Freeman’s Welcomes David Walker as Managing Director leading its Palm Beach Office
Freeman’s, America’s oldest auction house, is pleased to announce the appointment of David Walker as Managing Director of its Palm Beach office.
Walker brings more than 15 years of distinguished experience in fine and decorative arts as a specialist, auctioneer, and appraiser. He is the founder of Walker Decorative Arts and has exhibited at major fairs including the Winter Show in New York and the Philadelphia Show. His experience includes, serving as Vice President and Senior Specialist in the Valuations Department at Sotheby's New York. Prior to that, he was Head of 19th Century Furniture, Sculpture, and Decorative Arts at Sotheby’s New York.
A certified Member of the Appraisers Association of America and a USPAP-compliant appraiser, Walker is widely respected for his connoisseurship and market expertise. He has lectured at numerous industry events, including the Appraisers Association of America Annual Conference in New York, and has appeared as a featured appraiser on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow since 2011. Since 2010, he has facilitated over $15 million in art and antiques sales on behalf of private clients.
Walker also serves on the board of the Fine Objects Society, an organization dedicated to fostering appreciation for antiques and engaging a new generation of collectors and professionals in the field.
"Freeman's is a leading auction company with a storied history, and I welcome the opportunity to work with clients in South Florida and nationwide to discover important fine art, jewelry, and historical objects and bring them to market. The Freeman's team has such a wealth and depth of expertise - I am excited to be working with them," said Walker.
Walker earned his BA in Art History from University College London in 2004 and began his career shortly thereafter at Bonhams in London. Starting as a porter, he quickly advanced to the Antiquarian Books, Maps, and Manuscripts department, where he served as a cataloguer. During his tenure, he developed expertise in early printing—including incunabula and pre-1600 books—as well as rare maps and atlases.
“David’s career reflects both intellectual rigor and market sophistication. His rare combination of academic grounding, auction experience, and valuation expertise makes him uniquely suited to lead our Palm Beach office. As the region continues to thrive as a collecting hub, David’s leadership will strengthen our ability to serve clients with the highest level of connoisseurship and strategic guidance,” said Jay Frederick Krehbiel, Chairman.
Walker’s passion for antiques began early—at age 15; he worked in a local antique shop, laying the foundation for what would become a distinguished international career. At Freeman’s, he will elevate the Palm Beach presence through his depth of knowledge, leadership experience, and commitment to connoisseurship uniquely position him to serve the growing Palm Beach market.
About Freeman’s
Freeman’s is a premier American auction house offering services in multiple categories including fine art, jewelry, design, books and manuscripts, furniture, decorative arts, antiquities, couture, and Asian works of art. With 16 regional locations nationwide, the firm provides auctions, appraisals, private sales, and art advisory services, connecting clients to the global art market. Freeman’s strives to bring art, history, and design to life by connecting people with extraordinary objects through exceptional service and expertise.