Jonathan Crockett, deputy chairman of Phillips in Asia, reflects on the auction house's 10-year journey in the region, from a small Hong Kong office to a major presence in the West Kowloon Cultural District. He recounts his career path from Christie's and Sotheby's to founding his own advisory firm, then joining Phillips to launch its Asian operations, overcoming brand confusion and building a robust client network.
This article matters because it offers an insider's perspective on the dramatic transformation of the Asian art market over the past decade, highlighting the rise of young, confident Asian collectors who spend millions on their first purchases. It underscores Phillips' strategic growth in a region long dominated by Sotheby's and Christie's, and signals shifting demographics and buying habits that are reshaping the global auction landscape.