Walker takes over the post previously held by Beth Vilinisky, who was director of 20th century decorative arts in New York.
He will be based in the Big Apple and his appointment will create a global department for the company with Mark Oliver heading sales in this field in the UK as director of modern decorative art.
A graduate in fine arts valuation, Walker’s specialist field includes modern British and Continental design; 20th century decorative arts and antique and modern silver.
He has worked at a senior level for a number of commercial art and antiques organisations in the UK, including Marks Antiques and Thomas Goode & Co where he was head of art and antiques and decorative tableware, but has been running his own consultancy in Sydney and New York advising private clients and museums since 2009.
He says of his appointment: “I am very excited to be joining Bonhams. The company has a strong reputation in the decorative arts and I look forward to bringing my passion and knowledge to our expanding sales program for 2017 and beyond.”
Bonhams’ global chief executive Matthew Girling said: “I am delighted to welcome Ben Walker to Bonhams. He has a wealth of international experience in the fine and decorative arts fields and will be a hugely valuable addition to our growing team.”
