Photographica in Focus: December Auction Review

24th December 2025

From cutting-edge modern equipment to evocative vintage treasures, December’s Photographica sale delivered a truly captivating mix of cameras, photographs and scientific curiosities.

One of the standout highlights was a remarkable collection of photographs, letters and ephemera relating to the legendary Madame Sarah Bernhardt. Drawing intense interest from bidders worldwide, the archive featured Albumen Cabinet Cards, postcards and theatrical and hotel-headed correspondence in both English and French. Bernhardt—one of the most celebrated actresses of her era—toured internationally, dominated the French stage, and was among the first performers to embrace sound recording and motion pictures. After spirited telephone and online bidding, the collection soared to £1,500, ultimately selling to an American buyer.

The camera section proved equally compelling, with a superb range of classic and contemporary equipment. Highlights included a Hasselblad 500c medium-format camera achieving £680, a comprehensive Mamiya C3 outfit at £320, and a sleek Olympus OM-D E-M5II selling for £270.

Collectors were also drawn to a selection of intriguing and unusual lots. Among them was a striking plaster cast bust of an unnamed actor—possibly Michael Crawford—by sculptor Christopher Tucker, which realised £580. A complete human skull attracted strong interest at £500, while a Victorian concave anamorphic mirror sparked competitive bidding before selling for £300.

Our next Photographica sale will take place in March, and entries are now invited. For consignments or further information, please contact our expert, Neil Sterry, at the auction rooms.