On Thursday, September 14, 2023, British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia members and friends gathered for The Art of the Matter – Global Intrigue & International Auctions. This post-summer networking reception took place at Freeman’s, America’s oldest auction house. The evening underscored the US and the UK’s strong legacy of cultural, political, and economic ties dating back nearly 250 years. The program explored the unique relationship between the two countries, featuring three keynote speakers who each addressed a different theme – art, family governance and wealth succession planning, and bourbon. While these three things are quite different, they each contributed to an amazing event that could have been a mystery novel starring a bourbon called “Never Say Die,” a sponsor connected to James Bond, and a TV personality who values antiques… It was a perfect recipe for an intriguing event!
Alasdair Nichol, Chairman, Head of Fine Art, Head of Department, Modern and Contemporary Art at Freeman’s addressed our group, and several of his colleagues joined us on the auction house floor to network with BABCPHL members and friends. Alasdair spoke about the current art and international auction market; the strong relationship between Freeman’s and Lyon & Turnbull; the longstanding cultural and artistic ties between the US and the UK; and the single owner fine art collection, comprised mostly of American artists with a focus on Pennsylvania impressionists.
Peter Rosenberg, Partner – Chairman of Stonehage Fleming Americas, sponsored the event. Peter spoke about the Firm history; the different geographies and generations served throughout the globe; and the overall services the Firm offers including family governance and succession, looking after family assets and important art collections. Peter and his colleagues support many of the world’s leading families and wealth creators across generations and geographies. They work closely with clients to ensure wealth is properly cared for throughout generations.
George Reilly, Owner, The Twisted Tail – Philadelphia’s bourbon and juke joint consulted with the BABCPHL on the bourbon. George spoke briefly about each brand featured. Macallan and Noble Oak were supplied by Guido Martelli from Breakthrough Beverage Pennsylvania, and the third brand, a new small batch bourbon of Kentucky provenance and English character, being offered for the first time on US soil– Never Say Die – was supplied by Brian Luftman, Co-Founder, Never Say Die Bourbon. Trevor Prichett, CEO, Yards Brewery provided a selection of Yards beer for the evening.
Many thanks to Alasdair, Peter, and George for their educational and interesting remarks, and for collaborating with us to offer this unique and fun post summer networking event. The formal speaking portion of the program concluded with a business card raffle drawing for a bottle of each of the featured beverages: Macallan, Noble Oak, Never Say Die, and a gift basket from Yards Brewery. Guests remained onsite well past the program end, admiring the magnificent and extensive single owner fine art collection on display, networking and enjoying the delicious food and beverage.
Many thanks again to all who contributed to the execution and success of this special program.
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