TOM BEST
ART + AUCTIONS
Tom Best is a professional auctioneer and art adviser specialising in artworks from 1860 to now.
A former Christie's auctioneer, he has raised over £15 million in over 230 international charity auctions in 12 countries.
He helps private and corporate clients buy artwork and connect with artists.
He is the founder of The Auction Collective.
2020 Recognised as a Spears 500 Top Recomended Art Advisor
2017 Director & Auctioneer, The Auction Collective
2016 Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy, Start Network
Board of Trustees Easel
2014 Art Adviser of the Year Finalist - Young Turk Awards
2012 Christie's Auctioneer, London
2010 - 2016 Christie's Auction House, Specialist in Impressionist, Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art
2010 MA in Art History, St Andrews University (Diss: Death & Vitality, The Late Works of Pablo Picasso)
Tom first caught the auction 'bug' at 19, whilst selling fruit and veg at his local village hall. Following a Masters in Art History, he joined Christie’s Auction House as a Specialist in Impressionist & Modern art then later Post-War & Contemporary art – he was one of the youngest auctioneers to take to a Christie's rostrum.
In 2016, moved by the escalating crisis in Syria, Tom stepped away from the art world to join the humanitarian charity Start Network. For two years he worked as Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy, bringing on 6 major donors and raising over £20 million.
In 2017, Tom founded The Auction Collective, an initiative that runs affordable auctions of contemporary art from under-represented and emerging artists.
SERVICES
CHARITY AUCTIONS
In running fundraising auctions, Tom balances his key principles:
Empathy for the cause
Respect for the donors
Entertainment for the guests
Injecting energy into the event
Raising the most funds possible
Services include pre-auction advice on the running of the evening, the auction lots and maximising sales.
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COMMERCIAL AUCTIONS
Alongside his work with The Auction Collective, Tom acts as a freelance auctioneer for commercial auction houses.
With his Christie's experience in both New York and London, Tom's professional auctioneering is dynamic, energetic and ensures client confidentiality.
ART CONSULTANCY
Tom provides art advisory services to a select group of private and corporate collectors.
Services range from studio tours, discreet purchases at galleries and auction houses, to art logistics and installation.
Tom's expertise lies in Impressionist, Modern, Post-War and Contemporary Art. He is a Spears 500 Top Recommended Art Advisor.
IN THE NEWS
CONTACT
To find out more on any of the services, from London to Lebanon or Switzerland to the USA, do get in touch.
