What I’ve learned: James Gandia, Lead Art Handler at Christie’s in New York

I got my job at Christie’s in 1999. At the time I was a supervisor for a company that used to install carpets and other things in Christie’s galleries, I started making suggestions of what their team could do differently. The manager called me upstairs and asked if I wanted to work for the auction house as an assistant supervisor. He talked me through the job and the job’s benefits, which were worth a lot to me as a single parent with three kids. Eventually I said, ‘You want me to take the job? Give me a red Ferrari and I’ll think about it.’

Flash forward two days later, I was officially working for Christie’s, and he came into the galleries and brought me a small Matchbox Ferrari. I still laugh about it.

You really learn on the job. As soon as I started, I got a crash course on the Christie’s way. I had to learn by doing, everything from the standard measurements for hanging to what the right height is for paintings on a wall. Even when I train people now, I tell them: ‘I’m going to teach you how I do this, but you might figure out an easier way for you.’

You have to ask questions, and there’s always someone who can help you out and give you an answer.

One of the first exhibitions I worked on was Marilyn Monroe’s personal collection. A highlight of the sale was the dress she wore to sing Happy Birthday to President John F. Kennedy. Every night we had to take it off the mannequin and put it in a special climate-controlled room because of the delicate fabric.

The Marilyn sale also was also memorable because the people who came to the viewing really knew about her. They were so happy, and you could see the excitement on everyone’s faces. It makes you feel good to be part of something like that.

I never in my life thought I would get to be close to some of the things we sell. Let alone hold or hang them. I really enjoy that, because in a way it becomes my history. And my history becomes part of the property’s history. You say to your kids, ‘Hey, I was the one that put that up there.’ Or when I took my grandson in to look at the T. Rex that was sold here in 2020, he was blown away. If I could take one thing home, that would be it. I’m 67 years old and still a little kid at heart. Those are the moments that keep me coming back.

The work I most enjoyed handling was Da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi. When looking at that painting you could almost hear voices singing. Especially when you learn how old it is and what it means. Like, was this the face of God? The line to get into the galleries went down the block and around the corner. Seeing the expressions on the people who came in felt great, like a divine purpose.

Every day is different. You walk through the same doors, but there’s always something different inside. Each morning our supervisor walks us through what’s going to happen that day. It could be new pieces arriving or a photoshoot or a client visit. That first meeting in the morning motivates everyone. It prepares us for what’s ahead.

And each piece requires a different approach. You have to look closely at the property before handling it. We work with objects that have been around for centuries or have been hanging in one place for a very long time. Something like a Calder mobile can be very challenging to mount on a 15-foot ceiling. You’re up on the [motorized] lift and can’t let it touch anything, but the mobile wants to spin!

There are also different rules for different objects. We always wear gloves, but with some you can’t wear latex, others you can’t wear cotton. We always work closely with the specialist departments, because they know the property best. But no matter what, I treat everything like it’s mine. Regardless of value, we treat every work with the same great care.

We’re family here. There are more than 50 art handlers, and they know they can always call me with anything. If someone’s really busy, there are always people who will step in and help. We spend a lot of time together. Before some auctions we’re here for 12 hours a day, together for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I feel super lucky in the sense that the people I’ve worked with are the nicest. I couldn’t ask for better. I’ve been here for 26 years, I’ve seen people have kids and then seen their kids grow up. You become a family, and that’s what keeps me coming back.