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Michael Broadbent - 1991
Michael Broadbent, 78, the éminence grise of Christie’s wine auction department, helped expand and popularize commercial wine auctions in the 1960s. Under his supervision, Christie’s wine division extended its reach from London to Amsterdam, Geneva, Sydney, Hong Kong, Tokyo and the United States. Broadbent originally pursued a career as an architect. Wine called, however, and at age 25, he took a job in the trade. By the mid-1950s, he was with Harvey’s of Bristol, and in 1966, he joined Christie’s. Broadbent has written numerous books; his Great Vintage Wine Book is the definitive guide to old Bordeaux. Photographed in 1995.
