The world of Phillips de Pury & Company offers auctions, private sales and art exhibitions all under one giant roof. We can imagine some far-out ways to use the colossal forty thousand square feet of space; although it seems appropriate to reserve the building for auctioneering at its grandest. The Victorian property at No. 9 Howick Place was once a Post Office sorting station before Phillips de Pury took over to hold exhibitions in contemporary art, photography, design and jewellery, among hosting auctions for a voluminous range of art objects and a cornucopia of collectibles for you to lust after.

Talk about prestige, Phillips represents more of a legacy than a company history. Founded in 1796, the original Phillips held some of its earliest sales for distinguished collectors including Marie Antoinette, Napolean and the king of fashion, Beau Brummel. It’s also the only auction house ever to have held a sale inside Buckingham Palace. Phillips’ exhibitions aren’t all stuffy and old, however. Some of the most exciting contemporary art is shown here, so make sure to catch sight of it. And if your pocketbook allows, make an appointment to see what treasures you might be able to privately acquire.