New York
Maarten ten Holder brings decades of experience in the international fine art & classic car market to Gurr Johns. Based in New York, he’s leading the firm’s North American businesses, with a particular focus on the further expansion of the company’s advisory services.
Before joining Gurr Johns, Maarten has held numerous senior leadership positions in the auction world. He worked for over 25 years at Sotheby’s, where he served as a Managing Director for North and South America and later for Europe and the Middle East, eventually taking on the Global Managing Director role of Sotheby’s Luxury and Lifestyle division. During his career at Sotheby’s, Ten Holder was responsible for its first ever auction in France, presided over iconic sales in the US and UK, including the collections of Bunny Mellon, Patricia Kluge, Lily Safra and David Bowie and spearheaded the Ferrari sale at Ferrari’s headquarters in Maranello Italy, re-entering Sotheby’s in the classic car arena.
In 2018 Maarten segued definitively into the world of classic and super cars, first by joining RM Sotheby’s as Head of Europe and Principal Auctioneer, and subsequently by transferring to Bonhams where he was the Global Managing Director for Cars, Motorcycles and Automobilia. He created several new auction opportunities and venues for both houses through the formation of strategic partnerships, most notably with Formula 1 and several of its race promotors.
Having worked and lived in the Netherlands, France, Italy, the UK and now again in the US, Maarten is very well versed in the international art and classic car market and as such ideally placed to lead Gurr Johns US and international expansion.
Valuations Manager
Siobhan has 30 years’ experience in the valuations world, and is a qualified diamond, pearl and coloured stone grader. Since 2003 she has been a Fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. From 2004 to 2021 Siobhan was a Senior Valuer at Gurr Johns. She then joined Dawsons Auctioneers as Head of Valuations, London, before returning to Gurr Johns as Head of Valuations, UK in 2023. Prior to that she worked for a number of UK auction rooms including Phillips, and Bonhams. Having attained a BA(Hons) in her first passion, History, she went on to become a Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors in 1994, having achieved top marks in both years on the Southampton Fine Art & Chattels course. Since 2019 her valuation and social history knowledge have featured on the BBC Antiques Roadshow. Siobhan’s years of valuation and advisory experience are sought after by an extensive global network of clients.
Paris
After graduating with his law degree, Tudor spent twenty years with Christie’s working out of London, New York and Paris. As Head of Department for Impressionist and Modern Art in Paris Tudor introduced the innovative sale platform Paris Avant-Garde, transforming Paris from a Regional to an International sale site. Tudor managed single owner sales including The Triton Foundation Collection (2015) and The Arturo Schwarz Collection (2018); as well as the record-breaking sale of Alberto Giacometti’s Grande femme debout II in 2017. Tudor is a specialist in 20th Century Art with a proven track record in forming trusted relationships with clients and for delivering technical and strategic advice for the growth of their collections.
Paris
Véronique has been a qualified auctioneer since 1990, and also holds a degree in Law and Art History from the Université Paris 1, Panthéon-Sorbonne, and a diploma in Gemmology from the Ecole du Louvre in Paris.
She began her career as a clerk to several auctioneers at the Hôtel des Ventes Drouot, before joining Tyler and Co. as an international loss adjuster, specializing in works of art and jewellery at Lloyd’s of London. From 2004 to 2009, she managed the Gurr Johns / Appap appraisal firm in Paris, with a particular focus on appraisals and valuations.
In 2017, Véronique founded her own company, SvO Fine Arts, where she has maintained first-rate appraisal services to collectors and families. Having been part of the Gurr Johns family for almost twenty years, Véronique is now Director of Appraisals for Gurr Johns Europe.
Paris
A graduate in Arts History from Mills College, CA, Anika began her career with Christie’s New York in 1996 and relocated to Paris in 2002 to inaugurate the Christie’s Impressionist and Modern Art sales program in France. Vice-president of Christie’s France and International Director of Impressionist and Modern Art, she contributed to the phenomenal development of Christie’s in France.
After 28 years with Christie’s, Anika has joined Gurr Johns as Managing Director of the European operations, founding the office in Paris. A specialist in Impressionist and Modern Art by training, Anika advises collectors on the sale and purchase of works of art across categories. In her short time with the
firm, she has already advised on numerous private sale and auction acquisitions for her clientèle.
Whether it is with buying or selling, Anika’s deep experience in the auction market makes her ideally placed to accompany private and institutional clients in navigating the complexities of the art market
today.
Paris
Graduated in Art History and English from the Institut Catholique de Paris and the Sorbonne Paris 1, Alixe also holds a master’s degree from the Institut d’Études Supérieures des Arts (IESA). She gained valuable experience through internships with experts and renowned auction houses.
