Renaissance-style andirons, $4,140.

Martha Willoughby Heads American Furniture and Decorative Arts in New York

NEW YORK, CITY – Christie’s has announced the appointment of John Hays to the position of International Director of Christie’s, effective December 1.

He will maintain and enhance links with clients, assist and advise on business-getting proposals, and provide advice and guidance to departments and colleagues on art expertise, pricing and cataloguing.

“John not only has been a key figure in developing [the] American Furniture Department, but throughout his nearly 20 year career at Christie’s, he has contributed significantly to the company as a whole,” said Edward Dolman, chief executive officer, Christie’s International. “In his new role, John will now lend the breadth of his experience to a broad range of departments, with a special focus on American collections.”

Hays joined the firm in 1983. He established its first American folk art department in 1986 and was appointed head of the American furniture department in 1990.

In addition, Martha Willoughby has been appointed head of the American furniture and decorative arts department for Christie’s New York. Willoughby joined the auction house in 1996 as a specialist and her scholarship has helped its recent sales of the Slocum Family chest of drawers, the Pope valuables cabinet and the Bliss Family chest-on-chest. Willoughby is a graduate of the Winterthur Program and is a former curatorial assistant at the Museum of the City of New York.

Susan Kleckner will continue her role as head of American folk art for Christie’s. Kleckner, also a graduate of the Winterthur Program, is a former curator of the Maryland Historical Society.

Dean Failey will continue his role as senior director for the American furniture and decorative arts department, marking his 21st year with Christie’s.