Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Boultinghouse.
Hi Mark, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, my path was sparked by Don Yarton and the world of antiques. Through antiques, I discovered not only history and craftsmanship, but also the stories and people connected to every object. Those early experiences opened the door to a career and passion that has continued to evolve over the years.
My experiences with people from different backgrounds and cultures around the world helped shape who I am today. Along the way, I became a business owner, moved to Washington, and worked in many different environments that expanded my knowledge of decorative arts, history, and preservation. I have worked with auction houses, museums, restoration specialists, and collectors, while also learning traditional water and oil gilding techniques, restoration, conservation practices, and the appraisal process.
Over the years, I have built a career centered around antiques, appraisals, and discovering historically important pieces. Today, I operate Mark Boultinghouse Antiques & Appraisals
, where I work with clients on estate appraisals, fine art, antiques, and collections. One of the major projects I am currently involved with is working alongside the Bob Ross Inc. to help bring approximately 30 Bob Ross paintings to auction through Bonhams
.
What continues to drive me today is the excitement of working with clients, uncovering hidden treasures among their belongings, researching their history, and helping important pieces find their way to auction or new collections where they can continue to be appreciated and preserved.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has definitely not been a smooth road, and I think that is true for many people working in antiques, fine art, and small business ownership. The antiques world can be unpredictable, and many of the challenges I faced ultimately helped shape my experience and determination.
Over the years, I experienced major economic downturns that deeply affected both the antiques market and small businesses. I opened one store in 2000 that was impacted by the events surrounding 9/11, and another in 2007 that struggled during the 2008 financial crisis. Those experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of continuing to evolve within the industry.
Building a business in the antiques and appraisal field also requires constantly proving yourself. Much of the work depends on reputation, trust, knowledge, and relationships built over time. There were periods of uncertainty, financial pressure, and setbacks while trying to grow my appraisal business and establish myself within auction houses, museums, and the broader decorative arts community.
Another challenge has been balancing the preservation of history with a modern world that often moves very quickly and does not always value craftsmanship, restoration, or historical objects the way previous generations once did. Part of my mission has become educating people about the importance of antiques, sustainability, and preserving pieces that might otherwise be discarded or forgotten.
At the same time, those struggles helped create opportunities. Every challenge pushed me to learn more — whether through restoration, gilding, appraisals, museum work, or building relationships with collectors and institutions. Today, working with clients, uncovering hidden treasures, and helping important objects reach auction or find new homes continues to make the journey worthwhile.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the owner of Mark Boultinghouse Antiques & Appraisals
, where I specialize in personal property appraisals involving fine art, antiques, furniture, porcelain, silver, decorative arts, and historical objects. My work includes fair market value, estate, and insurance appraisals, while also helping clients better understand the history, craftsmanship, and significance of the objects they own.
Over the course of more than 25 years in the antiques and auction industry, I have worked with auction houses, museums, collectors, estates, and private clients. My background also includes restoration and conservation work, including traditional water and oil gilding techniques, which gives me a deeper understanding of construction, craftsmanship, finishes, and authenticity. That hands-on experience allows me to evaluate objects not only from a market perspective, but also from the standpoint of how and why they were made.
I have become known for identifying overlooked or undervalued pieces and helping clients uncover hidden treasures within their collections. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to discover important furniture and decorative arts objects that later achieved significant auction results. Today, one of the major projects I am most proud of is working alongside the Bob Ross Inc.
and helping bring approximately 30 Bob Ross paintings to auction through Bonhams
.
What sets me apart is the combination of real-world experience across multiple areas of the field — appraisals, auctions, restoration, conservation, retail antiques, museum work, and historical research. I approach every object with curiosity and respect for its history, while also understanding the realities of today’s market. I believe clients appreciate that I take the time to educate them, explain what they have, and help preserve pieces that may otherwise be overlooked or discarded.
What I am most proud of is being able to connect people with history. Whether it is discovering an important piece hidden in an estate, helping a family understand the significance of an heirloom, or bringing artwork and antiques back into public appreciation, I enjoy helping preserve stories and craftsmanship for future generations.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
A lot of the resources that help me are hands-on experiences, conversations with other experts, and constantly studying objects themselves. In the antiques and appraisal world, you never stop learning. Every piece has the potential to teach you something new.
I regularly research auction records, catalogs, museum collections, and historical reference materials to stay current with the market and evolving scholarship.
I also enjoy listening to antiques and auction-related podcasts because they provide insight into both the history of objects and the business side of the industry. Podcasts such as Antiques Anonymous, The Business of Antiques, and Antique Auction Forum are great examples of professionals sharing knowledge, experiences, and stories from the field.
Beyond antiques, I have always been inspired by history, craftsmanship, restoration, and the stories behind objects and the people who made them. Museums, travel, historic homes, and working alongside specialists in restoration, gilding, conservation, and auctions have all shaped the way I approach my work today.
What probably helps me most, however, is curiosity. I still genuinely enjoy researching objects, uncovering hidden details, and learning something new every day through the people, collections, and histories I encounter.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://MARKBOULTINGHOUSE.COM
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mark.boultinghouse/?hl=en
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-boultinghouse-5868546/