After a year as a Judicial Clerk at Farrando et Associés, Alixe joined Christie’s as Coordinator of the Impressionist and Modern art Department where, for two and a half years, she managed prestigious sales such as the 20th/21st week in October, the Matisse and Givenchy Collections in 2022 and the Samuel Josefowitz Collection in October 2023.
These rich and diverse experiences have enabled her to develop strong skills in researching, writing, and works analysis, as well as in project management. She joined Gurr Johns as Office Director in July 2024.
New York
Susan began her jewelry career as a designer in London, where her work earned recognition in the top fashion magazines. Her fascination with gemstones led her to become a certified gemologist, shifting her focus from design to jewelry appraisal and valuation, in which she now has over 15 years of expertise. She has worked with some of the nation’s leading independent jewelers, gaining extensive experience in production and manufacturing, as well as estate jewelry authentication. Alongside her work in the jewelry trade, Susan drew upon her years in radio broadcasting to launch a podcast exploring the interconnectedness of gemstones to the broader world around us. She joined Gurr Johns in 2024.
Advisor Associate
Prior to joining the Gurr Johns team, Sarah worked for both galleries and auction houses in the tristate area. Most recently she managed all incoming valuation inquiries for an online art auction platform. There she gained experience cataloguing and researching works of art for auction while also co-managing their client services team. Sarah obtained her MA in History of Art and the Art Market from Christie’s Education, New York, and her BA in Art History from Drew University.
New York
As the Director of Appraisals, Ana leads Gurr Johns’ appraisal logistics team, overseeing the coordination and deliverables of each new client project from intake through to the execution of a completed report. She also administers Gurr Johns’ extensive network of global art consultants. Prior to joining Gurr Johns, Ana worked at Mallett Antiques, where she managed the New York gallery operation. While at Mallett, she oversaw multiple gallery exhibitions, as well as the gallery’s participation in international fairs such as The Winter Show, TEFAF Maastricht, and Masterpiece London. Ana obtained her BA from Harvard University, where she completed a joint degree in English and American Literature, and in History of Art and Architecture. She received her MA in Decorative Arts from the Bard Graduate Center.
Appraiser of Fine Art
Fiona Lamb, Appraiser of Fine Art, is responsible for providing appraisals for estate tax, insurance, charitable donation, and gift tax purposes. She specializes in modern, post-war and contemporary art. Early in her tenure at Gurr Johns, first as a Research Associate, then a Junior Appraiser, she provided executive and research support to the Deputy Chairman and larger team of Senior Specialists. In her current role as an Appraiser of Fine Art, Fiona assists with numerous prominent fine art collections and provides expert valuations that guide clients in making informed decisions regarding acquisitions, sales, and the preservation of their artworks.
Prior to joining Gurr Johns, Fiona acquired nearly ten years of experience at various fine art museums and an art consulting firm and gallery space in the Northern and Southern California regions. She held curatorial and research-oriented roles as well as internships at notable institutions such as the Bowers Museum, Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, and Mission of San Juan Capistrano, working in their respective permanent and special collections.
Fiona holds an MA in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art and Claremont Graduate University, Los Angeles, and a BA in Art History from California State University, Fullerton. Fiona’s appraisals are compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
London
Emily is Gurr Johns’ Director for Contemporary Art. She works with both private and institutional clients advising on acquisitions, sales, valuations, and collection management.
Emily has worked in the primary art market for the 15 years, working at Pace, White Cube and more recently the New Art Centre. She has worked with many blue-chip artists including Antony Gormley, Adrian Ghenie, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Edmund de Waal. Notable estates have included the Calder Foundation and the Barbara Hepworth estate.
Emily joined Gurr Johns in 2023 and is based in our London office. She is a trustee of the State Ceramics charity.
Senior Director, Fine Art
Based in New York, Jessica brings over a decade of experience in Post-War & Contemporary Art sales and market expertise. As a Director with Gurr Johns Art Advisory, Jessica works to establish new clients and build upon existing client’s collections with focus on advising key acquisitions.
Prior to joining Gurr Johns, Jessica spent six years at Sotheby’s in the Contemporary Art Department and served as a Director in Private Sales. In addition to private sales, she secured consignments for the annual Contemporary sales, Impressionist & Modern, Prints and Photography auctions at Sotheby’s New York, London, Paris and Hong Kong locations. As a Specialist in Contemporary Art, Jessica worked closely with the with Valuations team gathering robust experience in appraisals for insurance, auction, fair market and estate purposes and is compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Prior to Sotheby’s, Jessica worked at David Zwirner Gallery for three years during Zwirner’s global expansion.
