On Thursday 11 June we were thrilled to host a talk given by the incomparable Rufus Bird, staged at our London Gallery in Cecil Court.
3 July 2026
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Rufus Bird is a renowned independent art advisor with over twenty-five years of experience in the art world. He uses his expertise to assist clients in the acquisition, care and sale of private collections. His experience in caring for notable, large and often complex collections makes him the go-to for clients. Within his role, he draws on his expertise and understanding of tax and inheritance planning, restoration, emergency planning, research and valuations.
After gaining a degree in History of Art from Cambridge University, Rufus started his role at Christie’s as a graduate trainee and then joined the Furniture Department in 1999, where he worked on projects including Tyntesfield, Somerset and Dumfries House in Ayrshire. In 2010 HM Queen Elizabeth II appointed Rufus to the role of Deputy Surveyor of the Queen’s Works of Art. At the Royal Collection he had around 500,000 works of decorative art in his care, across fifteen residences. During this time he oversaw all conservation of decorative art objects in three workshops.
At Cecil Court, Rufus delivered a brilliant presentation on the ‘why’ of collecting, from performance to passion. The talk was held during the preview of our Fine Interiors Sale, including pieces from the Frederick Parker and James Thursby-Pelham collections.
During his discussion, Rufus touched on collections such as those held by the Rothschilds, the Crown, and those that often come through Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers, such as the sale of contents from Elveden, Holkham Hall, and more recently the Frederick Parker and James Thursby-Pelham collections. Sworders London are grateful to Rufus for his fascinating talk, and for his part in a very enjoyable evening at our gallery.
london@sworder.co.uk | 020 3971 2500
Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers | 15 Cecil Court | London | WC2N 4EZ
On Thursday 11 June we were thrilled to host a talk given by the incomparable Rufus Bird, staged at our London Gallery in Cecil Court.
3 July 2026
We are delighted to introduce The Simon Hilton Collection, a highly personal and wide-ranging sale taking place on Monday 27 July, at 10am.
We are thrilled to announce Madge Gill: The Arcana Drawings, a selling exhibition held at our London Gallery; open weekdays from Tuesday 21 - Friday 31 July.