International head of silver at Christie's

MY LIFE IN HISTORY MEET THE PEOPLE BRINGING THE PAST TO LIFE

- Harry Williams-Bulkeley

HOW DID YOU START WORKING FOR CHRISTIE'S AUCTION HOUSE?

I joined Christie's as a graduate trainee in 1990, having been an intern on the valuations desk. I've always had an interest in art and studied art history at university, but it was after helping my mother, who created inventories for the National Trust in Wales, that I knew I wanted to work with artworks. She photographed and catalogued everything from a state bed to a pepper grinder. I loved handling a variety of objects.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE ENTAIL?

My work has three intertwined centres of focus: our clients, my colleagues, and the silver we sell. I'm based in London and keep in close touch with specialists in New York and Paris to look after our clients, or promote sales and search for pieces that will appeal. Buyers come to us for advice and we guide them through the auction process what the best pieces are, what qualities they should look for, and what they should be wary of.

IS THERE SOMETHING ABOUT SILVER THAT PARTICULARLY INTERESTS YOU?