Dickinson was founded in London in 1992 by Simon Dickinson, a former Christie's Old Masters and British Pictures Director, and David Ker, a dealer in 18th and 19th Century British Pictures. Shortly thereafter they were joined in New York by Ian Kennedy, also a former Christie's Old Master Director, who established the New York division of the business. The company was established with the idea that decades of experience in valuing works of art, the knowledge of where to find great material and the expertise gained as a result of visiting most of the major houses in Britain and countless other collections throughout America and Europe could be used to offer a discreet and professional service to clients who wanted an alternative to the glare of the salerooms.
The scope of the firm was expanded in 1995 to include Impressionist and Modern art under the direction of James Roundell, formerly Head of Christie's Impressionist and Modern department. Contemporary art was added to Dickinson's activities soon afterwards by Bona Montagu who brought to the firm her experience in dealing in the secondary market of Contemporary art.
The scope of the firm was expanded in 1995 to include Impressionist and Modern art under the direction of James Roundell, formerly Head of Christie's Impressionist and Modern department. Contemporary art was added to Dickinson's activities soon afterwards by Bona Montagu who brought to the firm her experience in dealing in the secondary market of Contemporary art.
