About Freeman's

As America’s oldest auction house, Freeman’s has been an active part of the auction world and art market for 216 years.

Archival illustration of Freeman's exterior

 

 

Tradition and Innovation

 

While Freeman's remains ingrained within the heart of the city that we have called home for over two centuries, we maintain our legacy by innovating in today’s thriving auction world. Our illustrious history, familiarity with the market, dedicated team of specialists, and relentless focus on service have resulted in an international reputation for achieving exceptional prices and client satisfaction.

 
Our History 

Freeman’s holds an esteemed place as America's oldest auction house and as one of the country’s first family-owned businesses. The company was founded by Tristram Bampfylde Freeman in 1805 and remained in the hands of the Freeman family for six generations with landmark sales throughout its storied history. In 2016, controlling interest of the auction house was transferred to an internal management team in support of an ambitious growth strategy and desire to elevate the brand both nationally and internationally. At the onset of 2020, Freeman’s opened its new flagship location in Center City’s prestigious 2400 Market Street and a second Philadelphia location at 1600 West Girard Avenue. 

Today, due to our longstanding tradition of excellence and our global network of clientele, we are considered one of the leading auction houses on the East Coast.

World map

 

 

 

 

International Reach

 

Freeman's adaptability and continued investment in technology mean that we are able to meet today’s growing demand for global service. With a team of regional representatives, a robust online presence, and marketing alliance with Lyon & Turnbull, Freeman's is readily accessible to buyers and sellers located anywhere in the world. 

 

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Philadelphia's Auction House

 

Although our presence extends far beyond the region in which we are based, Freeman's identifies, first and foremost, as Philadelphia's auction house. We have deep gratitude, respect, and pride for our native city.

 

 

Local Advantage

 

Freeman's excels at selling works across specialist fields by renowned artists and craftsmen from around the world, with a particular strength in handling art, objects, and collections from Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic region.

 
why Philadelphia

Due to our optimal distance from the major cities of New York and Washington, D.C., the works we sell garner extra attention since they are positioned at the forefront of campaigns, as opposed to lost in the noise of a busy and crowded sale season. 

Claes Oldeburg's Clothespin

Notable Successes

 

Freeman’s considers single-owner sales and selling fresh-to-market and academically significant works from private collections to be our strongest areas of achievement.

 

Impressive Track Record

 

Over the years, we have been entrusted by numerous private collectors and private corporations with the sale of their quality works by blue-chip makers and artists, achieving exceptional sell-through rates and exceeding pre-sale estimates.

Contact Us

 

We are dedicated to exceeding our clients' expectations and welcome you to contact us with any questions or feedback you might have. 

 

General Inquiries

info@freemansauction.com

Post Sale Services

postsale@freemansauction.com

 

Press Inquiries

press@freemansauction.com