Christopher Cock (auctioneer)

Christopher Cock (died 1748) was an eminent English auctioneer and picture restorer who lived and worked in London.

Cock's first newspaper advertisement was placed in 1722 for the sale by auction of “A Most Excellent Collection of Pictures by the Celebrated Italian and other Masters”;[5] thus began a successful career lasting some 30 years.

[7] Some 30 auction catalogues are also available,[8] demonstrating the range of Cock's clientele, which included John Bridges of Lincoln's Inn; Sir Robert Cotton, Postmaster General; Spencer Compton, 1st Earl of Wilmington; Sir James Thornhill, late principal history painter to His Majesty; Edward, Earl of Oxford; Sir William Billers, Lord Mayor of London; Josiah Burchett, Esquire, late Secretary to the Admiralty and James, Duke of Chandos (twice).

Well-known figures of the period would attend Cock's auctions, e.g. Joshua Reynolds and Alexander Pope at the Earl of Oxford sale on 9 March 1742.

Sir Andrew Fountaine is shown standing, draped in a red cloak, looking down at a painting held by a deferential Cock.

[17] Behind the house Cock erected an auction room, which remained in use for over a hundred years: next by Abraham Langford and then, in 1790, by Henry Robins.

[14] Christopher Cock's will also showed that part of his premises was leased to Allan Ramsay, the Scottish portrait painter, at a yearly rental of £63.