Heritage Auction Galleries has announced that Christina Japp has joined the company as Director of 20^th Century Design in its Fine Arts Department. Ms. Japp brings with her 15 years of international experience in all aspects of 20^th Century design.

"Heritage is the perfect auction company for 20^th Century design," she said. "Heritage is a relatively young auction company with tremendous room for growth and a willingness to change and succeed. It's an exciting time to be working at such a refreshing place."

Ms. Japp comes to Heritage from Sotheby's, where she had been a Vice President in the 20^th Century Design department. At Sotheby's, she was actively involved in the record-breaking single owner sale of the Karl Lagerfeld Collection in Paris in 2002. She gained her reputation as a Modernist with a great eye for singular design and keen mind for the business of auctions. At Sotheby's she supervised several important single owner sales, including the Collection of Barry Friedman and Deutscher Werkbund to Bauhaus: An Important collection of German Design. Ms. Japp was also crucial in securing the important collection of the Estate of Cecile Singer, which recorded several record prices for Rembrandt Bugatti sculptures.

From her home base in New York City, Ms. Japp will develop and maintain client relationships throughout the major design areas of the United States and, utilizing her command of foreign languages, will also spend time in key cities throughout Europe.

"I'm right at home in all areas of Europe," she said. "I was raised and educated in Germany, and I lived in Paris, where I studied Art History at the Sorbonne. I'm equally comfortable speaking several different languages as I am conducting business in them."

Under Ms. Japp's guidance, the 20^th Century category of Heritage's Fine Arts Department will tap into the great "Modern" design movements of both the United States and Europe, from the Vienna Secessionists to Arts & Crafts, Tiffany, Bauhaus, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern and into contemporary designers.

Heritage Auction Galleries' next 20^th Century Design Auction is scheduled for June 4 at its Design District Annex, located at 1518 Slocum St., in Dallas.

For more information, e-mail Christina at CJapp@HA.com, or go online to www.HA.com.