Monday Muse

Interview: President of Christie’s Europe, Middle East and Africa, Anthea Peers

Interview

Anthea Peers

26 January 2026

Interview

Anthea Peers

26 January 2026

Anthea Peers started at Christie’s in 2006, when she joined the team as an administrator – listening, and following her razor sharp instincts, has seen her rise, as she explains in this interview, to her current position as President, Christie’s Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), a position she took up in 2022. In twenty years at Christie’s, Peers has held various roles, including Global Managing Director of Private Sales an area of the business which saw its best year to date in 2021, leading the market with $1.7B in private sales, under her watch. She was also Client Strategy Director for the Classic Art Group and led plans for the then new Classic Week series of sales, now a regular auction fixture globally at Christie’s. She has worked across diverse departments at Christie’s, honing an exceptionally holistic view of the art market, combining her organisational skills with business acumen. She spends her days working with some of the most valuable and precious art pieces in the world, but her Mondays usually start with a humble cup of Darjeeling, no matter where she is in the world. Here she tells The Wick how she made it to where she is, the current state of the art market, and what she predicts for the future of auction houses.

THE WICK: What does your typical Monday look like?

ANTHEA PEERS: Monday morning will always start with our team meetings – this is a non-negotiable – although I physically could be anywhere in EMEA. I am lucky to travel within the region every week so Monday could start in the UK, Europe, the Middle East or Africa. No matter where I am, the day begins with the first of a million cups of Darjeeling tea, also non-negotiable.

One of the greatest gifts of working at Christie’s is my colleagues. We are here because we share a passion for the arts and because we chose to do something we love. This makes for a superb team dynamic, full of joy and fun. For the rest of the day I will be seeing clients, making visits, and seeing beautiful, unique objects. With every step I learn and am inspired by something new.

TW: The global art market is becoming ever more multipolar, shifting rapidly in response to geopolitical changes. As President of Christie’s EMEA what shifts are you seeing as a result?

AP: I have witnessed many changes during my time at Christie’s, each leading to another shift and another evolution down the line. We must constantly listen, be thoughtful, and be agile.

As we enter our 260th year I am grateful that Christie’s is a global business, well used to adapting successfully to the headwinds impacting the global economy. The art market is resilient and the one aspect which remains constant is the fact that collecting is about passion – a love for the piece you are purchasing. The emotional connection that an artwork invokes is fundamental and goes far beyond geography.

TW: We are witnessing a generational transfer of wealth, fostering a younger demographic of art and luxury buyer. Which changes are you seeing in collectors and collecting habits?

AP: It is exciting to see such a passionate and determined new demographic of clients emerging. The new collector has strong views on what he/she/they want to collect and what they want from us – I love it. Tastes in younger buyers are shifting towards luxury and contemporary art, although there is also great curiosity about more classical art forms. The next generation are thirsty to learn. They also, rightly, hold us accountable for how we operate. Sustainability, Equity and Diversity are fundamental to our strategy and our internal values. We want to be the best, but even more so to get there in the right way.

TW: Technology and AI is revolutionising the world. In 2080 what will be the one biggest change you think we will see in auction houses?

AP: The auction business is constantly evolving and embracing new tools to innovate. AI is no exception, and we already see the value it is adding. We already use advanced algorithms in different parts of our business to the benefit of our clients and are exploring ways in which these solutions can enhance communications and our productivity. For example an ever better way of helping to ‘match’ a work with a client is round the corner aided by technology. Our Christie’s Ventures division invests in businesses operating in this area (17 investments since its launch) with the majority already being used to the benefit of our business and our clients. By 2080 the technology we see emerging now will be normalised. Whatever else has happened in between, collecting art will still come down to passion, knowledge and trust.

The Wick Culture - Interview: President of Christie's Europe, Middle East and Africa, Anthea Peers

The Wick Culture - Michael Smith evening at Christie’s.

“By 2080 the technology we see emerging now will be normalised. Whatever else has happened in between, collecting art will still come down to passion, knowledge and trust.”

TW: What are you most excited about for the year ahead at Christie’s?

AP: I am excited to see the market build on the success of last year. Across the globe we saw increasing signs of market confidence, culminating a terrific set of sales in October, November and December. I was very proud that right here in London we set record after record across the variety of markets we offer. We enter 2026 full of energy and hope for what is to come. We have already announced some strong consignments for March, with more under wraps. Most of all, I look forward to working with my colleagues to do justice to the trust our clients so generously put in us. Whatever comes, we will climb together, and celebrate every moment.

TW: You are on the advisory board for the UK-India Creative Council (UK ICC): how do you see the relationship between the U.K and India shifting with the trade agreement and how will this impact the cultural exchange and art market conversation?

AP: Strong cultural exchange is a robust economic driver – I am excited to see how this will increase even further the visibility of both nations; creative talents globally. As with any such agreement, the resulting collaboration, together with the potential for increased institutional partnerships (including museums and galleries) will boost the trade and exhibition of both contemporary and traditional art.

TW: What is your favourite artwork or object in your own personal collection and why?

AP: In my office and at home I always have a print of Turner’s Snow Storm – Steam-Boat off a Harbour’s Mouth (Tate Britain). Turner claimed to have strapped himself to the mast of a ship for 4 hours in order to depict the weather as accurately as possible. The painting shows crashing waves creating a terrifying chaos. In the distance, you see the tiny light of the boat ahead, a tiny ray of hope in the storm. For me, it is the daily reminder to look for the light.

TW: What is your favourite culturally curious spot in London to spend time on a day off?

AP: I am grateful every day for the many cultural wonders of London. From art, to music, to theatre, we are very blessed to be surrounded by such talent. I was blown away when I visited the newly opened “V&A East Storehouse” last summer. It is fantastic. For me, it stands for everything I love about this city’s culture – rich history, world beating creativity, and a drive to keep looking forward. All of this open to the public every day for free.

TW: You started your career as an administrator at Christie’s, and over the course of two decades you have climbed the ladder and are now the prestigious role of President of Christie’s EMEA. What is your top piece of career advice for those looking to lead in culture?

AP: I am so grateful for the many opportunities Christie’s has given me. I am only here because my colleagues have taught me and believed in me. It is my job to do the same for the next generation. My advice is to work hard, take the tough jobs, be flexible, trust your instinct, and always look forward. If you can only do one thing in a day make it be to listen. The answers are always out there if you are listening hard enough.

TW: What is your chosen fashion brand to wear for the next big auction?

AP: I have historically been a fashion no man’s land. Many friends have tried to save me from black with limited success. Hope may have landed in the form of Kathryn Sargeant who kindly took charge last year and hand created me the most beautiful suit I have ever seen. I can’t leave the house without it.

TW: On your desert island, what is the human, artwork and song you will be taking?

TW: Well, firstly, let me just clarify that my desert island would need flowing tea, hot showers and a Dyson hairdryer. I’m not one for roughing it. In addition, I would take a copy of Banky’s “Game Changer”, which was sold for £16.7m to benefit the NHS in 2021. It now hangs in Great Ormond Street Hospital. It reminds me of the great kindness that lies in people. My music would be Bach’s Goldberg Variations, played by my uncle, Peter Hill. My human would be the unit of my husband and children. I am at my happiest, my truest, pottering around with them. The noise stops and I remember where my heart will always lead.