Strauss & co - Review 2021

The bricks-and-clicks strategy adopted by auction houses during the Covid-19 pandemic – i.e. combining physical and online presence – ensured continuity in business processes. It also allowed regional auction houses like Strauss & Co to extend significantly their reach internationally, and gain new clients. Growth is a management exercise. The consequences of poor executive management are evident in the on-going issues around load shedding in South Africa. In May, auctioneer Alastair Meredith was briefly plunged into darkness as he was taking the first lot in a livestreamed sale. After a brief pause, Strauss & Co’s backup generators kicked in and bidding resumed. Trade was brisk. Infrastructure and capacity are not usually subjects discussed in Strauss & Co’s annual reviews. It is, however, integral to the company’s narrative in 2021. “We are very proud that we sold more items than ever before,” says Frank Kilbourn. “However, it was very clear to us in 2021 that in order to cater to an expanding international client base, we need to invest significantly in logistics, infrastructure, human resources and service delivery.” Strauss & Co places great store in its staff of experts and administrators. In 2021 the company appointed Wimpie Nortje as its chief technology officer and Leigh Leyde as cataloguer, researcher and writer in the art department. It also engaged consultant Kate Fellens to spearhead Strauss & Co’s international outreach. These were important appointments. Nortje holds a master’s degree in engineering with a focus on artificial intelligence. He has entrepreneurial experience in hardware and software development, including end-to-end cryptography and application infrastructure. He previously consulted to Strauss & Co on improving and growing its business through technology. Leyde has a master’s degree in African art history and previously worked as the education curator at Wits Art Museum in Johannesburg. Her museum experience is invaluable in giving shape to Strauss & Co’s educational initiatives and exhibition projects. Fellens, who is based in Belgium, has a degree in art history and French studies. She previously worked for Christie’s and Sotheby’s in New York and London, as well as Barclay’s Private Bank. She has significant experience in the auction industry and client advisory in key markets. In addition to these new appointments, Strauss & Co also reaffirmed its commitment to sponsoring further education of its staff. Arisha Maharaj (Art specialist) and Naudia Yorke (Art researcher and cataloguer) both successfully completed their master’s degrees inHistory of Art in 2021, andHazel Cuthbertson (Research specialist) continued her doctoral research studies. All received financial support from Strauss & Co. “Our investments in technology and people enabled us to have a more comprehensive programme than ever before,”says Frank Kilbourn. “We acknowledge that our services were sometimes constrained in 2021. Capacity was a real challenge. We are committing significant capital, time and effort to address that challenge. We are constantly innovating and investing in our systems and processes. We want to be the best we can be for our clients.” Growing Volumes and Investing in Capacity 16