Jessica attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she received a joint Bachelor’s Degree in Art History and Communications.
London
Rufus brings 25 years’ experience as a leading specialist in the area of Heritage Collections and Decorative Art. Following a 13-year career in the Decorative art department at Christie’s, he was appointed Deputy Surveyor of the Queen’s Works of Art in 2010 and served as Surveyor of the Queen’s Works of Art from 2018 to 2021. Most recently Rufus has acted as a consultant on Furniture and Historic Interiors to the Royal Collection Trust.
London
Archie is a Contemporary Art Valuer with a focus on both the secondary market and that for emerging artists. He has a breadth of experience most recently from LGDR Gallery in London and before that the Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern Art Department at Bonhams, where he worked internationally across the salerooms in London, Paris and New York.
London
Jane joined Gurr Johns in 2023 with 25 years experience in the auction world as a picture specialist and auctioneer. She started her career at Phillips in Leeds, before heading to London to broaden and deepen her expertise at Bonhams. She went on to become a Director and head of British & Irish Art at Christie’s South Kensington, followed by a move to Sotheby’s as a Director in the British Art Post 1850 Department, before going on to become Head of Paintings at Sworders. She has a broad knowledge of British and Continental paintings both old and new, working on a number of prestigious collection sales.
London
Liz joined Gurr Johns in April 2023 having more than 16 years’ experience in the auction world and brings with her a wealth of knowledge of the art and antiques market, having most recently worked for several years as a Director of a London auction business.
Following an early career in accountancy and criminal intelligence, Liz decided to follow her passion for arts and antiques and joined a Midlands-based auction room as a valuer and auctioneer. She gained her RICS-accredited MA in Arts Market Appraisal with distinction from Kingston University, before going on to qualify as a gemmologist and diamond grader, again with distinction, and is a fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain. Liz’s breadth of experience has led to a broad understanding of all aspects of the fine and decorative arts markets as well as her specialism in jewellery and watches.
Art Collections Systems Manager
Elle joined Gurr Johns in December 2021. She is responsible for managing the revaluation process through Gurr Johns’ bespoke Annual Updating Service (AUS) and oversees our specialised art collection management systems on behalf of institutions, trusts, estates and private collections.
Prior to joining Gurr Johns Elle worked at the Royal Society of Sculptors as its Membership Manager and also brings extensive experience in marketing roles. Elle has an MA in Heritage Management from Athens University of Economics & Business and an MA in History of Art and Music from the University of Edinburgh.
London
Stephan is a director of Gurr Johns International and CEO of Gurr Johns Capital and the groups’ auctions businesses.
Stephan joined Gurr Johns with the sale of his business Forum Auctions to the group’s holding company. Following a career in the structuring and management of credit and debt derivatives at Managing Director level with both Credit Suisse and Nomura, Stephan commenced his involvement in the art world with the founding of The Fine Art Auction Group in 2000. An early adopter of digital innovation in the auction industry, TFAAG became the UK’s 5th largest auction group prior to its 2012 sale to AIM listed Noble Investments. Stephan subsequently established Forum Auctions, the UK’s leading specialist auctions business for works on paper.
Vice President, Senior Jewelry Specialist
Jillian Beck joined Gurr Johns in November 2022 as Vice President, Senior Jewelry Specialist, bringing more than 25 years’ experience in the jewelry industry. She provides appraisals for the purposes of estate and tax planning, charitable donations, insurance coverage and claims, family division, and loan collateral, in conjunction with advising clients on the private sale of fine jewelry, gemstones, and timepieces.
Jillian began her career in antique and estate jewelry before transitioning to retail, and eventually the consulting sector. She spent 9 years heading the appraisal department of a prominent New Jersey based fine jewelry retailer, gaining extensive experience appraising contemporary jewelry, including designer, important diamond, and fine colored gemstone pieces. She assisted the production department in the acquisition of gemstones and worked closely with various craftsman and suppliers to create custom jewelry. Jillian was then employed by the retailer and collateral lender Suttons & Robertsons, in New York, as assistant manager and head jewelry appraiser, before founding her own jewelry appraisal and consulting business, where she spent the last eight years. During this time she consulted for both private clients and appraisal firms, including Gurr Johns, on the appraisal and/or advisement of numerous important jewelry collections.
Jillian completed her Graduate Gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America and received a BS in Business Administration from Felician University. She is a member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA) and a member of the American Society of Jewelry Historians (ASJH). Jillian’s appraisals are compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Practice (USPAP).
