Sotheby’s announced today plans to begin holding African art sales in London in early 2017, led by Bonhams former head of African Art, Hannah O’Leary:

Sotheby’s will launch dedicated sales of Modern and Contemporary African Art in London next year, led by Hannah O’Leary, Sotheby’s newly-appointed Head of Modern and Contemporary African Art.

With over a decade of experience, Hannah has played an instrumental role in developing the markets for both Contemporary African Art and the more traditional area of South African Art, setting new benchmarks and helping raise the international profile of this rapidly evolving field.

Maarten Ten Holder, Managing Director, Sotheby’s Europe: “Hannah O’Leary brings with her a wealth of experience in this vibrant and fascinating area of the market. Her career to date has been characterised by bold endeavour and outstanding achievement, and we are delighted that she will now lead our new initiative. The African art scene is thriving, and as our sales develop in 2017, we anticipate that we will establish a significant profile in this field, while also looking to enhance our presence on the African continent.”