LONDON, UK.- Christie's will be opening in Dubai in April, becoming the first international auction house to open an office in the region. Lydia Limerick has been appointed Christie’s Representative to the Middle East and will be responsible for developing and overseeing Christie’s presence in the GCC region working with her international Christie’s colleagues. The opening of a representative office reflects the growing importance of Dubai as a cultural centre for the arts and the increasing interest in collecting throughout the GCC region.

Lydia Limerick's appointment coincides with the unveiling of Christie’s largest public exhibition of works of art to date in the region. Featuring important forthcoming highlights from Christie’s sales, the exhibition will be led by the highly important collection of Kiswah curtains, Iznik pottery as well as jewellery and watches. The exhibition will be on view from 4 to 8 April in the Murjaan Ballroom of the Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre in Dubai. A press conference formally announcing Christie's developments in the region will be held on the first morning of the viewing.

“For over two centuries, Christie’s has acted as the leading market place and the cultural guardian for the passage of works of art from collection to collection, country to country. We are delighted to now extend our activities to the GCC region through the opening of a non-selling office in Dubai and the appointment of Lydia Limerick as our Representative. We hope to play a significant role in realising the Gulf’s potential as a new arts and cultural centre,” said Edward Dolman, CEO, Christie’s International.

He continued: “The superb exhibition, open to everyone, marks the launch of Christie’s longer term commitment and intent in the region, not only in business terms but also in the cultural, educational and artistic arenas. We plan an exciting programme for the region and look forward to having a local gateway in the Middle East providing access to the global art market.”

Based in Dubai, Lydia Limerick will be responsible for developing and overseeing Christie’s presence in the GCC region working with her international Christie’s colleagues. Lydia will be able to provide access to art experts, information on buying and selling works of art and objects at auction and will act as a local gateway to the international art market.

Lydia has overseen a number of high profile events in Dubai in recent years including the Camel Caravan Gala Auction in May 2004 which raised over 4.8 million UAE Dirhams for charities and was held under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. She recently worked as Quintessentially’s event manager from February 2004 for a year. Lydia has been based in Dubai since 2001. She is married and has two teenage children.

Educational tours and lectures will support this event. Christie’s specialists will be available at all times for general discussion, valuations and buying advice.