Mr James-Crook, who previously headed up the London offices of Edinburgh auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull, will be looking to boost Dreweatts’ business in the capital among London law firms, accountants and trust companies. He will also be on the rostrum regularly at Donnington Priory.
With a career spanning 30 years in the industry, including a stint running the Modern British and Irish paintings and sculpture department at Phillips, he was responsible for securing the £5.6m Chen Collection of Russian works of art and English silver for L&T.
In an unrelated move, Dreweatts has sold the Neales trading name to Bamfords of Derby.
Neales ceased holding auctions at their Nottingham premises on the expiration of the lease in March.
Dreweatts are still competing for consignments in the region, however.
“Whilst it is always sad to say goodbye to an ‘old friend’, Bamfords are well suited to re-energising the Neales brand in the local community. We wish them every success in their endeavours,” said Dreweatts chairman Stephan Ludwig.
