Overview
Phillips is an auction house that buys and sells modern and contemporary art, design, photographs, watches, and jewelry [2]. The company operates departments across Modern & Contemporary Art, Design, Editions, Jewels, Photographs, Watches and Private Sales, with primary auction venues in New York, London, Geneva and Hong Kong [6]. Phillips moved its New York headquarters to 432 Park Avenue in 2021 [5].
Harry Phillips established the auction house in 1796 in Westminster, London [4]. The company has undergone several ownership changes, including acquisition by Bernard Arnault of LVMH in 1999, followed by a majority stake acquired by Simon de Pury in 2002 and by Mercury's owners in 2008, with that acquisition completed by the end of 2012 [7]. In 2014, Phillips launched its watch department as "Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo" [8]. The company opened its Asia headquarters in Hong Kong's West Kowloon and launched the Dropshop digital platform in 2023 [9].
The company's own site places it in New York: Text states 'Auctions and exhibitions are primarily held in New York, London, Geneva, and Hong Kong' and mentions the business 'moved uptown. [1]
Phillips opened its Asia headquarters in Hong Kong's West Kowloon and launched the Dropshop digital platform in 2023. [9]
Growth & traction
Phillips reported 60% auction growth and a 90% global sell-through rate for the spring 2026 season. [10]
Focus
- Phillips runs departments in Modern & Contemporary Art, Design, Editions, Jewels, Photographs, Watches and Private Sales, with primary auction venues in New York, London, Geneva and Hong Kong.[6]
Status
- Bernard Arnault of LVMH purchased Phillips in 1999 and merged it with dealers Simon de Pury and Daniela Luxembourg; Simon de Pury acquired a majority stake in 2002; and Mercury's owners acquired a majority stake in 2008, with the acquisition completed by the end of 2012. Phillips continues to operate as an auction house under that ownership.[7]
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