Colnaghi has this week announced the appointment of Chloe Stead to the role of Senior Global Director. She will be based at Colnaghi’s London gallery at 26 Bury Street.

Formerly an Old Master Specialist, Director in Sotheby’s Old Master department, where she worked for 11 years. Alongside running their biannual day sale, Stead was instrumental in introducing many innovations at the auction house, including its Old Master ‘Friday Late’ events that opened up the galleries on New Bond Street to all, and curated an evening of academic lectures in between cocktails and DJs. She also co-curated an exhibition of paintings that included works by Rubens and Cranach with the fashion designer Victoria Beckham at her Mayfair boutique.

Says Colnaghi Director, Jorge Coll: ‘Chloe brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the gallery, and we are thrilled that she is joining us at what is a very exciting moment in Colnaghi’s history. Her scholarly approach and ability to work with clients, as well as museums and institutions, make her a perfect fit for the gallery, and I am very much looking forward to working with her.’

Stead began her career at Sotheby’s aged twenty-two after studying Art History at Birmingham University. She completed her Masters in History of Art at Birkbeck, University of London, with a thesis focused on the patronage and collection of Italian art in 17th century England. Her experience ranges across many schools, particularly Early Netherlandish and Italian pictures. Her role within the Old Master department saw her driving Sotheby’s increasing sale activity via its day, mid-season and online sales, as well as sourcing and researching its major biannual Old Master auctions in London.

In advance of Sotheby’s Old Masters sale in 2018, she worked closely with Victoria Beckham to curate an exhibition of the designer’s favourite works from the auction at her Dover Street store alongside her pre-Autumn 2018 collection. She has also worked as an auctioneer for a number of sales, including becoming the auction house’s first female Old Master specialist to conduct sales in that category. She auctioneered for the Old Master day and midseason sales and various single owner collection sales.

Stead says: ‘I am delighted to be joining Colnaghi and look forward to contributing to its success as the world’s pre-eminent Old Master gallery. I am full of admiration for Jorge’s approach, and am looking forward to working closely with collectors and museums around the world and helping develop the business.’