Valuations, Appraisals and Professional Advisor Services

Tash Perrin currently serves as Deputy Chairman at Christie’s International, where she holds a crucial role in guiding estate, institutional, and private clients through significant sales worldwide. Prior to this position, Ms. Perrin held the role of Senior Vice President and Senior Director of Trusts, Estates & Wealth Management Services at Christie’s, overseeing the Estates, Appraisals & Valuations department and managing valuations across Christie’s Americas. Since 2007, Ms. Perrin has represented Christie's at trusts and estates/family office conferences across the United States.
Her career at Christie’s has encompassed various roles across the globe, including New York, Dubai, and London, where she served as a director of Business Development for seven years. In London, she played a pivotal role in organizing Christie’s first sales in Dubai and led the Client Advisory department through major auctions. With a career spanning sales across three continents since 1998, Tash Perrin has established herself as one of the leading auctioneers at Christie’s. She conducted her first evening sale, The Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller, in 2018, which achieved a total of $106.9 million. In 2016, she was appointed co-head of Christie’s Auctioneering program, overseeing the management and training for auctioneers worldwide.
Outside of her Christie’s duties, Ms. Perrin has conducted over 60 high-profile charity auctions globally. In addition to her professional engagements, Ms. Perrin is actively involved in various organizations. She serves as Co-Chair of the American Bar Association’s Art and Collectibles Committee, is a member of the Professional Advisory Committee of the New York Historical Society, and has held the position of co-vice president of the Board of Directors for Tom Gold Dance in New York. In 2024, Ms. Perrin was honored as Woman of the Year for Leadership at the highest level, earning gold at Citywealth’s Powerwomen Awards, USA. Ms. Perrin holds a BA Honors degree in Art History from Queen's University, Kingston, Canada, and completed Christie's Education Modern & Contemporary Art Course in New York.

Joanna Ostrem is Managing Director, Head of Business Development and oversees coverage of the entire Trust and Estates community for the Americas. She leads the efforts in bringing important collections to market for sale and assists private clients and advisors through auction, private sales and appraisal services. Joanna is a strong advocate for her clients and always ensures a seamless experience.
Since joining Christie’s, Joanna has played an integral role in securing and overseeing notable consignments including The Collection of Mrs. Sidney F. Brody in 2010, which achieved the highest total for a single-owner sale offered at Christie’s New York at the time. The sale featured Picasso’s masterpiece Nude, Green Leaves and Bust, which sold for a record $106.5M and broke the previous world record for any work of art sold at auction. Joanna has since managed the sale of The Collection of The Metropolitan Opera Guild, The Collection of Harry W. and Mary Margaret Anderson, Lacquer • Jade • Bronze • Ink: The Irving Collection, and Thirtyfive Works by Ed Ruscha From The Clarke Collection. She has also overseen the appraisal process and the sale of property from many notable artists’ estates and their families. In May 2022, Joanna led the team handling the collection sale of The Surrealist World of Rosalind Gersten Jacobs and Melvin Jacobs, which set numerous new artist records, including the top lot of collection, Man Ray’s iconic masterpiece Le Violon d’Ingres, selling for $12.4M and setting a new record price for a photograph. Prior to her current role, Joanna was Senior Vice President, Senior Director in the Chairman’s Office for over six years. Joanna has over nineteen years of experience in the auction business. She serves as a board member and Chair of the Development Committee for Young Concert Artists and is a member of the Planned Giving Advisory Council of the New York Historical Society.
Prior to joining Christie’s, she worked for four years at a French auction house. Ms. Ostrem graduated with honors from Bowdoin College and has an M.A. in French from Middlebury College. Joanna, alongside her co-host Joey Quigley, recently launched Fair Market Value: Christie’s Art Market Insights Podcast, available anywhere podcasts are streamed.

