What's It Worth? The Art of Selling at Auction
Featuring a Special Preview of the Watkins Family Collection
Join Georgina Winthrop, President of Grogan & Company, Boston's leading fine art and jewelry auction house, for What's It Worth? The Art of Selling at Auction, an engaging conversation about the art of collecting, the evolving auction market, and the process of selling at auction. Whether you're considering parting with a treasured family heirloom, downsizing a collection, or simply curious about the value of an object in your home, Georgina will offer insight into what makes an item desirable in today's market, how specialists determine value, and what goes into a successful auction.
Drawing on years of experience working with collectors and families, Georgina will share behind-the-scenes stories, market insights, and practical advice for navigating the auction process with confidence.
Guests will also have the opportunity to explore an exhibition of the Watkins Family Collection, an exceptional single-owner collection featuring fine art, jewelry, rugs, silver, and glass, on view at Grogan & Company's Beacon Hill gallery.
Following the presentation, guests are encouraged to bring a work of fine art, jewelry, or silver (or photographs of an object) for an informal valuation by our specialists.
About the speaker:
Georgina C. Winthrop, President
An art scholar turned entrepreneur, Georgina knows the auction world inside and out. A Boston native, she attended the Winsor School before heading to Harvard where she majored in Art History and Architecture, with a minor in The Classics. During her studies, she worked as a tour guide at the Harvard Art Museums and gained hands-on experience while working at Sotheby’s New York. Since joining Grogan & Company in 2014, she has overseen every aspect of the business - leading the fine art department, integrating new technologies, and bringing the company into the global auction space of the 21st century. After a decade of working hand-in-hand with founder Michael Grogan, Georgina acquired Grogan & Company in January 2023. In addition to running Grogan & Company, Georgina is a dedicated member of Boston’s arts community. She serves as President of the Board of Governors at the Nichols House Museum and Vice Chair of the Museum Council Steering Committee at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
About the specialists:
Claudia E. Deeley, Jewelry Director
As Jewelry Director at Grogan & Company, Claudia brings a wealth of expertise in fine jewelry and the auction market. A graduate of Trinity College, where she studied History and Political Science, Claudia went on to earn credentials from the Gemological Institute of America, specializing in diamonds and colored stones. Claudia oversees the research, appraisal, and cataloging of jewelry offered at auction, working closely with clients to evaluate treasured heirlooms and exceptional pieces. Her expertise also extends to fine art and silver. Beyond the gallery, Claudia is an active member of Boston's arts community and serves on the Museum Council Steering Committee at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.
Hercules Pappachristos, Appraisal Consultant
With more than 35 years of experience in the antiques and auction industry, Hercules brings a wealth of knowledge to his role as Appraisal Consultant at Grogan & Company. A graduate of Franklin Pierce College, where he studied History and Anthropology, Hercules began his career in the antiques business in 1989, working as a dealer, appraiser, and auctioneer. An associate of Grogan & Company since 1995, Hercules specializes in the evaluation of antiques and decorative arts, helping clients better understand the history and value of their treasured possessions. He has also appeared as a guest appraiser on Trash or Treasure, Channel 7's weekly antiques segment, and is a member of the New Hampshire Antiques Dealers' Association.
