WHO WE ARE
Asian Art in London continues to promote London as a centre of excellence for the arts of Asia. Each year, during October and November, a diverse and expansive programme of specialised exhibitions and auctions is hosted in and around Central London. These events are presented by respected dealers, galleries and auction houses specialising in Asian art, offering a wide range of works for sale. These works span the Indian and Islamic worlds, China, Japan, Korea, and South-East Asia, and include both ancient and contemporary works, as well as representative and abstract art.
The event consistently attracts a large international audience, drawing visitors from around the world to experience the galleries and auction houses of London. A comprehensive printed guidebook provides details of the exhibitions and auctions presented by our Participants, along with valuable information on museums, cultural institutions, and publications focused on Asian art. Apollo and Antiques Trade Gazette, our leading sponsors, generously support the event by presenting awards for outstanding works of Asian art.
Through its website, social media presence, digital and print advertising, lectures, sponsorship, and academic initiatives, Asian Art in London has successfully broadened the exposure of its Participants, expanded their market reach, boosted sales, and promoted expertise within the field of Asian art.
Dynamic, innovative, and forward-thinking, Asian Art in London is open to all primary dealers and auction houses specialising in Asian art, whether based in London, the UK, across Europe, or globally.
Directors
Mark Slaats
Mark Slaats is Director of Slaats Fine Art, established in 2016 alongside a successful 17 year career as Partner at Littleton & Hennessy Asian Art. Slaats Fine Art specialises in Asian art, from ancient works to contemporary masterpieces, offering expert advisory services to private collectors, major museums and institutions.
Simon Pilling
Simon Pilling joined the Board of Asian Art in London in 2017. An architect by training and practice, his lifelong passion for Japan lead to a Master’s degree in East Asian Art from Sotheby’s in 2005. His business focuses on the arts of the 20th Century and, in particular, Japan’s unique lacquer arts.
Rob Dean
Rob Dean has worked in the field of Indian Art since 1998. He has worked as a specialist of Modern and Classical Indian Paintings for both Christies and Sothebys and now works independently as a gallerist, lecturer, and art consultant. In 2011 Rob became a co-founder of the Indian based auction house Pundole’s. He works between London and Mumbai.
Bill Forrest
Bill Forrest is a Director and Head of the Asian Art Department at Roseberys, having founded their Asian Art Department in 2016 after joining the company in 2015.
Rachel Hyman
Rachel Hyman is Department Director and Senior Specialist in the Asian Art Department at Bonhams Knightsbridge. With 30 years’ experience in the field of Asian Art, she currently works consigning works for London and International sales of Chinese and Asian Art.
Julian King
Julian King started his career in the Chinese department at Sotheby’s London in 2000, worked in Hong Kong from 2008-2021 and more recently New York from 2022-2025. He is now head of the Chinese Art department at Sotheby’s London, and also looks after global sales of Indian and Himalayan art.
Sara Plumbly
Sara Plumbly is a Director and the Head of the Islamic & Indian Art Department at Christie’s, where she has worked for nearly 20 years. She studied Arabic and Persian at Durham University and has a Masters in Islamic Art and Archaeology from the University of Oxford.
Nicole Schoeni
With 20 years experience, Nicole Schoeni is a contemporary art collector, dealer and patron. Previously the director of Schoeni Art Gallery, one of Asia’s most influential art venues based in Hong Kong, she launched Schoeni Projects in London (2020), a business and independent art initiative to support her commitment to the arts.
Jacqueline Simcox
Jacqueline Simcox worked in the Oriental department for Spink & Son Ltd in London and in 1996 founded her own company, specialising in Chinese and Central Asian textiles. She also lectures on the subject at SOAS, London University and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Runjeet Singh
Runjeet Singh is a collector turned dealer specialising in arms, armour and works of art from all over Asia. Runjeet is a member of BADA, and is a regular exhibitor at TEFAF Maastricht, Asia Week NY and Printemps Asiatique Paris. He is also the Asian arms and armour expert for the BBC TV programme, Antiques Roadshow.
Ambassadors
Henry Howard-Sneyd
A specialist in Chinese art and following postings in Hong Kong as Managing Director of Asia and New York as head of the Asia Division, Henry Howard-Sneyd is now Senior Advisor, Honorary Chairman, Europe and Americas based between London and New York. He is Sotheby’s lead Auctioneer globally in Asian Art. He has been an active stakeholder in Asian Art in London since its formation in 1998, and served as Chair from 2021 to 2025.
Leila de Vos van Steenwijk
Leila de Vos Van Steenwijk worked for Christie’s for over thirty years, first in the Asian department in Amsterdam before becoming managing director of the Dutch office. In 2013, she moved to London as Regional Managing Director EMEA for Asian Art followed by four years as Global Managing Director of Education. She has been part of Asian Art in London for over 15 years, serving as the Chair from 2018-2020. At present she is an Art Consultant to private collectors and chairs several art boards.
Roger Keverne
Roger Keverne was a Director at Spink & Son, in charge of all the Oriental Departments, and a founder of the Oriental Art Gallery before establishing his own company, and is now retired. He was a Governor of the Compton Verney House Trust, and a Vice-Chairman and President of the BADA. Roger has been involved in Asian Art in London since its beginning in 1998 and served as the Chair of Asian Art in London twice, from 2005 to 2009, and from 2016 to 2017. He participated in numerous antique fairs worldwide, and has served on many vetting committees for Oriental works of art.
Our Team
Sophia Kennedy-Wilson
Sophie Kempson
PRIMARY SPONSORS 2025