Sarah Vandeweerdt is Co-Head of the Trusts, Estates & Appraisals department and the Director, President and Chairman of Christie’s Appraisals Inc. In this role, Mrs. Vandeweerdt oversees and drives strategy for Christie’s Appraisal Services in the Americas with longstanding experience and in-depth knowledge of appraisal legalities. She works closely with her colleagues in both the specialist and legal departments to ensure the highest standards of integrity and quality of the valuations that we produce. Mrs. Vandeweerdt has over 25 years in the auction industry.
She joined Christie’s in 2000 as a senior account manager in the Estates, Appraisals and Valuations department and was appointed a Senior Vice President in 2008. Mrs. Vandeweerdt has been instrumental in the successful appraisal and sale of several important estates at Christie’s including the David and Peggy Rockefeller collection, the highest auction sale total for a single-owner sale and the most significant charity auction ever staged. In addition she was a key contributor to the sales of the Hillman Family Collection and the Estate of Alice Lawrence.
She received a bachelor’s degree in art history at The Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. and a master’s degree in fine and decorative arts from the Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London. She has successfully completed the coursework and examination in the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice and is a Friend of the Appraiser’s Association of America.

Mr. Zick joined Christie’s in 2004, after six years with the San Francisco-based auctioneer Bonhams & Butterfields. Steven and his colleagues in the Chicago regional office cover a thirteen-state area and work with estate fiduciaries, private collectors, museums and dealers coordinating appraisals and securing property for auctions held in New York, London, Paris and a host of other international sales sites. Steven is also a charity auctioneer and lectures on art and appraisal-related topics nationwide.
Prior to joining the auction world, Steven was a lawyer with 14 years’ experience, most recently with the Attorney General of Illinois. Specializing in federal habeas corpus and criminal appeals, he practiced in every court, from the circuit courts of Illinois to the Supreme Court of the United States. Board memberships have included the Museum Council of the Museum of Contemporary Photography, the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum and the Junior Board of Heartland Alliance. He also served on the Gala and Acquisitions Committees of the Society for Contemporary Art at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Board of Governors of the English Speaking Union. He is currently a board member of the Irish Georgian Society and is a member of the Chicago Estate Planning Council, and serves on ‘Emerge,’ an acquisition committee for the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago.

Caroline Kelly is a Senior Vice President and Senior Account Manager in the Trusts, Estates & Appraisals department. Ms. Kelly began her career at Christie’s in 2006 in the Old Master Paintings department before joining the Trusts, Estates & Appraisals department in 2008. She has been an Account Manager in the department since 2011. Her responsibilities include managing multi-category appraisals and consignments of top clients’ art collections, in addition to driving business development with professional advisors in the legal and financial communities in the Midwest, Dallas and the New York tri-state area. Ms. Kelly has been instrumental in organizing the sale of a number of important private collections, including the Miles and Shirley Fiterman Collection (2015-2016), the Private Collection of Joan Rivers (2016), and the $71 million world record sale of Constantin Brancusi’s La jeune fille sophistiquée (Portrait de Nancy Cunard), a piece from the Collection of Elizabeth Stafford, in May 2018. She was a key member of the team responsible for the consignment of The Collection of Anne H. Bass in May 2022. A native of Kansas City, Ms. Kelly holds a B.A. magna cum laude in the History of Art & Architecture from Middlebury College.

Joey Quigley is a Senior Vice President in Christie’s Trusts, Estates & Appraisals department, where he drives business development with professional advisors in the legal and financial communities in the New York Tri-State, South, and Southeast regions. Joey also manages appraisals and consignments across all categories of art. As a main point-of-contact for both private and museum clients, Joey works with Christie’s colleagues in specialist departments to the Chairman’s office, the Commercial office, the Proposals department, as well as all logistical teams to ensure a seamless client experience. Recent sale highlights include Visionary: The Paul G. Allen Collection (the most valuable collection ever sold), Property from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and Select Works from Frank Stella’s Personal Collection. Joey received a Master of Arts degree from Christie’s Education in 2015 and a Master of Music degree from Rice University in 2009.
Before joining the art world, Joey was a classically trained singer and the Managing Director of Seraphic Fire, a Grammy-nominated chamber music ensemble based in Miami, Florida. His national and international performing highlights include roles in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, Bernstein’s Candide, Puccini’s Tosca, Britten’s Albert Herring, and Monteverdi’s Vespro della Beata Vergine. Alongside his co-host, Joanna Ostrem, Joey recently launched Fair Market Value: Christie’s Art Market Insights Podcast, available anywhere podcasts are streamed.

