Christie's commitment to excellence began in the auction house's early years when James Christie conducted his first sale on 5 December 1766. A levelheaded businessman famed for his eloquence and humor, Christie turned auctioneering into a sophisticated art.

Significant amounts of Britain's national heritage began to arrive at his auction house. Members of the aristocracy and even the Royal Family consigned works to him.

Christie conducted the greatest auctions of the 18th and 19th centuries. He negotiated with Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia, the sale of Sir Robert Walpole's collection of paintings, which would form the base of the Hermitage Museum Collection in St. Petersburg.

Christie's auctions became major attractions on London's social agenda.

Nothing has changed. Christie's salerooms continue to be a popular showcase today for the unique and the beautiful. Visit some of the major milestones Christie's achieved during the past centuries.