Peter Batkin
Peter Batkin | |
|---|---|
| Born | Peter Joram Batkin 11 April 1953 England |
| Died | 12 January 2018 (aged 64) |
| Occupation(s) | Auctioneer, filmmaker, businessman |
| Years active | 1973–2000 (auctioneer) |
| Known for | Work in Russia for Sotheby's, sale of Kim Philby's book collection, space memorabilia auctions |
Peter Joram Batkin (11 April 1953 – 12 January 2018) was an English auctioneer notable for his work in Russia. Among his significant achievements was the sale of the book collection belonging to the spy Kim Philby, and he played a key role in establishing the market for space-related memorabilia auctions.[1]Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have contentCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content
Of Russian heritage, Batkin attended St Marylebone Grammar School between 1964 and 1971 before embarking on his career at Sotheby's as a porter. He remained with the firm from 1973 until 2000, eventually rising to the position of DirectorCite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content. At one stage, he served as Sotheby’s principal representative in Russia.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content Art historian Michel Strauss described Batkin as "a generous and outgoing individual, impeccably and distinctively dressed in pin-striped suits, bow ties, and two-tone shoes," who was frequently dispatched to Russia to cultivate relationships with museum authorities and government officials.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; refs with no name must have content A regular figure in London’s dining clubs, Batkin was also a Freemason and belonged to The Eccentric Club, which remembered him as "a genuine gentleman with a compassionate nature."[2] His fondness for cigars is commemorated through a portrait displayed at JJ Fox, a renowned cigar establishment in St James, London.
Batkin took great pride in his Jewish background and was an active member of Belsize Square Synagogue in London. He resided in Wembley with his wife, Judith Madeline Kellermann.[1] Upon retiring from the art sector, he pursued his enduring passion for filmmaking, producing an investigative piece on corruption within marathon running. Together with his wife and son, he also launched Bespoke Cleaning, a commercial cleaning enterprise.[2]
Peter Batkin passed away in January 2018 following a stroke. He left behind his wife Dr Judith Kellermann and their children Tobias and Alice.[2]