About John Sotheby
Lived 1740 – 1807 (aged 66–67). John Sotheby was a British businessperson.
John Sotheby (1740 – 1 November 1807) was an English auctioneer who is the eponym of Sotheby's auction house.
Early life Sotheby was born in 1740 in England to John Sotheby (1703–1775) and Anne Baker. The Sotheby family originally came from Yorkshire, England.
Background Auction house Baker and Leigh was founded in London on 11 March 1744. He was the nephew of Samuel Baker, who was the founder of the book auctioneering firm that later became Sotheby's.
After his uncle's death in 1778, John became a partner in his book auctioneering firm along with George Leigh. He expanded the scope of the firm’s business to include the sale of prints, medals, coins, and rare antiquities.
Personal life Sotheby died on 1 November 1807 in Chigwell, Essex.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John Sotheby's
Frequently asked questions
Who was John Sotheby?
British auctioneer
When was John Sotheby born?
John Sotheby was born in 1740 in Kingdom of Great Britain.
When did John Sotheby die?
John Sotheby died on 1 November 1807 in Chigwell, Essex.
What was John Sotheby's occupation?
John Sotheby was a businessperson.
What nationality was John Sotheby?
John Sotheby was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Sotheby. https://biography.guide/john-sotheby/
MLA: "John Sotheby." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-sotheby/.
Chicago: "John Sotheby." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-sotheby/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:30 UTC