Director, Jewellery & Watches
Sonia joined Gurr Johns in 2018. She has more than a decade of experience in the jewellery industry having started her career as a jewellery designer before moving on to work in retail and latterly focusing on valuations of fine and rare jewels. During this time, she has developed an extensive network of dealers, collectors, specialists and master craftsmen. She is a member of the Institute of Registered Valuers, a fellow of the Gemmological Association and is fully qualified as a gemmologist, diamond and pearl grader, having achieved distinction in her FGA and graduate diamond course with the Gem-A and GIA respectively.
London
London
General Valuer and Jewellery and Watches Specialist
Sam joined Gurr Johns in 2022. She has over twenty years’ experience working in auction houses and art finance as a general valuer in fine art, furniture and decorative arts, together with a specialism in jewellery and watches.
With a Bachelor Degree in History of Art and Design from the University of Northumbria and a Post Graduate Diploma in Decorative Art from Glasgow University, Sam is a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, a fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain and is fully qualified as a gemmologist and diamond grader.
Senior Director of Fine Art; Advisory & Appraisals
Rachel Adler Rosan joined Gurr Johns in March 2022 as Senior Director of Fine Art, specialising in 20th Century and Contemporary Art. Bringing 25 years’ experience in the art market, Rachel provides appraisals for estate tax, charitable donation, insurance and collateral loans and advises private clients on acquiring and deaccessioning works of art.
Before joining Gurr Johns, Rachel spent 9 years as Vice President of Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s where she led both the day and evening sales during a time of rapid market expansion. After leaving Sotheby’s, she consulted for Gurr Johns for several years before joining Phillips in 2015 as Senior Specialist and Head of Appraisals for 20th Century & Contemporary Art.
Rachel is a member of ArtTable and is actively involved with the American Friends of the Israel Museum. She is a certified member of the Appraisers Association of America and her appraisals are compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Collection Manager, Europe
Sophie advises and supports our clients with all curatorial aspects of their fine art and furniture collections. With a decade of experience in the art market, she provides a bespoke approach and draws upon her network of specialist suppliers and services to ensure that our collection management and art advisory services are delivered to exemplary standards.
Sophie was formerly an Associate Director at a London-based art advisory firm where, amongst other achievements, she spent 6 years managing high-net-worth-individuals’ private collections. Most recently she acted as an art and interiors advisor to a prominent private collector, managing and curating their international collection.
Consultant
Mark joined Gurr Johns in 1990 having previously worked as a General Valuer at Sotheby’s London for almost a decade. Prior to that, Mark was with the Antiques Department at Bonhams, London, after working as a trainee at Christie’s, London. He has been a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS) since 1996, and before it merged with RICS, an Associate of the Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioneers (ASVA) from 1985. He has over 30 years’ experience and specialist knowledge of jewellery, silver, furniture and porcelain.
Director of Business Development, Northeast
Jessica Wessel assists private collectors and institutions with the valuation and disposition of art and other tangible assets. In this role, Jessica works closely with insurance brokers and carriers, as well as private banks and family offices, to provide clients with comprehensive appraisal and collection management services.
Prior to joining Gurr Johns in 2014, Jessica practiced corporate law at Herrick Feinstein LLP, where she also advised clients on a range of transactional art law matters, including advice with respect to art funds and art loans.
Jessica received her BBA from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and her JD from Villanova University School of Law. She is admitted to the practice of law in New York.
Vice President, Business Development, Midwest
Lizzie works closely with attorneys, private banks, wealth managers, insurance professionals, and private clients on the valuation of fine and decorative art, jewelry, wine, memorabilia, and other tangible personal property including the general contents of an estate. She oversees appraisals for the purposes of estate planning and estate tax, charitable giving, family division, litigation, insurance coverage and claims, art leasing, and loan collateral. Lizzie also facilitates private sales on behalf of collectors and fiduciaries.
Prior to joining Gurr Johns, Lizzie worked with facade architects on cultural institutions and landmark buildings including the Steppenwolf Theater and Willis Tower. Previously, she co-founded a media company to help museums expand their digital footprint and offset the expense of printed member communications through advertising partnerships with world-class institutions including the Art Institute of Chicago, the Getty, the High Museum of Art, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. She has further experience in art advisory, gallery management, and curatorial roles.
Lizzie holds a BFA in Art History, Theory, and Criticism from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. She is a member of the Arts Club of Chicago and the Society for Contemporary Art at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Director of Business Development, West Coast
Based in Los Angeles, Lauren leads business development on the West Coast. She facilitates the appraisal of fine art, decorative art, jewelry, watches, and other tangible personal property for the purpose of estate planning, estate tax, divorce, estate litigation, charitable giving, insurance and using art as collateral. She also works with fiduciaries and private clients to strategically offer single works or an entire collection in the market.
