Dorset auction house Duke’s is creating a heritage and valuations division and has hired a former surveyor of The Queen’s Works of Art to form the new team.
Rufus Bird – previously a director at Christie’s – filled that royal role between 2018-21 and was a deputy surveyor from 2010-17. He is currently retained as a consultant on furniture and historic interiors to the Royal Collection Trust.
“The UK and European regional auction market is vibrant right now and has seen an upsurge in interest in recent years,” he told ATG.