Very Poor Experience - Porter Bonhams Employee Review

1.0
Feb 5, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

It used to be close to a really great coffee shop, but then that closed and everyone went sad. Occasionally you will be in the presence of some genuinely interesting items/artworks but the environment and culture of Bonhams will sap all positive feelings and energy you once had. You do meet some very good people here who love art and hate bonhams.

Cons

Everyone knows you cannot live in London on 14k starting wage. Nepotism is rife here. Under qualified 'specialists' litter almost every department. If clients knew that all you need to be a specialist was a smug voice and an artnet account I think the entire industry would eat itself. They focus more on the restaurant than on any other department. They focus more on the floor than on any other department. There's no training and their approach to safety and transport of the artworks is a disgrace. They pay staff with lunch vouchers as a reminder to not get above their stations.

Explore other reviews about Bonhams

5.0
Dec 23, 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Dynamic Work Tasks, Flexible schedule for Part-Time, Excellent fellow employees

Cons

No Remote Possible for this specfic position I'm in.

1.0
May 15, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Some of the people who work there are genuinely very good at what they do, but it's a shame the company gets in their way and prevents them from being happy. That's it.

Cons

Who's running this place? Bureaucratic nightmare from top to bottom. SO many "executives" and "VPs" who have no clue what they're supposed to be doing. I've never seen such a poorly-run company...it's shocking they're still in business. Employee turnover is extremely high and morale is very low. They've had THREE CEOs in three years! You do the math.

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