Prior to joining Gurr Johns in 2016, Lauren had over 15 years of experience in the international auction business working in London, Toronto, New York and Los Angeles. Lauren was most recently the Head of Valuations at Sotheby’s in New York. She previously served as Director of Trusts & Estates at Bonhams and in business development at Christie’s.
Lauren holds an MA in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute in London.
Director of Decorative Arts and Design, Senior Appraiser
eastcoastapparaisals@gurrjohns.com
Patrick joined Gurr Johns in 2011 from the 20th Century Design Department of Sotheby’s, having previously specialized in European Furniture at Christie’s. He has a BA in Art History from the University of Florida, and an MA in Decorative Art and Design History from the Bard Graduate Center in New York City. While studying for his MA he attended a summer study program offered in conjunction with the Royal College of Art, The Victoria & Albert Museum, The Wallace Collection and Waddesdon Manor. Patrick has over 20 years’ experience as an appraiser and has a particular interest in the problematic areas of Tiffany glass, bronze and ivory sculptures, and art deco furniture. Patrick Sheehan’s appraisals are compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Vice President, Business Development, Southeast
Erin Marie assists attorneys, insurance professionals, fiduciaries, and private clients to provide appraisals for fine and decorative art, furniture, jewelry, wine, collectibles, memorabilia, and general property for estate tax, divorce, charitable giving, insurance, art leasing, brokerage and loan collateral. She works with fiduciaries and private clients to strategically disperse these assets. Erin Marie also advises on current IRS guidelines and USPAP compliance.
As a former appraiser, auctioneer, and auction house CEO, Erin Marie gained extensive experience advising clients on building and dispersing collections privately, publicly and through charitable gifting. Prior to joining Gurr Johns, she was a Trusts & Estates manager and advised fiduciaries, lawyers, and private clients on selling estate collections of fine art, jewelry, and other luxury goods.
Erin Marie obtained her BFA from the University of Central Florida, her MA in Fine and Decorative Art from the University of Manchester and a second MA in Fine and Decorative Art from Sotheby’s Institute in London. She is a member of the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach and the Flagler Museum in Palm Beach.
Director of Trusts & Estates
As the Director of Trusts and Estates, Darsi assists fiduciaries and private clients with the valuation and disposition of art and tangible personal property for estate planning, estate tax, divorce, estate litigation, charitable giving and using art as collateral. Darsi advises on IRS and USPAP rules, and best practices for valuations in complex art–related transactions and litigation.
Prior to joining Gurr Johns, Darsi worked in elder law, where she focused on the unique estate planning needs of artists, and developed a manual on estate planning for elder artists in New York. Before pursuing a law degree, she worked in art and film as a producer and production designer for films premiering at international film festivals and for art gallery installation.
Darsi obtained her BA from Bard College, and JD from the City University of New York School of Law, and is admitted to practice in New York. She is a member of the Bard Center for Curatorial Studies Arts Council, the Planned Giving Advisory Council for the New York Historical Society, and the Estate and Gift Taxation Committee of the New York City Bar Association.
Appraiser of Fine Art
Eli began his career in the art world at a gallery specializing in 19th and 20th century American paintings. He joined Gurr Johns in 2018 and now performs USPAP compliant appraisals for estate tax, charitable donation, and insurance purposes. He also advises collectors across many categories and contributes to successful outcomes for private sales and auctions.
Based in New York, Eli focuses particularly on Hudson River School, American Impressionism, and American Modernism. He has a BA in Anthropology, Art History, and Museum Studies from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Business Development Director, Asia
Lilly Dai is Business Development Director for Gurr Johns in Asia. She is responsible for promoting Gurr Johns across China and South East Asia, ensuring that both private art collectors and institutional clients have the greatest and most seamless possible access to the company’s full suite of art advisory services, including brokerage, valuations, collection management, and art finance.
A native Mandarin speaker, she divides her time between London, Greater China and South East Asia. Prior to joining Gurr Johns in 2021, Lilly spent the majority of her professional career in the art world most recently working for an advisory business in London. She has a BSc and MSc in Urban Design from University College London and a semester diploma in the History of Decorative Arts from Sotheby’s Institute of Art.
Consultant, Valuation Services
Stephen has been with Gurr Johns since 2001 when he joined as our Northern Representative and General Valuer. He became Director of Valuations in 2007 and a Board Director in 2011. He had previously worked as an independent valuer for over 15 years, before which he was with Sotheby’s in Chester where he was Director of the Furniture Department and Manager of the Valuation Department for the North of England. He started his career as a General Valuer at Lawrences of Crewkerne, and has over 40 years’ experience in the business.
