About
We provide independent art advisory services, curate auctions and conduct valuations for private individuals, museums, corporate and institutional collections.
Who We Are
Sophie Churcher, Director
After graduating with a BA (Hons) in Art History from the University of Sussex, Sophie obtained a place on the Graduate Internship at Christie’s London in 2005. Following stints in the Print, Client Services and Design departments, Sophie settled into a full time role in Vintage Posters, which perfectly combined her passion for printmaking and graphic design. She was became Associate Director in 2012. Sophie has valued and catalogued many large public and private collections internationally, including The Wagons-Lits poster archive, The London Transport Museum poster collection and the Shell Heritage Art Collection. She has contributed to a number of academic publications on the subject of posters and notably wrote the entry on travel posters in the Thames and Hudson book Mid Century Modern Complete, a definitive guide to design of the period. A born and bred Londoner, she has a particular passion for London Underground posters, and her work on the 2012 Christie’s auction Posters with a Purpose: The London Transport Museum Sale was a career highlight.
She left Christie’s in 2016 and founded Tomkinson Churcher with Nicolette Tomkinson.
Nicolette Tomkinson, Director
Nicolette worked for Christie's in Scotland in 1993 whilst completing a MPhil in Decorative Arts at Glasgow University. After her Postgrad she moved to the Press Office at Christie's London and was made Director in 2006, working as Head of Department for Posters, Sporting Memorabilia & Popular Culture, acting as Christie's Media Spokesperson for her Specialist Departments. A passionate skier she launched the 'Ski Sale' in 1998 & contributed to 'The Art of Skiing' published in 2004. She was chosen by The London Transport Museum as a panelist to select the '100 Best Poster Designs' for their centenary exhibition. Her career highlight was as Head of Sale for two James Bond Charity Auctions for EON productions in 2012 & 2016, which together raised £4.2 Million for Charity. She left Christie's in 2016 to set up Tomkinson Churcher with Sophie Churcher.
Auctions
We curate auctions for Christie’s and have a successful partnership with Lyon and Turnbull. Sign up to our mailing list to hear more about forthcoming sales.
Upcoming Auctions
January 2024 – The Ski Sale @ Lyon and Turnbull
April 2024 – Travel and Vintage Posters @Lyon and Turnbull
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"Nicolette and Sophie have been instrumental in helping build up my poster collection over the last 20 yrs with skill and expertise coupled with charm and reliability. Together they are a “class act” helping to fill the walls of my country home with French and Swiss posters which have considerably increased in value and given my family never ending pleasure. My best posters from the 1920s/30s combine striking design with atmosphere, colour and nostalgia for a by-gone age."
UK based collector
Valuations and Appraisals
We provide valuations for private collectors, major institutions and international auction houses. Whilst our primary expertise is in posters and graphic design, we also conduct mixed category valuations using our team of specialists. Our vast experience of working for auction houses and collectors ensure that you will receive the highest level of service and expertise.
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Art Advisory and Collection Management
Tomkinson Churcher provides independent art advisory services for private individuals, museums, corporate and institutional collections. We represent clients in private sales with collectors, galleries and auction houses. Our experience of the art market and extensive database of collectors allows us to provide unparalleled service and expertise when buying or selling privately or at auction. We assist in the acquisition and sale of artworks in the global market with discretion and complete confidentiality. We provide overall curatorial support, management services, and technical advice for private and corporate collections.
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Private Sales
We offer a bespoke consignment service where clients can sell their posters, prints and original artwork to our international collector base. Using our experience and expertise, we strive to ensure that you will achieve maximum return for your artworks whilst guaranteeing discretion and confidentiality. Tomkinson Churcher will offer you a guide price range in line with the market at the time, and together we set the minimum price you will accept. Works accepted must be over the value of £1000.
Consignment enquiry"Tomkinson Churcher have advised me on all aspects of buying and selling my collection including storage and framing. They have helped maximise my return on selling. I have always found them to be personable, professional and efficient. Confidentiality is assured and I would not hesitate to recommend their unrivalled market knowledge and excellent service to any collector."