George Squibb (auctioneer)

George Squibb
Born	circa 1764
Died	1831
Occupation	Auctioneer
Known for	Owner of Squibb & Son auction house; managing notable auctions including the Duke of San Pietro's art collection and Streatham Park sale

George Squibb (circa 1764 – 1831) was a prominent British auctioneer who took over the family business from his father, James, the founder of the auction house Squibb & Son. The firm operated from public rooms located on Boyle Street, London, directly opposite Savile Row, where James initially launched the enterprise in 1778. George enhanced the establishment by adding a top-lit auction room, expanding the original space. These distinguished rooms, constructed in the 1730s as part of Lord Burlington's urban development, became a renowned location for auctions.

In 1813, Squibb managed the auction of the late Duke of San Pietro’s art collection. He was also responsible for several important country house sales, including the 1816 auction of Streatham Park’s belongings belonging to Hester Thrale Piozzi. Among his professional connections was Michael Bryan, an art historian and author known for writing the Dictionary of Painters.

Outside of auction events, Squibb’s spacious room was occasionally transformed into a theatre venue. A notable example occurred in 1790 when Lord Barrymore produced The Beaux' Stratagem there.

Following George Squibb’s tenure, his son Francis briefly inherited the business but passed away prematurely in 1833. Subsequently, ownership transferred to Rushworth, Abbott & Co.