The Art of Meaningful Collecting: Advice from Sotheby's Expert David Macdonald

Hidden Heritage

Welcome to Hidden Heritage, where Lady Violet Manners explores Great Britain's historical treasures. David Macdonald, a Senior Director at Sotheby's and a specialist in valuing and selling both modern and antique valuables, joins Violet in this episode.

Join us as we explore:

1. David's Journey: From auction house porter to Senior Director at Sotheby's, David shares his fascinating career path.
2. Valuing Historic Items: Insights into the art market and the importance of storytelling in preserving and selling cultural artefacts.
3. Favourite Experiences and Objects: David recounts some of the most remarkable items and experiences from his career.
4. Historic Destination Recommendations: David provides his top three historic house recommendations for enthusiasts.

Key Points

• 00:00:05 - Introduction of David Macdonald and his background.
• 00:01:28 - David shares his career journey and passion for history.
• 00:03:34 - Early experiences at Christie's and Sotheby's.
• 00:05:01 - The significance of attic sales and their origins.
• 00:07:25 - The tension between preservation and moving on.
• 00:11:57 - David's first destination recommendation: Calke Abbey.
• 00:21:10 - The role of an auctioneer and the skills required.
• 00:24:02 - Importance of single-owner sales in the auction world.
• 00:25:49 - David's favourite treasures: Churchill's dispatch box and Lady Chatterley's Lover's judge's copy.
• 00:32:46 - The impact of losing historic houses and the significance of Hamilton Palace.
• 00:36:50 - David's second destination recommendation: Plas Newydd.
• 00:47:29 - Future collectors and the role of Sotheby's.
• 00:51:57 - David's third destination recommendation: Spetchley Park.
• 01:04:05 - Conclusion and where to find more information about David and Sotheby's.

Guest Info

David Macdonald is a Senior Director at Sotheby's, specializing in the sale of contemporary and historic valuables. With a career spanning over two decades, David has become a leading expert in the art market, known for his ability to identify and value significant cultural artefacts.

About

Step inside Britain’s greatest Historic Houses, gardens, and family homes through HeritageXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit www.heritagexplore.com

Links and Resources

• Sotheby's
• Calke Abbey
• Plas Newydd
• Spetchley Park Gardens
• Hamilton Palace
• Chatsworth House
• Castle Howard
• Harwood House
• Wentworth Woodhouse

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