Auctioneer Spotlight: Dylan and Jane Cawood
Many of our Park West collectors develop friendships with the art teams over the course of their land or sea vacations. Here’s a chance to get to know them better as they share their favorite adventures in the art world.
Dylan hails from Roodepoort, South Africa, and Jane is from Bexhill, England, but their paths crossed on a cruise ship three-and-a-half years ago. At the time, each was working in a different department. Jane, a professional dancer, says, “We were left with a decision: either I go with Dylan to Park West or he becomes the next Gene Kelly!” Luckily for us, Dylan decided to use his past experience in his family’s jewelry shop to assist people collect another great acquisition: a work of art.
Dylan and Jane have been on ships for six years. In that time, they met each other, traveled around the world and assisted countless guests in building their own art collections. Photo credit: Dylan Cawood
Previous ships as Auctioneer: Holland America Westerdam, Royal Caribbean Enchantment of the Seas, Carnival Dream, Celebrity Reflection, Grand Princess, Ruby Princess, Regal Princess, and Royal Princess.
Current ship: Norwegian Epic
What do you like most about being an auctioneer?
Dylan: Everyone works hard, and when they finally get a vacation they have to think wisely about how they will spend their time. Therefore, when we have a room full of guests eagerly awaiting the auction, it is always an honor for me. Then, after the auction, someone comes up and says, “Dylan, I was dragged to this auction. I had no idea about art or why people even collect it! Now, I am so excited about it!” The fact that I can ignite a flame of passion that was not there before is the best part for me.
Who is your favorite Park West artist and why?
Dylan: Both of us are completely mesmerized by the works of the great masters: Chagall, Picasso and Mirό. However, our ultimate favorite has always been Rembrandt. Even after studying his works and techniques, we are increasingly absorbed in them. In our eyes he was the ultimate visual storyteller, whose images can evoke a different emotion in everyone.
What is your favorite guest memory?
Jane: When on a ship for six to nine months, even though we’re together, we miss our family. We couldn’t pinpoint one specific memory as there are far too many. However, the relationships we make with our guests in only a few days are always the highlights of our contracts. It always amazes us how people from all over the world can be brought together through art.
Dylan and Jane on their special day on May 4, 2013 in Magaliesburg, South Africa. Photo credit: Sylvie Shekinah
What has been your favorite port?
Dylan: When travelling and working on a ship, we love ports where we can truly relax and unwind for a few hours. This is why one of our favorites is Mykonos. Here, we wander down the winding lanes, and occasionally get lost. We enjoy finding unique items in the little shops, and like finishing off the day with some authentic Greek food whilst watching the sunset in the harbor. That’s our R&R time.
How has this unconventional career impacted your life?
Jane: We both started out on ships six years ago in different departments. After a mutual friend introduced us, we have never looked back. We made the decision to join Park West together and it has been one of the best moves we have ever made. Not only has this given us a wealth of knowledge that will stay with us forever, but it has also enriched the lives of our families as well. My family joins us quite often and travels to places they would have never dreamt of. Though this is not possible for Dylan’s family, they have learned so much from our travels, and now have a house full of world-class art!
