Philip Keith BSC (Hons)

Philip is our regional auctioneer and valuer for South Wales with all areas east of Swansea and into the borders and England and northwards into the east part of Mid-Wales. Philip is also our specialist for Oriental works of art and ceramics and tribal art.

Philip has over 30 years’ experience in the auction business working for both regional and international Auctioneers. Formative years spent in the Far East led to an Anthropology degree at UCL, followed by many years cataloguing Asian Art, Tribal Art and Natural History in a major London saleroom, holding auctions in Singapore, Sydney and New York, and dealing with clients in Australia, United States, Europe, Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. Philip broadened his expertise when he became a General Valuer, undertaking written professional insurance Valuations for national and regional Museums and National Trust properties, and probate Valuations for solicitors and estate executors.

Philip settled in Penarth in 2001 with his family and continued to further his expertise in Welsh furniture and Welsh art working from an office central Cardiff. He is the co-author of ‘Tribal Art – The Essential World Guide’ published by DK/Price Guide Co. He has lent items from his collection to ITV, has appeared as an expert on S4C and has been on the vetting committee for the Olympia Fine Art Fair.

Philip’s career sales highlight to date include an imperial Chinese celadon vase for (HK$17.3 million), an imperial Chinese Famille Rose vase (HK$5.4 million), Ben Enwonwu Daily Mirror Sculptures (£361,000), a Polynesian club from the Marquesas Islands ($75,000), L.S. Lowry drawing (£80,000) Harold Harvey oil painting (£52,000), and Louis XIV marquetry commode (£53,000), most of which were discovered in Wales.

Philip’s interests include collecting modern African paintings and traditional tribal art, visiting museums, overseas travel, playing tennis, surfing (badly), and brewing beer.