James joined Martel Maides Auctions as a Director in January 2010, after two years acting as a consultant for the firm. He has over fifteen years of experience within the international auctioneering and antiques field, joining Bonhams after leaving Oxford University in 1993 and progressing to Sothebys in 1998, heading the Toy Department at both firms. This period was followed by six years as an independent antiques dealer with outlets in the UK, USA and online, specialising in collectable toys and antique furniture. In addition to auction valuations and cataloguing, he is responsible for Martel Maides Auctions' formal valuation services for Insurance, Probate and Family Division and is enjoying broadening his knowledge to include specialist fields such as Channel Islands silver and paintings.
