DOERR VALUATIONS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Valuer & Wristwatch Specialist
Alastair has been involved in the antiques industry for over 20 years as an auctioneer and valuer. Alastair has a particularly broad knowledge with interests and passions to include the following specialities; militaria, watches, automobilia, rock and pop, posters, comics books, and musical instruments.
He is also an experienced general valuer in furniture, works of art, ceramics, silverware and general contents. Together with an expertise of fashion including handbags, luggage and high end clothing.
Alastair is a qualified, professional member of the National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers and was elected a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts in 2017.
Angelica Kauffman (1741-1807), who was a founder member of the Royal Academy and one of the most soughtafter portrait painters of her generation, is the subject of a major retrospective Exhibition at the Royal Academy, the first of its type in Britain in my lifetime. The press release from the R.A. describes her as "one […]
Job Titles:
- Jewellery and Watches Specialist
Annabell has worked with international fine jewellery and watch brands for over 20 years. The daughter of an auctioneer and valuer, it was no surprise when she followed the family into the Jewellery industry after leaving University. Since 1995 she has worked with, amongst others, Boodles, Leo De Vroomen, Rolex, Patek Phillipe and Frank Muller where her work has revolved around certificated gemstones, high end watches, antique and handmade fine jewellery.
During those 25 years, she attained internationally recognised industry qualifications and affiliations and is a Registered Valuer with both valuing institutes of the United Kingdom. As an established specialist she enjoys finding forgotten gems and uncovering their family history.
Last week's Art Basel 2023 contemporary art fair, June 15 - June 18, defied forecasts of a market slowdown, with wealthy collectors buying works with seven or eight-figure price tags. Described by its new chief executive Noah Horowitz as ‘the single most important annual event in the global art market' and the ‘barometer of the […]
Aurélia has over twenty years' experience in the auction industry. She started her career in Business Development and Client Services at Christie's and Sotheby's Paris. She went on to obtain her Graduate Gemmologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Relocating from Paris to London, Aurélia joined the Jewellery department at Bonhams, dealing with client valuations and auction preparations.
Aurélia has a Bachelor of Arts degree from King's College London and a Baccalaureate in Economics and Literature. She speaks English, French being her native language, and some Spanish. Aurelia has also had experience of working with specialist lenders Borro and working for SYMEV (French Association of Auctioneers) in Paris where she was Head of Communications.
In her spare time, Aurélia writes feature length screenplays and children books. Being able to value clients' jewellery is what she loves to do and she has been privileged to handle some unique pieces.
Job Titles:
- Impressionist, Post War & Contemporary Art Specialist
- Specialist
Ben Hanly is an established contemporary art specialist. He began his career working in the Old Master and 20th Century markets before moving into the contemporary market. He has over 20 years' experience working in the UK and international art markets.
A graduate of Trinity College Dublin and the Courtauld Institute of Art London, Ben has developed specialist level knowledge in Old Masters, Impressionist, Modern and Post War & Contemporary art. In addition to this Ben has extensive project management experience having curated and produced over 100 art projects spanning highly complex multi-venue festivals to smaller bespoke events. He has worked with governmental, institutional and commercial partners including the National Gallery, V&A, the Serpentine Gallery, the Courtauld Institute, Christie's, Sotheby's and the Russian Ministry of Culture.
Job Titles:
- Russian Works of Art Specialist / General Valuer
Cynthia Coleman Sparke is an established Russian works of art specialist with a background in art risk.
Her upbringing periodically spent in Moscow fed her interest in Russian art at Smith College (BA) and later at the Bard Graduate Centre (MA). After running the Russian Department at Christie's New York, she worked for the Hillwood Museum in Washington DC, The Alexander Palace in St. Petersburg and Chubb Insurance in London as a Senior Appraiser increasing her all round general knowledge of Art and Antiques. In this role, Cynthia advised HNW clients internationally on home insurance,co-launching the Fine Art Advisory Service for collectors of fine art and other valuables.
Cynthia's book "Russian Decorative Arts" was published in 2014 by the Antiques Collectors' Club and she recently joined The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars.
Dale Chihuly is an Internationally renowned American glass artist known for his innovative and intricate glass sculptures and installations. He was born on September 20, 1941, in Tacoma, Washington, USA. Chihuly's early life played a significant role in shaping his career as an artist, here are some key points. Family Background Dale Chihuly was raised
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive and Old Master Specialist
David Dallas joined Christie's in 1969, where he was the youngest person in a Technical Department (Old Masters). He subsequently became deputy head of the Picture Department at Phillips Son and Neale and ended his auctioneering career as International Director (Global Head) of Old Masters at Bonham's in January 2015.
