Philippe Garner

Philippe Garner has gained unparalleled knowledge of photography through more than half a century working in the fine-art auction world, playing an instrumental role in establishing the modern market for photographs.

Garner was born in 1949 in Aix-en-Provence and was brought up in Brighton, spending time between England and France. His Anglo-French roots fuelled his curiosity and fostered his passion for visual arts.

He joined Sotheby’s in 1970 and worked for 32 years as an auction specialist in the history of photography and late 19th and 20th century decorative arts and design. In 2004 he joined Christie’s and retired from his full-time role as deputy chairman in 2016, becoming a consultant for the company.

This extensive knowledge of visual culture has shaped his professional career and his personal photography practice, which remained largely private until recently. Garner’s oeuvre draws inspiration from photographers like Helmut Newton and Lee Friedlander. His portraits reveal a deep intimacy and sensuality, while his urban landscapes capture the vibrancy of everyday urban life.

His authoritative books on Cecil Beaton and Helmut Newton have become integral reference points for scholars and collectors alike. His work is held in the collections of the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum.