daylit workspace for Bonham’s specialist staff.

Bonhams was established in 1793 by Thomas Dodd, a renowned antique print dealer who joined with the book specialist Walter Bonham. The company expanded and by the 1850s was handling all categories of antiques.

In 2001 Bonhams & Brooks merged with Phillips Son & Neale to form a new UK company trading as Bonhams.

By the end of 2003 Bonhams was conducting more than 700 annual sales, had over 600 employees, and revenues of $304 million.

Source: Artdaily