In between he worked for more than twenty years with Johnny Van Haeften, specialising in Dutch and Flemish paintings of the 17th Century. He is a specialist in British Landscape Paintings 1750-1850.
He was for many years on the Vetting Committee of the Summer and Winter Art and Antiques Fair at Olympia and Chairman of the Picture Vetting Committee at Grosvenor House Fair and has also been on the vetting committee of Masterpiece. He is a trustee of the Reading Foundation for Art, a former Chairman of The Friends of Reading Museum and Gallery and an external adviser to the Collections Committee of Eton College.
Mary Waterfall, Jewellery Specialist David Morris is affectionately known as ‘The London Jeweller'. The prestigious shop in Bond Street continues to attract royalty and high end clientele with the spectacular creations that are intricately created there. Each piece is handcrafted to the highest standard in the workshop above the store. Although it is one of
Sebastian was Senior Risk and Valuation Adviser within the Art and Private Client division at Hiscox, the specialist High Net Worth insurer, for almost a decade. This included particular responsibility nationwide for building valuations and historic buildings, and geographically for Scotland and the north of England.
He started his career as an Historic Buildings inspector at Historic Scotland and was then a Fine Art auctioneer for ten years. During this time he was a Director of Phillips Scotland and Head of Furniture at Lyon & Turnbull, where he was instrumental in helping to re-establish the firm as one of the UK's leading independent auctioneers.
Sebastian is exceptionally well informed on the history of Scotland and its buildings. He wrote his doctorate at St Andrews University on the Eighteenth Century Furniture Trade in Edinburgh and was for a long time Secretary and Committee member of the Historic Houses Association for Scotland. He has contributed to many academic Journals, as well as more popular magazines and has lectured widely, including for NADFAS and the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
Job Titles:
- Valuations & Private Clients Manager
Eunice joined Doerr Dallas Valuations as part of the Admin Team in September 2021. Bringing with her over 25+ years of Office Management / PA Experience for various companies, giving her the ability to adapt across industries.
Based in our Surrey office, she will be supporting administrative functions and providing secretarial support to Rachel and the team, overseeing our marketing activity including social media.
Francesca Valentini has had experience in the jewellery world for over twenty years. Having been immersed at a young age at her family jewellery business in London, Francesca chose to train as a jewellery specialist after university. In 2006 she joined Bonhams and latterly Christie's Auction House, both in their jewellery departments in London.
She travelled around the UK as well as other parts of the world, namely Italy, Portugal, New York and Geneva.
She is a Fellow of the Gemmological Association having successfully completed her FGA and DGA qualifications and completed a coloured stones course in Basel with The Swiss Gemmological Institute, (SSEF).
Job Titles:
- Jewellery, Handbag and Wristwatch Specialist
Job Titles:
- Valuations & Private Client Services Administrator
Jane works as part of the administrative team working closely with the valuers, specialists and clients, reporting to Rachel. All valuations go under the watchful eye of Jane who has been working with Rachel since 2006 on providing excellent service and delivering a beautiful report.
Jane's experience and diligence ensures our reports go out in a timely manner and you the client are aware of what is going on.
Job Titles:
- Silver & Jewellery Specialist
Jenny has been working in the Silver and Jewellery industry for over 35 years, she is a graduate of Reading University where she gained a BA Hons in English literature. She joined Bonham's auctioneers in Knightsbridge as a post-graduate in the silver, jewellery and clocks and watches departments, specialising in silver and jewellery. Jenny soon rose to the position of deputy head of department.
Her career has seen her run Bonham's highly successful Gentlemen's sales alongside her passion for everything silver or that sparkles. Jenny also worked with the John Lewis Partnership for 25 years supplying them with antique jewellery for their retail sales. She also enjoyed working with Bloomingdales in the United States for many years, supplying cufflinks and gentlemen's accessories. Both these roles involved training their staff.
During this time, she worked with the Buckingham Palace team and supplied their store, lectured extensively in the UK (including lectures to NAFAS and the National Association of Jewellers) and in the States on her specialist areas. Jenny has also co-curated a cufflink exhibition with The Goldsmiths Company. She is highly experienced in insurance and probate work and continues alongside doing valuations supplying antiques, particularly wine related items, to the Rothschild Waddesdon Trust and National Trust.
