Richard Marchant, Life President

Richard Marchant was educated at Kilburn Grammar School, London. He joined his father (Samuel Sydney Marchant) in the business in 1953 at the age of 17. After working in the gallery for one year, Richard was then told he was allowed to go out buying antiques. Richard began buying throughout the U.K every week, and in the 1960’s followed his father in going to Japan and Hong Kong to buy and sell. Richard initiated scholarly catalogues and exhibitions at the gallery from 1980 onwards and became treasurer and then chairman of the British Antique Dealers’ Association. In 2018, Richard received an award from the BADA for his distinguished services to the organisation. Richard retired from his full-time position at Marchant in July 2020 and became Life President.

Stuart Marchant, Chief Executive Officer

Stuart Marchant was educated at Carmel College in Wallingford, Berkshire. He undertook a five-year apprenticeship prior to working at Marchant. The first two years were spent at Christie’s King Street, St James’s, working as a porter, setting up the view for the Oriental art auctions and working in the Chinese warehouse. Stuart then undertook the Christies Fine Arts Course for one year at South Kensington and spent the final two years of his apprenticeship in New York City working for the legendary dealer Alan Hartman of Rare Art. He then joined Marchant in 1985, initially becoming a buyer for the company mostly in the English countryside, Scotland & Wales and then becoming the company’s primary buyer around the world and CEO.

Samuel Marchant, Chief Operating Officer

Samuel Marchant graduated from the University of Bristol. He had short-term internships at Christie’s King Street, Sotheby’s Bond Street and Christie’s New York in their respective Chinese Works of Art departments prior to joining Marchant in September 2015. Samuels role entails the business development strategy at Marchant, overseeing the operating functions of the business and buying antiques for the company. Samuel is currently on the BADA Council and is a Board Member for Asian Art in London.

Natalie Marchant, Chief Creative Officer

Natalie Marchant graduated from Birmingham City University in 2010 with a 1st Class BA Hons. in Visual Communications (Photography). She joined Marchant in 2010 and her role as Chief Creative Officer includes the overseeing of all photography, catalogues, website, social media, advertising and PR.

Laura Marchant, Display & Hospitality Manager

Laura Marchant was educated at King Alfreds School, London. She joined Marchant in August 1997 having previously helped to create the ‘Personal Shopping’ department at Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge. Laura’s primary roles at Marchant include the maintaining and organising of the gallery displays and the planning of gallery events.

Simon Abraham-Gregory, Gallery Manager & Shipping Officer

Simon Abraham-Gregory was educated at Crown Woods in Eltham, London. He joined Marchant in March 1988 as Assistant Gallery Manager to Colin Payne. In 1993, Simon became Gallery Manager and retains the role to the present day. His roles include stock management, research, shipping and ensuring the day-to-day running of the gallery.

Dilara Sutton, Associate Specialist

Dilara Sutton holds an MA from the University of St Andrews and a masters in Asian and Islamic Art History and Archaeology from SOAS. She has over a decade of experience in the antiques, design and cultural sectors, and previously managed a gallery in London dealing in Oriental ceramics. Dilara joined Marchant in 2022, and her responsibilities include business management, client liaison, cataloguing and research.

Andrew Huyan, Chinese Client Liaison & Research Assistant

Andrew Huyan grew up in China and moved to London in 2012, educated to an MA level in Asian Art History and Archaeology at SOAS, he also gained an MA in Anthropology from SOAS during lockdown. Before joining Marchant Andrew had several roles in the Asian art field. He started with an internship at Christie’s London, Chinese Art Department. Later he worked for Asian art dealers and auction houses as a consultant, developing his research skills and contacts in the London Asian art scene. He is an active member of the Oriental Ceramic Society and is particularly interested in Chinese Song ceramics, Kangxi porcelain, and Jade.

Violet Mclaren, Executive Assistant & Office Manager

Violet Mclaren holds a degree in Art History and a post-graduate degree in Art Market Appraisal. She also spent 3 years at Christie’s London as a Client Service Representative where she developed in-depth knowledge of the auction business. Violet joined Marchant in January 2018 and ensures the efficient running of the company.