Auction House Profile
Swann Galleries
Specialist · Founded 1941 · New York, United States
Swann Galleries is a New York specialist auction house founded in 1941, known for works on paper, rare books, photographs, posters and African-American fine art.
Fine art sales
2
Specialist sales
2
Founded
1941
Last sync
20 July, 06:23 am
Overview
Swann Galleries is a specialist auction house founded by antiquarian book dealer Benjamin Swann in New York in 1941. Its first catalogued auction, devoted to rare and antiquarian books, was held on 27 March 1942. George S. Lowry acquired the business following Benjamin Swann’s retirement in 1970. Under the Lowry family, Swann expanded beyond books into photographs, autographs and manuscripts, prints and drawings, vintage posters, maps, illustration art and other works on paper. Swann is particularly significant for establishing regular dedicated auctions of African-American Fine Art in 2007, becoming the first major auction house to develop an ongoing programme in this field. Unlike the large international houses, Swann remains centred on a single New York saleroom and maintains a clearly defined specialist identity.
Specialties & Departments
Specialties
Departments
Auction Calendar
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Upcoming Fine Art Auctions
Specialist & Collectable Auctions (2)
Broader specialist, collectable, estate and mixed-category auctions that may include culturally significant material beyond the main fine art departments.
Saleroom
Locations
New York
United States
Headquarters, galleries and saleroom at 104 East 25th Street
Timeline
Antiquarian book dealer Benjamin Swann establishes the auction house in New York.
Swann holds its first catalogued auction on 27 March, offering rare and antiquarian books.
George S. Lowry acquires the business following Benjamin Swann’s retirement.
Swann begins expanding its specialist structure beyond books, developing departments devoted to photographs, autographs, prints and drawings, and vintage posters during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Nicholas D. Lowry joins Swann to lead its Vintage Posters department.
Swann establishes an annual auction devoted to magic, traditionally held around Halloween and the anniversary of Harry Houdini’s death.
Nicholas D. Lowry becomes president of Swann Galleries.
Swann launches its African-American Fine Art department and begins holding regular dedicated auctions in the category.
Swann marks 75 years since its first catalogued auction.
Swann marks the 80th anniversary of its first catalogued sale.
Auction Highlight
Hughie Lee-Smith — Ball Player
Hughie Lee-Smith's Ball Player, painted in 1970, is one of the defining works of the artist's mature career. The painting depicts a young figure playing handball within the quiet, desolate urban landscapes that became Lee-Smith's hallmark. Widely exhibited and formerly part of the artist's own collection, the work illustrates Swann Galleries' long-standing leadership in African American Art. Offered in the April 2024 African American Art sale, Ball Player achieved US$341,000 and exemplifies Swann's commitment to presenting culturally significant works that have shaped American art history.
View the Swann lot ↗Market Notes
Sale formats
References
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