Jenny joined Doerr Dallas Valuations as Marketing Manager in July 2024. She has over 20 years experience as a Marketing professional, and worked for 8 years as a Marketing Consultant before joining Rachel and the team.
After obtaining her Professional Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing in 2008, Jenny has continued to develop her skills in marketing, website design, graphic design and social media management.
Based in the Surrey office, she plans and implements all marketing activity for the growing business.
Job Titles:
- Bonhams As Global Director
- Council Member of the Artists
- Modern & Contemporary Art Specialist
Jonathan started his career in the art world at the legendary London picture dealer Thomas Agnew, following this he worked exclusively in the Auction world for well over 25 years. From Christie's South Kensington, where Jonathan was involved in all key aspects of the business, from cataloguing regular and fine picture sales in all categories to traveling the UK for ‘Roadshow' valuation days, to auctioneering and everything in between. Onto Christie's in King Street as Director, Auctioneer and Head of Modern British pictures where in recognition of his wide knowledge base Jonathan was also appointed head of British and Irish Art, International Director of the 19th European picture department and Deputy Chairman.
After Christie's, Jonathan joined Bonhams as Global Director of pictures, where, while continuing his interest and involvement in Modern British Art auctions he established new Impressionist and Contemporary departments in both London and New York.
In January 2016 Jonathan joined Phillips Contemporary Art department as Senior Specialist Director. While there he was involved in all aspect of Phillips Contemporary auctions at both their London and New York sale sites, alongside being part of their newly established Valuations team department in London, positions which he held until December 2018
Jonathan is recognised as an expert in 19th and 20th Century, Modern and Contemporary British and International Art and maintains close links with experts and galleries around the world and keeps abreast of current market developments and trends.
Jonathan is recognised for his expertise, particularly his knowledge of the work of L.S. Lowry, he has appeared on ITV's ‘Looking at Lowry' and as the key expert in a Lowry focussed episode of the BBC's ‘Fake or Fortune'.
Jonathan is a Council member of the Artists' charity, the Artists General Benevolent Institute and is also a member of the Chelsea Arts Club.
Kristin joined Doerr Dallas Valuations as an Office Administrator in March 2022.
After obtaining a Master's degree in International Marketing from King's College London in 2015, Kristin has continued to develop her skills in the customer service, knowledge management and education sectors.
Based in the Surrey office, she will be supporting administrative functions and providing support to Rachel and the team.
Laura has been working as a specialist in the Indian Art World for over 20 years. She graduated with a degree in Art History from the School of World Art and Museology at the University of East Anglia. She followed this with an MA in World Art and spend a year in the same school as a Visiting Fellow.
In 2007 she opened the Art Gallery Art 18/21 which holds shows of contemporary art in India. For the past eight years she has attended the Indian Art Fair in Delhi.
Laura acts as the Art Adviser for The South Asian Decorative Arts and Crafts Collection Trust (The SADACC Trust) which is based in the UK.
Laura has an excellent working relationship with many contemporary artists in India. Her involvement with collection management gives her the advantage of working with the major auction houses, private dealers and public and private museums. A documentation and authentication service for Modern Indian artworks is available.
Her areas of expertise include modern and contemporary Indian Art, Indian Miniatures from antiquity to the present day, Company School paintings and European artists in India. She has curated many exhibitions and has worked with the British Council in Delhi.
Laura has worked with Rachel since early 2015.
Job Titles:
- Jewellery & Watches Specialist
Mary Waterfall has over eighteen years' experience in the jewellery trade, working in a variety of sectors. Having successfully completed her Gemmology Diploma, FGA, in 1999, Mary started her career in Hatton Garden working for the prestigious manufacturing company, Stephen Foster Jewellery and then for the diamond and gemstone dealer Bass Premier Company. She went on to obtain her Diamond Grading Diploma, DGA and gained valuable retail experience working for Tiffany & Co, Old Bond Street, London.
In 2003 Mary moved into the auction world, relocating to Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter and working as a specialist and cataloguer for Fellows, one of the leading auction houses in the West Midlands.
In 2014 Mary gained her qualification as a Registered Valuer and is proud to be a member of the NAJ's Institute of Registered Valuers and The Gemmological Association of Great Britain.
