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COLLECTORS

SUCCESSFUL AUCTIONS

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS

The Beginnings: Focus on Art and Antiques

Historia Auction House was founded in 1995 in Ganderkesee, near Bremen, and quickly made a name for itself by specializing in the auctioning of art and antiques.

Expansion and Relocation to Berlin

A pivotal moment for Historia came in 2006, when Christian Gründel and Vincent ten Vergert took over the management and initiated a phase of expansion. This was bolstered by the acquisition of the Altus auction house in Berlin in 2007, followed by a strategic move to Berlin in 2008 to position itself at the heart of the German art market.

Spectacular Discovery: The Treasures of Sanssouci Palace

In 2010, Christian Gründel and Vincent ten Vergert discovered a long-lost collection of Old Master paintings from the Picture Gallery of Sanssouci Palace hidden behind a cupboard in a Berlin household. Among these remarkable finds were works from the workshop of Peter Paul Rubens. These extraordinary art treasures were acquired and returned to the Foundation of Prussian Palaces and Gardens in Berlin-Brandenburg, where they can now be accessed by the public again.

Merger and Growth: The Acquisition of Bolland & Marotz

The acquisition of the renowned Bremen auction house Bolland & Marotz in 2012 marked another strategic step in expanding Historia’s presence in the German market. This acquisition symbolized not only the growth of Historia but also the merger of two traditional houses into a common success story. The conduct of auctions at both locations and the distribution of selected goods groups increased the chances of achieving the best possible bids and offered a comprehensive solution for collection and estate resolutions.

Auctionata: Customer Growth and Internationalization

The expansion of the customer base, driven by investments in online marketing and the acquisition of established auction houses along with client lists throughout Germany in 2013, highlighted Historia’s ambition. The auction of the personal estate of Pierre Brice in 2015, the acquisition of the web and naming rights of the insolvent online auction house Auctionata in 2017, and the auction of the erotic art collection of Beate Uhse in 2020, demonstrate the successful strategy.

Looking into the Future: Tradition Meets Innovation

Historia will further strengthen its position by adapting to digital trends and the demand for sustainable collectibles. The balance between tradition and innovation and deepening relationships with collectors and artists will enable Historia to maintain and expand its role in the art market.