Phillips Will Host Photography Auction in New York
A collection of 240 photographic works goes up for auction at 432 Park Avenue starting October 8.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Photography
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Phillips will host a major photography auction in New York City on October 8, 2026, featuring 240 distinct works. The sale includes a special offering of 14 unique Polaroids captured by Ellen Von Unwerth during editorial assignments.
Why it matters
The auction provides collectors a chance to acquire exclusive, one-of-a-kind visual studies and behind-the-scenes captures from renowned photographers. These pieces represent a curated look at the history of high-end editorial photography.
The auction includes 14 unique Polaroids featuring models Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, and Rihanna. Two specific Helmut Newton photographs are projected to reach prices exceeding $200,000 each.
The players
Phillips
Phillips is a global auction house that specializes in 20th-century and contemporary art, design, and photography.
Ellen Von Unwerth
Ellen Von Unwerth is a renowned photographer known for her iconic editorial work for international publications.
The details
The collection spans work from iconic figures including Helmut Newton, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Robert Mapplethorpe, Cindy Sherman, Sally Mann, and Peter Hujar. The Polaroids by Von Unwerth, presented as part of the ULTIMATE platform, offer a glimpse into the creative process through visual studies and candid captures.
Timeline
Images will be available for public viewing at 432 Park Avenue until 7 October 2026.
The live photography auction will take place in New York City on 8 October 2026.
The online portion of the auction concludes on 13 October 2026.
Culture Shift
The move reflects a growing market appetite for raw artistic ephemera rather than traditional finished prints. By selling visual studies, Phillips aligns with a broader trend of collectors seeking unique, behind-the-scenes artifacts from fashion and editorial photography history.
Residents and collectors can visit 432 Park Avenue to view the works in person before the auction begins. Those interested in bidding can participate in the live event in New York City or follow the online sale through October 13.
The takeaway
This event highlights the significant valuation of behind-the-scenes photography as a distinct collectable asset. Enthusiasts interested in high-end photography should note that the value of such works often lies in their rarity and role as precursors to famous final images.
Further reading
For more on the current market for rare prints and artistic ephemera, explore Photography.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Amateur Photographer.
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