Savannah Orsak is a Business Development Coordinator for the Trusts, Estates & Appraisals department. In her role, she supports the Co-Head of Department, Business Development Director, and Business Development Manager, actively pursue business getting opportunities, client cultivation and business development efforts. She assists in coordinating appraisal and consignments, as well as providing support for the department’s client engagement opportunities, including events, panels, speaking engagements, sponsorships, and partnerships.
Savannah joined Christie’s in 2022 as an intern in the Handbags & Accessories and Wine departments, where she supported sale coordinators with their department’s logistical and administrative needs. Additionally, she assisted specialists in cataloging online sales, including The Collection of André Leon Talley.
She holds a B.A. from William & Mary receiving interdisciplinary honors from the department of Art & Art History. Savannah studied Design & Merchandising where she also conducted independent research in textile science at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Prior to joining Christie’s, Savannah worked as an assistant in a costume shop.

As Head of Business Development, Zita builds relationships with vendors and advisors, identifying and driving multi-category proposals, pitches and collection sales for EMEA. She oversees Valuations and Private & Iconic Collections, creating and leading opportunities from valuation through to auction or private sale.

Zita joined Christie’s in 2007 following an MA in Classics at Trinity College, Oxford University and an MA at the Courtauld Institute of Art. Zita has played an integral role in securing and overseeing notable consignments including The George Michael Collection (2019), The Roger Federer Collection (2021), The Pattie Boyd Collection (2024), Vivienne Westwood: The Personal Collection (2024), The Mary and Alan Hobart Collection (2024), Jeff Beck: The Guitar Collection (2025) and Barry Humphries: The Personal Collection (2025).

Tom Legh is the Head of the Estates, Appraisals & Valuations department in the UK. Highly efficient and organised, Tom has considerable experience assisting clients and professional advisors in navigating the complex technical issues which arise in the international art market and particularly in the UK, where his focus is on advising landed estates on collection management and planning for the future.

Tom joined Christie's in 2008, having graduated with first class honours in History of Art from the University of Edinburgh and completing further legal training. After two years in the Christie’s Legal & Risk department, Tom moved to advising clients on valuations, collection management and devising the optimal strategies for selling collections and individual works of art at auction, privately or to the nation. Whilst some of Tom’s successes such as negotiations in lieu of tax at Audley End or sales from Harewood House or Longleat are in the public domain, much of his advice has ensured many clients have been able to plan discreetly. Tom's proficiency in anticipating and addressing the wide-ranging needs of clients has led him to become a trusted advisor to many.

Tom is a member of STEP and is a qualified Trust and Estate Practitioner which has enabled him to have a particular focus on the unique challenges faced by UK heritage clients, including navigating conditional exemption claims, offers in lieu, and other intricate tax planning exercises. His deep understanding of these issues allows him to provide tailored advice and solutions that meet the specific requirements of his clients.

Since 2022 Tom has led the UK valuations team, which focuses on undertaking international multi-category valuations with the aim of bringing the greatest works of art and collections to market and ensuring that Christie's remains at the forefront of the art and luxury market.

Miriam Winson-Alio is a Director and Senior Account Manager in London. Miriam joined Christie’s in the Old Masters & 19th Century Art department in 2010, where she played a pivotal role co-ordinating some of the most successful auctions to date. In 2012 she joined Estates, Appraisals & Valuations and has since managed complex multi-category projects globally. Prior to joining Christie’s, she had a successful career in Trade-Finance and was based in Switzerland. Holding a BBA, Postgraduate in Art History from Cambridge University and M.Litt. from Glasgow University, her languages and international professional experience bring wider knowledge and a broader perspective to the team.

