Jonathan Horwich

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.

Learn more about Jonathan:

What do you enjoy most about valuing items, particularly in your specialty (paintings and sculpture) 

I really enjoy the element of surprise and chance of discoveries that you can sometimes get with paintings. I also really enjoy solving a mystery for an owner, which may even turn out to be a lost masterpiece!

What sparked your interest in valuations, and how did you get started in this field?

My father, two of my uncles and my aunt all collected art and antiques and as a youngster on visits to the family home I remember being fascinated by the new pieces they had acquired since our last visit. I was encouraged to ask questions , handle and try to value pieces which really helped to demystify the world of art and antiques for me at an early age,  probably beginning when I was 10 or 11 . It was a great opportunity to look and learn in an enjoyable and relaxed way which turned into a totally absorbing and enjoyable lifetime career.

What’s one piece of advice you would give someone looking to make an investment in an item?

Before you buy anything try to discover what you like and perhaps more importantly what you don’t like! Go to art fairs and galleries and ask questions and prices, don’t be shy or intimidated, they are all there to make sales and find new private clients. Go to auction previews and attend the live auctions, don’t buy or bid on anything just yet, ask the staff questions and chat to other people also viewing and you will find that after attending perhaps only two or three auction sales people begin to remember and or recognise you and magically you are ‘in the Club’ and part of a new social group. By then you will have an idea what you might like to buy and what it’s likely to cost you. You will make some mistakes along the way or get bored or change your mind about things, so sell them, by this stage you will know lots of people who can help you. I find selling just as much fun as buying so go for it and above all enjoy it. Remember to insure your collection and far as gauging your success as an investor get a valuation, but not straight away, successful investing takes time so leave it for say 5 years and repeat the process every 5 years.