John P. Walcher is a Vice President and Senior Specialist of Toomey & Co. Auctioneers and joined the company in 2013. John was raised in Springfield, Illinois and holds a degree in Biology from Western Illinois University. Prior to and since joining the company, he has assisted with numerous consignments from important private collections, estates and institutions. Since joining the company, John has managed the sale of deaccessioned 18th and 19th century silver vinaigrettes and 17th, 18th and 19th century decorative arts from the Art Institute of Chicago and has helped oversee many important collections including: the Robert and Elaine Dillof Collection, the Warshawsky Collection, the Estate of Candice B. Groot, the Estate of Robert E. Beck, the collection of Governor Jim Thompson and the Estate of Robert E. “Butch” McGuire, among others.John has been in the auction industry since 2000 and has long held a passion for the fine and performing arts. He is currently a member in the following organizations: Sustaining Fellows at the Art Institute of Chicago, Antiquarian Society at the Art Institute of Chicago, New York Silver Society, Irish Georgian Society, Joffrey Auxiliary Board (chairman emeritus), Central Illinois Numismatic Association (life member) and the Illinois State Museum Society (life member). In addition to being a Vice President and Senior Specialist, John is a licensed auctioneer and acts as the primary auctioneer for the company. He also regularly assists many charitable organizations by offering his services as a professional auctioneer.