Georgie is a Director and Account Manager in London. Georgie joined the Christie's Heritage and Taxation Advisory Service in 2010, before becoming an Account Manager in the Estates, Appraisals & Valuations department in 2014. Georgie works with a diverse range of private clients, trusts, and estates on issues relating to the valuation of works of art and collection management. She has a particular interest in the issues facing UK heritage clients including the preparation of complex valuations for probate, negotiated sales to the nation in lieu of tax, and conditional exemption claims. Georgie has extensive experience in managing valuations of works of art in the UK and worldwide for sale at auction, private sale, and negotiated sales to museums across the UK. Georgie holds a BA (Hons) in History of Art from the Courtauld Institute of Art and is a qualified member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP).

David Ratcliffe joined Christie’s in 2015 and is an Associate Director and Account Manager based in London. Originally joining as part of the Communications Team, David moved on to work in various specialist departments, including Islamic & Indian Art, Rugs & Carpets, South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art, Science & Natural History and Books & Manuscripts. Having joined the Estates, Appraisals & Valuations department in 2022, David manages both UK and international valuations in preparation for auction with a particular focus on the Middle East. David has extensive experience managing the complex requirements of international clients and is versed in project management spanning various countries and jurisdictions.

Cecilia joined Christie’s in 2016 and is an Associated Director and Account Manager in London. Prior to her current role in the Estates, Appraisals and Valuations department, Cecilia worked as a specialist for Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, gaining international experience at Christie’s London, New York and Hong Kong. Cecilia has managed and overseen important single-owner auctions, including Masterpieces of Early Chinese Gold and Silver (New York 2019) and Classical Chinese Furniture from the Tseng Collection (Hong Kong 2022). Holding a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in East Asian Art history from the University of Heidelberg, Cecilia gained profound experience in German auction houses before joining Christie’s London. Her vast experience and in-depth knowledge of the international auction market allow her to anticipate global market trends and support clients navigating today’s fast-paced auction world. Bilingual in Chinese and German, Cecilia oversees complex estate collections in the UK and continental Europe with a particular focus on clients from the DACH region.

Liz Lewis joined the Estates, Appraisals & Valuations department at Christie’s in 2019, having previously worked at Sotheby’s Institute of Art and at a commercial gallery in London. Liz is experienced in handling large scale valuations and consignment projects both within the UK and internationally. Liz regularly works with estates and professional advisors on valuations for taxation purposes, as well as for insurance, sale and planning requirements. Liz is well versed in preparing valuations which span all categories of collecting. In September 2023, Liz coordinated the valuation and consignment of an extensive corporate collection, involving complex shipping logistics across Europe. Featuring pieces by Warhol, Picasso and Hockney, the works were sold across various Christie’s sales in London and Paris, achieving a seven-figure total and a 100% sell through rate. In April 2024, Liz managed the valuation and collection sale for Le Gavroche, the illustrious restaurant in Mayfair which closed its doors after 57 years. The sale surpassed all expectations achieving £2,269,276 including buyer’s premium across 772 lots, with a 100% sell through rate. Liz holds a first class Bachelor's degree in Visual Culture from the University of Brighton and a first class Masters degree in History of Art from the University of York.

Prior to joining Christie’s, Ruth Cornett worked as a tax adviser in a number of professional firms in the City and the West End of London. After training as an art historian and working as a curator in the V&A, Ruth changed careers in 1992, studying law and qualifying as a Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) in 1998. Ruth has advised a broad spectrum of clients on a range of tax matters with a particular emphasis on capital gains tax, inheritance tax and income tax. To consolidate her expertise in these areas, Ruth qualified as a Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) in 2008. Ruth lectures frequently for Christie’s Education and STEP on tax and heritage matters, has contributed to leading publications in this field and sits as an observer on the Tax and Political Committee of Historic Houses (HH).

Luisa joined Christie’s in 2012 after obtaining a BA in Italian and History of Art from the University of Reading and holding positions at The Royal Collection Trust and The National Gallery. She was appointed Associate Director in 2021 and recently qualified as a Chartered Tax Advisor (CTA), specialising in the Taxation of Individuals and Inheritance Tax, Trusts and Estates. Luisa has worked on a number of Offers in Lieu and Conditional Exemption claims for UK Estates, across multiple artistic specialities. She also provides a range of clients with advice on the tax issues surrounding the acquisition, disposal and inheritance of works of art.