LONDON.- Bonhams has appointed Patrick Becks as its new Picture Specialist in Amsterdam.

Patrick Becks, an independent Art Consultant, has worked previously for Sotheby’s in Amsterdam for 10 years as a Senior Specialist for European Paintings and International Business Getter, Auctioneer. He has also worked in Canada and Belgium, where he was responsible for the sale of property from the Belgian Royal Family, and has worked very successfully in Germany and England.

In 2005 he was the Senior Specialist for European Paintings for the Sale of the Royal House of Hanover at the castle Marienburg near Hanover. He was therefore involved in one of the most significant (ten day long) sales in continental Europe which included property from no fewer than five English kings and which realised over 45 million Euros.

While based in Amsterdam for Sotheby’s he managed regular sales of paintings.

He studied Law and Public Administration at the University of Leiden, The Netherlands. He is also an alumnus of the University of Manchester, (Sotheby’s Institute), where he studied Art History. He speaks four languages, English, German, French and his native Dutch.

Besides his passion for European paintings and antiques Patrick maintains a keen interest in golf, equestrian sports, field hockey and travelling.

Caroline Oliphant, Head of Pictures for Bonhams in Europe, commenting on Patrick’s appointment, says: “We are delighted that Patrick Becks is joining our operation in Amsterdam. He will undoubtedly bring great expertise, superb connections across Europe and a deep understanding of how best to market pictures and sales internationally. He will be an immense asset to Bonhams.”