Rachel Doerr - Founder, Managing Director
Rachel brings over 30 years of experience in the Art & Antiques industry and over the past fifteen years she has been responsible for looking after both clients and professional advisers with their valuation needs.
Rachel started her career at Phillips Auctioneers ending as Operations Manager in 2000 before joining another auction house at General Manager. In 2006 Rachel set up the Valuation Department of Lyon & Turnbull where she was responsible for forging major relationships with Insurance Companies, Brokers, Private Banks, Family Offices, Lawyers and Wealth Managers. Many of these relationships continue to this day as Service and Communication is what singles Rachel out.
In 2016, Rachel started her own business to offer a truly independent, professional and non-conflict valuation business - providing a personal service to clients in the need of establishing the true values of their assets. We offer valuations for both insurance, probate, divorce and advice when selling / purchasing. Rachel looks after both private clients, international corporations, museums and collectors both in the UK and beyond.
At the end of 2019 David Dallas joined Rachel, bringing his wealth of experience and with Rachel to expand and grow the future of the company.
Rachel Doerr, Managing Director Download this article As we are now in lockdown again, I wanted to let you know that following the government guidelines during November, our specialist valuers will be able to continue to visit clients in their home to carry out our valuations of their art, antiques, jewellery, watches, cars and any […]
Job Titles:
- Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society
- Rare Books & Manuscripts, Historical Photographs and Maps Consultant Specialist
Richard Fattorini has over 25 years of professional experience in valuing and selling rare books and manuscripts, historical photographs and maps. A graduate of the University of Oxford, Richard worked at Sotheby's for 24 years where he became a senior director, senior specialist and auctioneer in the department of Books and Manuscripts.
During his career Richard has worked on many of the most important libraries and single-owner collections that have come to auction in recent years. Richard values private and institutional libraries, special collections, and 19 th century photographs for the purpose of insurance, sale, and for Arts Council England's Acceptance in Lieu and Cultural Gift Scheme. He enjoys discovering hidden treasures in private collections and country house libraries.
Richard is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, a committee member of the Royal Photographic Society's Historical Group, and a member of Arts Council England's Documents Working Party. Richard also writes regular reports on book and manuscript sales for the Antiques Trade Gazette.
Job Titles:
- Antiquarian Book and Manuscript Specialist
Rupert Neelands began working in books as a postgraduate student in English at Queen Mary University of London. Having spent two years living and working as an English teacher in Portugal, he joined the Book and Manuscript Department at Christie's South Kensington in 1983, intending to stay no more than six months. However, the book field proved such a fascinating one that he continued working for Christie's until 2016, becoming Head of Department at South Kensington, auctioneer and King Street Director, whilst still continuing as a consultant for the firm.
The valuation of large, long-untouched country house libraries has always been of strong appeal and he has first-hand knowledge of many of the country's great collections
The Old Master market, judging by the London sales in early July, continues to be split between the desirable and the unloved. The Day Sales, for the "unloved" were very flat affairs. Christie's managed a total of £3.489M for 170 lots, with 36 unsold - mostly sculptures and watercolours, which they now include with oil […]
Job Titles:
- Jewellery & Wristwatch Specialist
Sammantha Maclachlan FGA DGA MJVA MIRV is an independent registered valuer specialising in jewellery and watches. With over 18 years of experience in the luxury jewellery industry she has gained valuable expertise with brands such as Mikimoto, Rolex and Patek Philippe. A senior accredited gemologist, Sammantha is a fellow of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain and a holder of the diamond and gemmology diploma. Sammantha prides herself in offering the highest level of customer service in a professional and friendly manner.
Job Titles:
- Senior Valuer & Collectors Specialist
Stephanie has worked in the fine art and antiques industry for over 20 years.
She is the former Department Director of Collectors sales at Bonhams Auctioneers. Stephanie was additionally the Head of Bonhams Entertainment Memorabilia department and is a recognised expert in Popular Culture.
Stephanie is an experienced general valuer. She began her career as a Valuer & Auctioneer in the northwest of England. More recently she worked as an Auctioneer & Valuer in the South East. Her specialist areas include 20 th century design, luxury accessories, vintage fashion, commercial art, sporting memorabilia, music and film memorabilia, historic and collector's items.
Stephanie is focused on current market trends and emerging markets. She has operated her own antique and vintage retail and consultancy business for almost a decade.
Stephanie has an MA in Fine Art Valuation, BA in the History of Art & Design and Diploma in Interior Design.