Bonhams to Auction Oscar Wilde's Personal Collection, Including Rare Manuscripts and Portraits, in London
Bonhams has announced a major sale dedicated to Oscar Wilde's life and works, taking place on February 18, 2026, at Bonhams Knightsbridge, London. The auction will feature the collection of Jeremy Mason, a noted Wilde collector and bibliophile who has assembled Wilde memorabilia over the past 60 years. Highlights include a Sarony portrait of Wilde taken in 1882, a signed first edition of "Salome," autograph letters, and a first edition of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" signed by the author. Also included are a working draft and fair copy of "The Grave of Shelley" and a signed copy of "The Ballad of Reading Gaol."
The Signal
This sale capitalizes on the enduring market for literary memorabilia tied to iconic cultural figures. Wilde's life story—from literary celebrity to scandal and exile—adds narrative value that often exceeds the sum of individual objects, particularly for institutions and private collectors focused on LGBTQ+ history and literary modernism. The 125-year anniversary of Wilde's death creates a timely moment for this trove, potentially driving strong bidding for the rare signed editions and personal letters that offer intimate glimpses into his relationships and artistic process.
The Morning Signal · Daily
Enjoying this? Get the daily wire.
The art world in one daily email — auctions, openings, and acquisitions from 90+ primary sources, distilled into a five-minute read. Independent — no marketplace, no gallery ads.
Join collectors, dealers & curators
No spam · free every morning · unsubscribe anytime
- People: Oscar Wilde, Jeremy Mason, Matthew Haley, Napoleon Sarony, Stuart Merrill, Ada Leverson, Violet Fane, Robert Ross, Beatrice Faudel-Phillips, André Gide, Lord Alfred Douglas, Edward Strangman, Ernest Thesiger
- Auction Houses: Bonhams
- Locations: London
📊 Market Intelligence
Get deeper analysis, artist indices, and auction analytics on Art Collector IQ →
The Morning Signal · Daily
Get stories like this in your inbox
The art world in one daily email — auctions, openings, and acquisitions from 90+ primary sources, distilled into a five-minute read. Independent — no marketplace, no gallery ads.
Join collectors, dealers & curators
No spam · free every morning · unsubscribe anytime
The Jobs Digest · Weekly
New art-world jobs, every Monday
The Jobs Digest rounds up the week’s new museum, gallery, and auction-house openings — with salary when disclosed. One email a week, unsubscribe anytime.
