Uppsala Auktionskammare

About Uppsala Auktionskammare

Uppsala Auktionskammare was founded in 1731, which makes it one of the oldest auction houses in the world. For decades it was one of Sweden's largest auction houses, holding international quality auctions of fine art, antiques, design and jewellery. It was particularly known for Dutch and Flemish Old Masters, Russian art and Chinese works of art.

In 2025 the house was acquired by Stockholms Auktionsverk, and it is now fully integrated into that group. Since autumn 2025 Uppsala Auktionskammare operates only online auctions, through the Auctionet platform, from its office in Uppsala.

History

In 1996 the company was taken over by Knut Knutson together with former employees, and Magnus Bexhed became chief executive in 2011. In 2009 the house acquired Crafoord Auktioner in Lund. Before the merger it had offices in Uppsala, Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, and its Stockholm sales were held at Nybrogatan 20.

The house has reported selling more than 200 lots for over one million Swedish kronor each within a single decade, many of them Russian art, Old Master paintings and Chinese objects.

• 1731: Uppsala Auktionskammare founded
• 1996: taken over by Knut Knutson and former employees
• 2009: acquires Crafoord Auktioner in Lund
• November 2021: the house's strongest-ever sale of modern and contemporary art and design, with 93.5 million kronor sold including premium
• June 2023: a John Bauer painting sets a record for the artist
• 2025: acquisition by Stockholms Auktionsverk announced on 26 June and completed on 18 August

After the merger, Knut Knutson became Chief Curator of the combined organisation and a shareholder in the group, while Magnus and Sofie Bexhed left the company.

What they sell

The house sells art, design, antiques, jewellery and collectibles. Its past international sales were known for:

• Dutch and Flemish Old Master paintings
• Russian art
• Chinese and other Asian works of art
• Swedish and international modern and contemporary art
• 20th-century design and furniture

Record results include Leander Engström's Norrlandsflickor, sold for 9 million kronor in November 2021, a record for the artist. In the same week Tom Wesselmann's Stockinged Nude with Fishbowl sold for 5.4 million kronor. In June 2023, John Bauer's Ännu sitter Tuvstarr kvar och ser undrande ner i vattnet was hammered at 5.4 million kronor, the highest price ever paid for a work by the artist.

Selling

Uppsala Auktionskammare offers free valuations of art, design and antiques, either digitally, at its Uppsala office or on a home visit. Consigned objects are offered in online auctions on Auctionet, which the house describes as Europe's largest auction platform, with more than one million members.

Buying and bidding

All bidding now takes place online on Auctionet, where new items are added continuously. On its buying page, the house states the following fees.

• Buyer's commission: 25% of the hammer price, VAT included
• Hammer fee: 80 kronor per lot, VAT included
• Payment is due within five days, by card online or in person, bank giro or international transfer
• Items must be collected, or shipping arranged, within five days; valid ID is required at collection

Location

The Uppsala office is at Säbygatan 4, 753 23 Uppsala. As part of Stockholms Auktionsverk, the house is now part of a group with ten locations across Sweden, Finland and Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Uppsala Auktionskammare still operating?

Yes. It was acquired by Stockholms Auktionsverk in 2025 and, since autumn 2025, has run online-only auctions on Auctionet from its office in Uppsala.

What is the buyer's fee at Uppsala Auktionskammare?

Buyers pay a commission of 25% of the hammer price, VAT included, plus a hammer fee of 80 kronor per lot.

How old is Uppsala Auktionskammare?

It was founded in 1731, which makes it one of the oldest auction houses in the world.