Senior Director
Spencer has over 30 years of experience in the art world and has acted as an advisor for a diverse range of international clients including both private collectors and institutions. He lifelong passion for culture was first inspired by his father who was an American artist. Having grown up surrounded by art, he went on to study Art History at the University of East Anglia before spending time as a post-graduate at an auction house and gaining valuable market experience at three established art dealerships. He first joined Gurr Johns in 1992 and spent almost a decade at the company before leaving to establish his own successful art advisory business. Spencer rejoined Gurr Johns in 2019, bringing invaluable experience and expertise to the firm having spent over three decades as a leading art advisor.
Chief Executive Officer
Ben Clark is Group CEO of Gurr Johns, long-term art advisor and trusted partner to private art collectors and family offices.
Ben joined Gurr Johns in early 2020 after more than two decades of experience in the art industry spanning Europe, America and Asia, in building both new, and managing established art collections across multiple disciplines and regions.
He previously served as a market leader in the fields of art management, sales and art advisory during a tenure of twenty years at Christie’s. Before joining Gurr Johns, Ben served as Deputy Chairman of Christie’s Asia, based in Hong Kong, charged with expanding the firm’s overall business development across the region. Prior to that he spent 17 years in various client and senior leadership roles at Christie’s, including as Managing Director and Global Head of Client Strategy, and member of the group operating committee. Ben began his career at The Art Institute of Chicago before joining Christie’s in 2000.
Balancing curatorial understanding, commercial know-how and putting client’s interest first, highlights of Ben’s career involve a series of exhibitions he has produced and co-curated celebrating the collector, including the loan exhibition ‘Generation Y Collectors’ at the Museum of Mankind, London in 2010, and the first public exhibition of Van Gogh pictures in Hong Kong in 2019.
Senior Director, Art Advisory
Based in Los Angeles, Dane has been a professional in the arts for nearly two decades with a focus on Contemporary Art. As a Senior Director with Gurr Johns Art Advisory, Dane helps clients find the most effective ways to acquire and divest both singular works of art and entire collections. Pivoting from his curatorial background and his market knowledge, Dane works with collectors to build significant collections from globally recognized art practices. Working closely with collectors and their unique vision, he focuses on quality, value, condition and developing curatorial threads with the goal of adding and enhancing the collection as a whole. He travels and bids in the major Evening and Day sales in New York and London and attends many of the world’s most important fairs in the US, Europe and Latin America.
Dane’s advisory practice draws from his diverse experience in the art world. He was previously a Director and Auctioneer with Bonhams in Los Angeles, consigning works for sales in Los Angeles, New York, London and Hong Kong. As a curator, he produced exhibitions for the Wattis Institute of Contemporary Art, the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and the Oakland Museum of California among others. He was Gallery Director for Moss, the contemporary design gallery founded by Murray Moss in New York, and later the Director of the Earl McGrath Gallery in Los Angeles. He has a Masters Degree in Curatorial Practice from the California College of the Arts in San Francisco and a Bachelor’s degree in Art History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Deputy Chairman, Chief Advisor and Appraiser (Contemporary Art)
Christopher Gaillard, Deputy Chairman and Fine Art Appraiser and Adviser, is Gurr Johns’ chief adviser and appraiser, specializing in contemporary art. Christopher provides appraisals for estate tax, charitable donation, and insurance purposes and advises private clients on acquiring and deaccessioning works of art. Before working at Gurr Johns, Christopher spent nine years as the Vice President and Director of Contemporary Prints at Sotheby’s, where he actively solicited consignments for semi-annual print auctions totaling $7-10 million each season. From 1993 – 1999, Christopher served as Vice President of the Print Department at Christie’s, where he secured consignments of Old Master, Modern and Contemporary Prints for semi-annual auctions and appraised prints for insurance, fair market and estate tax purposes. He has been a member of the International Print Center of New York since 2002 and was a member of the Board Momenta Art from 2001 – 2010. Christopher received his Bachelor of Art in Art History from Colby College in 1990 and his appraisals are compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Director of Operations
Tony joined Gurr Johns in 2012, after 6 years with storied corporate activist and art dealer, Asher Edelman. There he managed a private art gallery, a secondary market brokerage arm and budding art loan investment firm, Art Assure Ltd. During his tenure he supervised numerous gallery openings, a gallery expansion into a 5 story brownstone and managed Edelman Arts’ presence at various domestic and international art fairs. At Gurr Johns, Tony oversees day to day operations, as well as assists the President in the multifaceted aspects of business development and management of the company.
