ABOUT US

The Magellan Centre is a division of The Centre for Early Furniture and Art Ltd, and was inspired by the visions of furniture historians Louise Forster and the late Victor Chinnery, author of ‘Oak Furniture The British Tradition’. Victor's work at the initial stages of the business helped Louise to create the foundations of The Magellan Centre as we know it today, and his books and scholarly works in relation to early English furniture continue to provide important reference points for its experts.

Louise is a well-regarded furniture historian with extensive knowledge in relation to the impact of silk route trade on Western art. Louise studied fine art and art history at Newcastle and graduated in 1982. Having worked as an independent expert for over 30 years, building valuable private collections of early furniture and art for corporate and private clients, much of Louise’s work has involved finding, appraising and successfully purchasing, extremely rare items at auction at a national and international level. Louise is the senior director of The Magellan Centre.

Dr Philippe Smolarski is head of The Magellan Centre's Asian Arts department and brings to the team performance 25 years’ experience within the oriental market. Philippe is especially knowledgeable in art of the Steppes, Western Asiatic and Chinese archaeology, and received the title of Honorary Doctor of the Institute of History, from the Mongolian Academy of sciences. While working as the director of the Richard Liu Foundation, the European Institute of Chinese Studies in Brussels, between 1999 and 2006, he was engaged in the institute’s aim to forge connections between Europe and China in the areas of arts and culture. Philippe is French and speaks English, Chinese, and Russian.

The Magellan Centre ethos includes a commitment to ethical business and dynamic team work, and in relation to its team performance the experts at The Magellan Centre work fluidly which a small skilled team of young designers, systems operators and art handlers who are often available to help with clients practical and marketing requirements during site visits in relation to valuations.

Magellan team at Swinton Park over the last year, has made welcome Adam Schoon as one of its newest members. Adam is experienced in high-level valuation work, cataloguing, auction sales and more widely known for his long term work in relation to the BBC TV’s Antiques Road Show.

PHILOSOPHY

We are committed to conducting auction sales and valuations in a principled way, with care, sensitivity and on the basis of observing complete client confidentiality.

The Magellan Centre’s cataloguing reflects appreciation of culturally rich, historical objects from all around the world and our experts’ understanding of them. Also, where possible and in relation to selected lots, it explores how different artistic styles and cultures have influenced one another often as a result of exploration, war and commerce.

By the provision of ongoing research leading to our experts’ catalogue descriptions, we make contributions within our capacities as a relatively small team of professionals, which helps open up fascinating history to all.