John Sotheby (1740 – 1 November 1807) was an English auctioneer, who is the eponym of the famous auction house Sotheby's.

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 which 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 business of the firm to include the sale of prints, medals, coins, and rare antiquities apart from books.

Personal life

He died on 1 November 1807 in Chigwell, Essex.