London, 18 February 2026 - There were exceptional results for Bonhams' white glove sale of material relating to the life of the poet, dramatist, novelist, and society wit Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) today (18 February 2026). The top lot was the last photograph of Oscar Wilde, on his death bed, 30 November 1900, which sold for £279,800 against an estimate of £3,000-5,000.
The 156-lot sale made a total of £1,689,780 with 100% sold.
The sale featured the collection of noted Wilde collector, bibliophile, and former dealer in Oriental antiques, Jeremy Mason, who had been collecting Wilde memorabilia for the last 60 years.
Matthew Haley, Bonhams Head of Fine Books and Manuscripts, commented: "We are delighted with the results of this incredible sale celebrating the extraordinary life of Oscar Wilde. From 19th century scandal to worldwide appeal, it shows how much Wilde's legacy lives on and is more enticing to collectors than ever. It has a privilege to bring Jeremy Mason's exceptional collection to auction."
Highlights of the collection included:
• WILDE - DEATH BED PHOTOGRAPH [GILBERT (MAURICE)] The last photograph of Oscar Wilde, on his death bed, 30 November 1900. Sold for £279,800.
• WILDE (OSCAR), Two autograph manuscripts, a working draft and a fair copy of the sonnet titled "The Grave of Shelley", [c.1881]. Sold for £60,090.
• WILDE (OSCAR) Series of five autograph letters signed to J. Graham Hill, [1888 and 1891]. Sold for £57,550
• WILDE (OSCAR) Autograph letter signed to Reggie Turner, [August 1897]. Sold for £57,550.
• WILDE (OSCAR), Salomé: drame en un acte, FIRST EDITION, [LIMITED TO 600 COPIES], AUTHOR'S PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED TO STUART MERRILL, 1893; with 2 autograph letters signed by Merrill. Sold for £48,640.
• WILDE (OSCAR), Autograph letter to 'Violet Fane', on vegetarianism, [November 1887]. Sold for £44,800.
• SARONY (NAPOLEON), Cabinet card photograph of Oscar Wilde, taken in New York, 1882. Sold for £7,040.
Jeremy Mason first entered the world of Wilde collecting when he purchased actor Ernest Thesiger's first edition copy of The Importance of Being Earnest. As Jeremy himself explains: "The collection just grew from there and now contains books, letters and manuscripts from each period of Wilde's life from childhood, school years, America, his fame as an author, the theater 'golden years', and the tragedy and exile.
"Most importantly the collection has been enhanced by the inclusion of evocative items of ephemera which have added color to the Wilde story and were so important to me when deciding which other items to add."
Speaking following the sale Jeremy Mason added: "I am sad to end my life-long adventure with Oscar Wilde, but thrilled that it was with a massive sale that vindicated my choice of objects, and gave new collectors the opportunities that I benefitted from throughout my life. Bonhams' excellent work and catalog will be a lasting monument to the collection."
(Press Release)
