Discover an inspiring selection of fine art for sale at auction with Dawsons. From Old Masters and Victorian paintings to Modern British and Contemporary art, each of our specialist auctions offers the opportunity to acquire original works by established and emerging artists. Whether you are a collector, investor, or simply looking for a piece to enrich your home, buying art at auction with Dawsons is a rewarding and accessible experience.
Buying art at auction allows you to access works that are often unavailable through traditional galleries. Every painting, print, and sculpture offered at Dawsons is carefully researched and catalogued by our specialist team, who combine decades of market experience with a genuine passion for art. Auctions give buyers the chance to purchase unique works at fair market prices, often below retail value, while enjoying the thrill of live bidding.
Our Fine Pictures, Prints & Sculptures sales feature an extensive range of art across all periods and styles, including:
Modern British art – including Mary Fedden, John Piper, Sir Terry Frost, Sandra Blow, and Ben Nicholson
Contemporary art – paintings, prints, and sculptures by living artists and rising talents
Victorian and 19th-century paintings – portraits, landscapes, and genre scenes
Old Master works – oil paintings, drawings, and etchings
Sculpture and mixed media – bronze, marble, and contemporary forms
Searching for a specific artist or style? With Dawsons’ Lot Alert service, you can register your interests — whether it’s a work by Mary Fedden, a Modern British abstract, or a 19th-century landscape — and be notified the moment matching lots are published.
Our secure bidding platform, Dawsons Live, lets you join the excitement of a live auction wherever you are in the world:
Watch and listen to the auctioneer in real time.
Place bids with a single click.
Leave absentee bids or book telephone bids directly through your account.
There are no additional fees when bidding via Dawsons Live.
Telephone Bidding – speak directly with a member of our team during the auction as they place bids on your behalf. Please register at least 24 hours before the sale.
Absentee Bidding – leave a commission bid before the auction and the auctioneer will execute it on your behalf at the lowest possible level, subject to reserves and competition.
Successful buyers will pay the hammer price (the winning bid) plus the buyer’s premium. Payment is simple and secure:
Bank transfer
Debit or credit card
Cash on collection (limits apply)
Invoices are sent promptly after the sale with a secure online payment link.
We want receiving your purchase to be straightforward:
UK Deliveries – Royal Mail Special Delivery is available for small, non-fragile items.
International & Larger Items – Our clients have previously used Mailboxes Etc. and Pack & Send, for worldwide deliveries.
Collection in Person – Items can be collected from our Maidenhead saleroom or, on request, we can arrange collection from our Hampstead office.
From Modern British masterpieces to Contemporary prints and sculpture, Dawsons auctions offer a constantly evolving selection of exceptional art. Register today to begin bidding in our next specialist Fine Pictures, Prints & Sculptures sale.
From Old Masters and Victorian paintings to Modern British and Contemporary works, Dawsons offers collectors the opportunity to acquire exceptional art at auction. Read genuine reviews below from clients who have purchased artworks with Dawsons and discover why art buyers choose us with confidence.
Yes. Every artwork is carefully researched and catalogued by our Fine Art specialists, with condition reports available on request.
Yes. Viewing days are held at our Maidenhead saleroom prior to each auction, and high-resolution images are available online.
Yes — registration is required before you can bid, whether online, or by telephone.
You’ll pay the hammer price plus the buyer’s premium. No extra charges apply when bidding through Dawsons Live.
For international shipping, we can provide details of companies which handle secure deliveries worldwide.
Payment is required promptly after the sale. A secure online payment link will be provided via email.
Here to Help Every Step of the Way
From registering to shipping, Dawsons’ specialists are always available should you need advice before you buy.