President
Charlie Horne, President of Gurr Johns, has a diverse senior management background specializing in fast developing companies, primarily in specialized business services. In 2010 Charlie was recruited into Philips de Pury by the company’s Chairman, CFO and President to create a corporate infrastructure and stable environment for the company’s headquarters in New York and London. He guided the auction house through one of the largest downturns in the art market and helped to prepare and participate in the sale of the company to the Russian luxury holding company, Mercury Group. From 2003 – 2008 Charlie spent five years growing a small business service company into a major regional player in the furnished apartment business space. This was highlighted by growth into three new markets and acquisition of major clients such as Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. From 1999 – 2002 Charlie worked at Regus Business Centre, the largest global provider of furnished offices, where he quickly rose to Area Director of Greater China, a key region in their global growth. Earlier in his career, he was the New York Specialty Sales Manager at Starbucks, where he played a key role in their global partnership with Barnes & Noble and Delta Airlines. Charlie received his Bachelor of Art from St. Mary’s College in 1989.
Executive Chairman
Harry has over 40 years’ experience in all areas of the art world, having acquired Gurr Johns in the mid 1980’s after a career at Christie’s and as an independent advisor. A specialist in Impressionist and Modern Art, Harry advises collectors on the sale and purchase of works of art and has coordinated a number of major valuations, including the Sara Lee Millennium Gift, and the valuation for The United Nations of the losses sustained as a consequence of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. He is a leading expert witness in art market litigation, and is certified in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Nivedita completed her Masters in Modern and Contemporary Art at Christie’s Education, London. She has previously worked at Christie’s London, Experimenter Gallery, Kolkata and Frieze London.
Business Head
Surath joined Gurr Johns in 2016 bringing with him over 15 years of experience working with art, luxury and lifestyle brands in India. Prior to joining Gurr Johns, Surath had worked with Religare Art for 6 years as Head of Business Development in India. He was instrumental in setting up the Art Advisory business for his previous organisation and has been advising art collectors in building up their portfolio of Modern and Contemporary Indian Art. Besides art, Surath has spent considerable time of his career developing businesses for some of the leading European Luxury brands in India.
Appraiser
eastcoastapparaisals@gurrjohns.com
Nicole first came to Gurr Johns in 2012 as a Research Associate, assisting with the valuation of Fair Market and Retail Replacement appraisals. Nicole re-joined the Gurr Johns team in March 2017 as a Junior Appraiser after working as a cataloguer in the 20th Century & Contemporary department at Phillips, New York and as a Research Assistant for the Isamu Noguchi Catalogue Raisonne at The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum, New York. In 2019 she was promoted to full Appraiser. Nicole comes with 10 years of experience working in the arts, with a particular fondness for historic homes and unique and off-beat collections. As an Appraiser, she evaluates general contents with a focus in fine arts. Nicole earned her Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of Scranton and her Master’s Degree in Modern and Contemporary Art from Christie’s Education. Nicole Smith’s appraisals are compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Generalist Appraiser
eastcoastapparaisals@gurrjohns.com
Before joining Gurr Johns in 2017, Kristina was a Decorative Arts Generalist in the Estates, Appraisals, and Valuations Department at Christie’s. Prior to her tenure at Christie’s, Kristina was a Cataloguer and Appraiser at Roland Auctions in New York. After graduating from the Parsons/Cooper-Hewitt Master’s Program in the History of Decorative Arts and Design, Kristina operated her own Art Appraisal and Consulting business in Nashville, Tennessee where she was a consultant to several regional auction houses in the Southeast. Kristina’s appraisals are compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Generalist Appraiser
Tim joined Gurr Johns in 2010 and specializes in the Fine and Decorative Arts. He has 25 years’ experience gained with Sotheby’s New York, where he previously worked in General Furniture and Decorative Arts auctions, in Single-Owner Sales, and as an Appraiser in the Trusts, Estates and Appraisals Department. He has a BA from Williams College and is a graduate of the Sotheby’s Institute American Arts Course in New York. Timothy Hamilton’s appraisals are compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).
Senior Picture Specialist and Valuer
David has over three decades of experience in the fine art trade. A past member of the Society of London Art Dealers, he has sold important works of art to a number of British and European Museums, as well as corporate collections and private individuals.
