Peter Wilson, Sotheby's suave, Eton-educated chairman, expanded Parke Bernet's novel practice of opening its galleries for presale exhibits.

FORBES: Revenge of the Nerds

He became Sotheby's first American employee (the company acquired auctioneer Parke-Bernet, where he worked, in 1967) before founding his real-estate office in 1981.

WSJ: Edward Lee Cave's 18th-Century Connecticut Farm | House Tour

Michael Parke, of Cockermouth, died at Whitehaven's West Cumberland Hospital on 6 December.

BBC: West Cumberland Hospital