Paul died on July 24, 2018.
His widow Hélène has written the following tribute for ATG:
‘Unique and extraordinary’
Paul was a unique and extraordinary man who had a huge impact on everyone in his life.
His love of art played a huge part in his life and his career at Christie’s, Dreweatts and later as an art consultant brought him much joy and fulfilment.
Paul joined Debenham & Coe in his teens and became a ceramics specialist at Christie’s South Kensington (CSK). He was an important part of the team, instrumental in creating valuation days all over the country, which helped to sow the seeds for the ever-popular BBC Antiques Roadshow.
By 1990 he had worked his way up to Managing Director of CSK, a role he cherished, at the tender age of 33. Under his guidance and initiative, and working with colleagues to create new sale categories, the firm went from strength to strength.
After Paul left Christie’s in 2003, his business acumen was invaluable to all those he came across in his subsequent career. His enthusiasm for art led him to work on projects involving street artists, valuations of large collections and the creation of new technologies to improve the auction process, to name a few. He also worked with his brother who owns pubs in Southend-on-Sea, where Paul grew up.
Paul’s integrity and the respect and friendship he inspired were unparalleled.
When not working, he loved nothing more than to spend time with his family and friends, delving into history, discovering quiet corners of the countryside and studying the intricacies of various buildings to fulfil his love of architecture as well as occasionally riding his motorbike! Fostering was also a major achievement of his life he was too modest to talk about. Paul was a valued member of the Upholders Livery Company.
Paul is hugely missed. He was honest, kind, funny, loyal and brave and the void he has left is a testament to the love he inspired.
(For further information on the memorial service please contact Hélène at hbarthaud@gmail.com)