Senior General Valuer
Russell originally joined Gurr Johns in 1990, working with us for a decade before moving back to Bonhams Auctioneers, London, where he first began his career in 1984, first in the Ceramics and Works of Arts Department and then as a General Valuer in the Valuations Department. He returned to Gurr Johns in 2008, having been Director and Head Valuer at Seymours, London and previously Head Valuer at Lark Asset Consultants in Essex. Russell has been a Fellow of the National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers (FNAVA) since 2005, before which he became an Associate (ANAVA) in 1995. He has been a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (FRICS) since 1996, and was an Associate (ARIS) from 1986. He has almost 30 years’ experience in the valuations business.
Director, Contemporary Art
Tony joined Gurr Johns in 2013 bringing over 20 years of expertise in the contemporary art world. He started his career at Christie’s where he rose through the ranks to become Director and Head of the Post-War and Contemporary Art departments. He subsequently held senior roles in both the auction and gallery sectors, including Director of Contemporary Art at both Phillips de Pury and Bonham’s, Director of Haunch of Venison gallery and Managing Director of Ben Brown Fine Arts.
Client Relations Manager, Valuations Department
Claire-Louise joined Gurr Johns at the start of 2010. Her ongoing focus is client liaison and business development within the Valuations Department, and in 2014 she was also responsible for Gurr John’s centenary rebrand. An experienced communications specialist, Claire-Louise began her career in business and financial public relations in New York. She has also worked in editorial and publishing. She has a background in arts administration and events, most notably with the Covent Garden Festival of Opera and Music Theatre, an interest now expressed in her role as a Trustee of FitzFest classical music and cultural festival in Fitzrovia. She is an Honours graduate of Aberdeen University and has a Masters degree from the University of London.
Senior General Valuer
Simon joined Gurr Johns in early 2014 having previously worked for 13 years at Rosebery’s Auctioneers & Valuers, where he was a Director from 2007. He began his career as an auctioneer and valuer for one of Scotland’s leading provincial auction houses, Thomson Roddick & Laurie, and has worked as an antiques expert for an online antiques website, and as a consultant in various roles including for George Bailey of Sotheby’s at The Auction Room. In 1994 he completed both the Fine Art & Chattels course at Southampton and The National Association of Goldsmiths’ Professional Jewellers’ Diploma, and in 1996 joined the ISVA now incorporated into the RICS. Simon has a broad range of knowledge, and over 20 years’ experience in the fine art world.
Senior General Valuer
With over 30 years’ experience as a valuer, William joined Gurr Johns in 2000. He was previously a Senior Valuer and Associate Director at Phillips International Fine Art Auctioneers both in the Midlands and the South West, after training with Andrew Grant valuers and auctioneers in Worcester. He has also worked in a family firm of antique dealers where he gained a valuable insight into the retail trade.
Director, Middle East
Diane is Gurr Johns’ Director for the Middle East. She works with both private and institutional clients in the region advising on acquisitions and sales, valuations and collection management. Among recent projects, Diane devised and implemented an Arts Management course in partnership with the Ecole Superieure des Affaires (ESA Business School) in Beirut and London, and co-organised an international exhibition in conjunction with Ai WeiWei in Baalbek, Lebanon – a UNESCO protected site.
Diane joined the company in 2012. She is an ambassador of the World Land Trust and a board member of the Association for the Promotion and Exhibition of the Arts in Lebanon (APEAL). She has an MSc in Insurance and Risk Management, is a Chartered Insurer (CI), and has an Art Business diploma.
Senior Art Advisor
Mark Adams joined Gurr Johns in February 2020 and has been a trusted partner for museums and private art collectors for over thirty years.
Mark’s expertise lies in European Impressionism and 20th Century art, and particularly in American art. He holds an MA in History of Art from Corpus Christi College, Cambridge and joined Sotheby’s in 1989 as a specialist in 20th century British Art, where he built a reputation as an innovator, founding the Irish sale. In 2000 Mark joined Agnew’s as director of contemporary art, since when he has worked as an independent advisor for the almost two decades, serving institutions, family offices and private collectors in Europe and the US.
Private Clients and Business Development
Georgina is a consultant at Gurr Johns focussed on private clients and business development. She joined Sotheby’s in 1994 after a 15 year career in the City and worked at the auction house for over 20 years. As Senior Director, Head of Sotheby’s European Private Client Group and a member of the European Chairman’s Office, Georgina was responsible for many of the firm’s most important relationships, assisting collectors with their interactions across the business and the wider art world. Georgina is perfectly positioned to guide collectors on many aspects of managing and building their collections. As an accredited mediator Georgina also acts to facilitate alternative dispute resolution. During her time at Sotheby’s, she had a 2 year interlude to help create ARK, the dynamic charity set up by the Hedge Fund industry.
