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HARRIET DRUMMOND & ASSOCIATES
Harriet Drummond in New York with JMW Turner’s The Lungernsee by Moonlight, Switzerland, c.1848, at the pre-sale exhibition of 'Visionary: The Paul G. Allen Collection', sold Christie’s, New York, November 2022 ($4.62 million).
Harriet Drummond, internationally recognised art specialist in 18th- and 19th-century British drawings and watercolours, offers independent, confidential advice for private collectors, curators, buyers and sellers.
Her expertise spans the poetic landscapes of Gainsborough, Constable and Turner to the captivating figures of the Pre-Raphaelites, and into the 20th century.
ABOUT
Nearly four decades at Christie’s has provided Harriet with expertise and a deep knowledge of her subject, also enabling her to develop close relationships with the leading British Art experts in academic, institutional and commercial markets.
A postgraduate course in Connoisseurship at Christie’s Fine Arts Education followed graduation from Durham University. In 1986 she joined the British Drawings and Watercolours Department at Christie’s, King Street. In 1997 she was promoted to Head of Department, then becoming a Director and Senior Director. In 2009 Harriet became International Head of Department with overall responsibility for sales in London and New York.
Under Harriet’s leadership, Christie’s achieved many significant auction records including JMW Turner’s The Blue Rigi: Lake of Lucerne – Sunrise (1842) for £5.8 million in 2006 and Edward Coley Burne-Jones’ Love Among the Ruins (1872–73) for £14.8 million in 2013. These landmark sales remain the highest auction prices realised for works on paper by two of Britain’s most celebrated painters.
During her tenure, additional world records were established for drawings and watercolours by prominent British artists including John Constable, Henry Fuseli, Thomas Gainsborough, Edward Lear, John Martin, Samuel Palmer, Thomas Rowlandson, Dante Gabriel Rossetti and his pupil and muse Marie Stillman.
In addition to regular sales, Harriet was also instrumental in organising the sale of major single-owner collections for private clients and leading London art dealers: from ‘Andrew Wyld: Connoisseur Dealer’ to ‘The Joe Setton Collection: from Pre-Raphaelites to Last Romantics’.
Harriet is an active committee member of both The Turner Society and The Fine Art Provident Institution.
SERVICES
Harriet offers impartial advice to private collectors and institutions on buying and selling individual works of art or entire collections.
Harriet Drummond in Hong Kong with Edward Coley Burne-Jones' Love Among the Ruins, 1872–73, at the pre-sale exhibition of 'Important Victorian and British Impressionist Art', sold Christie’s, London, July 2013 (£14.8 million).
Supporting Collectors and Curators to Buy and Sell
Drawing upon her network of specialist galleries, contacts in the international auction market and institutions, Harriet works with clients to achieve the best outcome. She can advise on the most appropriate platforms for selling – whether through private transactions or auctions – and negotiate the best financial terms and marketing strategy.
Heritage and Taxation Advice
Utilising the knowledge and experience of a close network of heritage and taxation specialists, Harriet can provide objective advice regarding the transfer and conveyance of works of art, negotiated sales in lieu of tax (AiL) and private treaty sales to UK institutions.
Valuations
Offering her knowledge of the market and her expertise, Harriet provides valuations for sales, insurance or probate.
Loans to Institutions
Advice can be provided about loans to museums and galleries. Services include securing insurance and shipping.
Conservation and Presentation
Harriet has considerable experience in dealing with conservation and presentation. She works with trusted conservators and framers to advise on condition, mounting and framing.
TESTIMONIALS
‘During her time as Head of the British Drawings and Watercolours Department at Christie's, Harriet has been an enormous help to me and the clients I advise, providing invaluable independent advice, assisting with all the often mundane aspects of buying at auction (expeditiously and with great good cheer), and even sourcing wonderful drawings and watercolours from obscure private collections that I could not have found otherwise. She is also great fun to work with!’
Ann Guite
‘I have dealt with Harriet for 25 years. Her knowledge of, and expertise in, British Art on Paper is unsurpassed. I have always found her willing to go the extra mile in assisting and advising me. I can recommend her with the greatest enthusiasm.’
Jeffrey Gruder, KC
‘Harriet is an absolute pleasure to work with, and we have unwavering confidence in her judgment and expertise. Her invaluable insights and extensive knowledge of British drawings and watercolours have greatly deepened our understanding and enjoyment of these remarkable works of art. Thanks to her exceptional connections with experts and collectors, Harriet brings a comprehensive perspective on the history and narrative behind various pieces, placing them in a broader context that has been incredibly beneficial. Her discerning eye and thoughtful recommendations have been instrumental in helping us enhance and refine different aspects of our collection in meaningful ways. We look forward to continuing our relationship!’
Connie Simmons and Jim Krugman
‘Harriet’s expertise in 18th- and 19th-century British drawings and watercolours is unparalleled and her in-depth knowledge of both the art and the market is well recognised. In our most recent matter, she brought her usual pragmatism and humour. No stone is left unturned in an effort to see all parties content.’
Angharad Start
‘Harriet’s expert knowledge of the workings of the art world helped us to understand the complexities of bringing a work of art to auction and the options available to us. This was most apparent when it came to negotiating best terms for sale and understanding how a guarantee works at auction. Her attention to detail, quick responses and calm professionalism made all the difference to what could otherwise have been a very stressful experience. Harriet’s support and advice has also been invaluable for managing probate and understanding the system for offering art in lieu of tax.’
James and Oriana Tickell
PRESS
For The Blue Rigi: Lake of Lucerne – Sunrise
www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1520438/Turner-watercolour-fetches-record-5.8m.html
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/artblog/2007/mar/02/whydidwepullonournationa
For Love Among the Ruins
www.apollo-magazine.com/there-is-enduring-interest-in-the-stories-of-the-pre-raphaelites
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2013/apr/03/edward-burne-jones-auction
Edward Coley Burne-Jones (1833–98), Love Among the Ruins, 1872–73. Watercolour, bodycolour and gum arabic on paper. Private Collection. Sold ‘Important Victorian and British Impressionist Art’, Christie’s, July 2013 (£14.8 million). Photo © Christie’s Images/Bridgeman Images.
JMW Turner (1775–1851), The Blue Rigi: Lake of Lucerne – Sunrise, 1842. Watercolour on paper. Tate Britain, London. Sold ‘British Art on Paper’, Christie’s, June 2006 (£5.8 million). Photo © Agnew’s/Bridgeman Images.