We are delighted to announce that James Pickup has been appointed to the Sworders Board of Directors, stepping up to his new role on the 1st January 2022. James’ appointment brings the total number of Board Directors up to five.
1 March 2022
James joined the business in 2015, running the fortnightly Homes & Interiors sales for three years before moving up to take the reins of the Fine Interiors department. He has since overseen the transformation of this quarterly flagship sale, developing it, and shaping it into a curated, interior design led operation.
His passion for presentation has seen him enhance Sworders’ industry-leading catalogues, and many of the new initiatives that he and his team have rolled out have filtered through to other departments.
James’ breadth of experience places him in good stead to excel in his new role. Speaking with him, he states “having been with Sworders for a number of years, tasked with growing and enhancing individual sales, I am now looking forward to working on new initiatives on a wider level and contributing my skills to progress the company as a whole”.
James will maintain his position as Head of Fine Interiors alongside his Directorship, to continue the strategic development of these sales.
In a statement from Sworders’ Managing Director Paul Martin, he quotes “the pace of change in our industry continues to increase, led by technology, and the way in which we present ourselves to our audiences is becoming ever more critical. Sworders will be concentrating efforts in this area in the coming months and years, and James’ input will be of great importance”.
James hopes that through his appointment he can help maintain Sworders position as one of the most forward-thinking and progressive auction houses in the country, stating “we have an incredible team here, and I see huge potential for continued growth, particularly in terms of our online presence”.
We all wish him the very best of luck in his new venture.
We’re delighted to welcome Bryn Sayles to Sworders as Senior Valuer and Business Development lead for Modern & Contemporary Art. With a focus on building on the department’s success and expanding the reach of its sales, Bryn shares insight into her background and expertise.
4 February 2026
On Saturday 31 January, the Curwen Print Study Centre is holding a special fundraising sale of prints, celebrating the legacy of Fine Art printmaking. With prices starting at just £10, there will be something for everyone.
26 January 2026
Building on the success of the first event held in partnership with Britten Pears Arts in autumn 2025, Sworders’ team of specialists will return to Snape Maltings on Wednesday 11 February for the next in its series of Art & Antiques Valuation Days.
19 January 2025