Brompton’s is Britain’s only auction house to specialise exclusively in fine musical instruments.

Based in Mayfair, London

Brompton’s is located within The Royal Institution of Great Britain, which houses the famous Faraday auditorium. Our buyers, both professional and amateur alike, are able to try instruments in a real concert environment; an important consideration for all musicians and unique to Brompton’s.

Our Auctions

All the instruments offered through Brompton’s auctions are sold in the grand library of the Royal Institution of Great Britain (founded in 1798). The imposing Greco-Roman exterior and superb Georgian interior is a perfect setting for our collection of classical instruments, some much older than the building.

Over 30 Years Experience within the Auction World

Brompton's is the only auction house to specialise purely in fine musical instruments.

Peter Horner Peter Horner started his career with Sotheby's in 1984, subsequently working for Peter Biddulph, and then Bein & Fushi in Chicago, before setting up the musical instruments department for Bonhams and later joining the board as a director. Recently Peter was responsible for identifying and recovering a Stradivarius violin stolen from the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, now back in Dallas.

James Buchanan James started his career in musical instruments at Bonham's, where he worked in the music department. Later working under Peter Biddulph in Hanover Square, James subsequently ran the Musical Instrument Department at Christie's, London.

World Auction Record Sales

Brompton’s have achieved many world records over the years, with recent sales having broken a total of no less than 9 world auction records. Proof if any was needed, that the market for fine instruments remains as strong as ever. Below tyou can see a selection of our most recent world record sales.