Sotheby’s is a renowned British auction house and multinational corporation specializing in the sale of fine art, antiques, and collectibles. The company’s history dates back to the 18th century.
The Sothebys brand was established by Samuel Baker in 1744 when he opened an auction house in London, initially focusing on selling books. The business grew rapidly, and in 1804, Samuel Baker partnered with George Leigh, forming the auction house known as Baker and Leigh. The company gained a reputation for handling significant book sales, including the sale of the library of Napoleon Bonaparte.
In 1864, the company was renamed Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge after the addition of John Wilkinson and Edward Hodge. Sotheby’s continued to expand its offerings and clientele, handling auctions of various items such as art, furniture, jewelry, and more.
The auction house changed ownership several times throughout the 20th century. In 1955, Sotheby’s was purchased by Peter Wilson, an art collector and dealer. Under Wilson’s leadership, the company further established itself as a leading auction house, organizing sales of high-profile artworks, including masterpieces by renowned artists.
Sotheby’s International Realty
Sotheby’s International Realty is a luxury real estate brand that operates as a subsidiary of Sotheby’s, the renowned auction house. The history of Sotheby’s International Realty can be traced back to the mid-20th century.
In 1976, Sotheby’s recognized the potential in leveraging its brand name and expertise to enter the real estate market. The company established Sotheby’s International Realty as a separate entity to provide high-end real estate services to clients seeking exceptional properties worldwide.
The first Sotheby’s International Realty office opened in 1977 in London, England. The brand quickly expanded, and additional offices were established in key international locations known for luxury real estate markets. The company focused on cultivating a network of experienced and knowledgeable real estate professionals who could provide personalized service and cater to the unique needs of affluent clients.
Over the years, Sotheby’s International Realty continued to grow its global presence through strategic partnerships and affiliations with established real estate brokerage firms. These affiliations allowed the brand to expand its reach into new markets and gain access to an extensive network of luxury property listings.
In 2004, Sotheby’s International Realty became a subsidiary of Realogy Holdings Corp., a global leader in residential real estate franchising and brokerage. This partnership further strengthened the brand’s position in the luxury real estate market and provided access to a wider range of resources and support.
Sotheby’s International Realty has maintained a reputation for representing extraordinary properties and delivering exceptional service. The brand’s real estate agents are known for their expertise, professionalism, and ability to market and sell high-end homes and estates.
In recent years, Sotheby’s International Realty has embraced digital technology to enhance its marketing efforts and provide innovative tools for buyers and sellers. The brand’s website and mobile applications offer comprehensive property listings, virtual tours, and other interactive features to engage and assist clients in their real estate transactions.
Today, Sotheby’s International Realty has a global presence with offices in more than 70 countries and territories worldwide. The brand continues to serve as a symbol of luxury, quality, and expertise in the real estate industry, connecting discerning buyers with exceptional properties and offering a superior level of service.