Frances Christie Wiki, Husband, Age, Parents, Obituary
Frances Christie Wiki, Husband, Age, Parents, Obituary – Frances Christie is a well-known British art historian who has made a name for herself not only in the world of art but also in the entertainment industry. She wears multiple hats, working as an auctioneer and holding the prestigious position of Head of Modern and Post-War British Art at Sotheby’s, a renowned London-based auction house. However, what has truly catapulted her to fame is her role as a specialist on the BBC show “Antiques Roadshow.”
Frances Christie Early Life and Education
Frances Christie’s journey into the world of art was not a straightforward one. In her early years, she was unsure about which area of art truly sparked her interest. She decided to pursue a degree in History of Art at Trinity College, University of Cambridge, hoping to find her passion along the way.
After completing her degree at Cambridge, Frances continued her academic journey at the Courtauld Institute in London. Here, she earned a Master of Arts degree with a focus on 20th-century British and French Art. This educational background laid the foundation for her expertise in modern art.
Frances is not just an art enthusiast; she’s also a family person. She is happily married to her husband, Robert Leeming. While she spent some time in Scotland during her studies at Cambridge and London, she now calls London her permanent home. In the bustling city of London, she also dedicates her time and expertise to the prestigious auction house, Sotheby’s.
Frances Christie Career and Achievements
Frances Christie’s professional path wasn’t crystal clear during her university years. However, a serendipitous opportunity came knocking when she wrote a letter to the Edinburgh office of Sotheby’s. Her letter made its way to the headquarters in London, and she was offered an internship at Sotheby’s. This internship became the starting point for her journey into the world of auction houses. During that summer, she worked in the catalogue production department, where her responsibilities included filing catalogues.
Frances’s passion for the world of auction houses grew, and she continued to spend her summers during university working at various auction houses. Her dedication paid off when she joined the Sotheby’s project training scheme. While she was part of this scheme, a job opening arose in 2002 at Sotheby’s Olympia, and she seized the opportunity.
Since then, Frances has been an integral part of the Sotheby’s team. Over the years, she climbed the ranks to become the Head of Modern and Post-War British Art at Sotheby’s. Her journey also led her to become an experienced auctioneer.
Frances’s expertise in modern art and her knack for discovering treasures didn’t go unnoticed. She was offered a position on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, a popular television program that showcases antiques and collectibles. Frances has been a consistent presence on the show since 2015, balancing her commitments to Sotheby’s with her television appearances.
Notable Contributions and Achievements
During her time on Antiques Roadshow, Frances Christie unearthed several treasures, including a portrait painted by Boscoe Holder, illustrations by Donald Chaffin, and a drawing by L.S. Lowry. These discoveries added to her reputation as a modern art expert.
At Sotheby’s, Frances played a pivotal role in selling some of the most prestigious 20th-century art collections. Notable sales included the art collection curated by the legendary musician David Bowie (Bowie/Collector, 2016), the collection of Winston Churchill’s youngest daughter, Mary Soames (Daughter of History: Mary Soames and the Legacy of Churchill, 2014), and the Vivien Leigh Collection in 2017. Other notable sales featured the ‘Lowry: the AJ Thompson Collection’ in 2014, the collection of Lord and Lady Attenborough, and two of Howard Hodgkin’s collections, including ‘Howard Hodgkin: Portrait of the Artist’ in 2017.
Frances Christie is not only dedicated to her career but also to the world of arts and culture in the United Kingdom. She serves as a trustee on the board of Outside In, a prominent arts charity in the country.
Frances Christie Controversy
Frances Christie’s role on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow has not been without its share of controversies. In one episode, viewers were left stunned by the valuation of a drawing. The artwork, originally purchased for a mere £50 in 1970, was said to be worth thousands of pounds. Frances introduced the artwork as a portrait by Francis Newton Souza, a renowned 20th-century Indian artist. The owner, however, clarified that it was not a portrait of himself but rather a piece he acquired through connections with the artist’s family.
Frances described the artwork in detail, highlighting the artist’s unique style and the historical context of the piece. She explained that while Souza is known today as an Indian artist, his most influential period was when he worked in London for about two decades, forming connections with prominent figures like the English poet Steven Spender and the artist Francis Bacon.
The owner of the artwork shared his personal connection to the piece, stating that it had become a significant part of his life, especially since it had been his mother’s and had ties to his family. Frances went on to estimate the artwork’s value at £7,000 to £10,000 if it were to be auctioned today.
The valuation of the artwork sparked a debate among viewers. Some found it hard to believe that a drawing originally purchased for £50 could be worth so much. One viewer expressed disbelief on Twitter, comparing the artwork to a child’s drawing.
In conclusion, Frances Christie’s journey from a university student with a passion for art to a prominent figure in the art world and entertainment industry is nothing short of remarkable. Her contributions to Sotheby’s and her role on Antiques Roadshow have solidified her reputation as a modern art expert. Despite the occasional controversies surrounding valuations on the show, Frances Christie continues to be a respected and sought-after figure in the world of art and antiques.
What is Frances Christie’s role at Sotheby’s?
Frances Christie has risen through the ranks at Sotheby’s and now holds the position of Head of Modern and Post-War British Art. She is also an experienced auctioneer at the auction house.
How did Frances Christie become a TV personality on “Antiques Roadshow”?
Frances Christie’s expertise in modern art led to her being offered a role on the BBC’s “Antiques Roadshow.” She has been a consistent presence on the show since 2015.
Can you provide some examples of notable discoveries made by Frances Christie on “Antiques Roadshow”?
Certainly! Frances Christie has discovered treasures such as a portrait painted by Boscoe Holder, illustrations by Donald Chaffin, and a drawing by L.S. Lowry during her time on “Antiques Roadshow.”
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