THE FRK FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES
JOHN CAHALANE
AS INVENTORY CURATOR

The FRK Foundation (Frederick R. Koch Foundation) is pleased to announce the appointment of John Cahalane as Inventory Curator, bringing with him more than three decades of senior experience in collections management, logistics, and operational excellence from the world’s leading fine art institutions.

Cahalane’s appointment marks a pivotal step in the Foundation’s broader strategy to catalogue, digitise, and preserve its exceptional holdings, while laying the groundwork for public-facing initiatives including travelling exhibitions, scholarly access programs, and curated digital experiences.

With a career anchored by over 25 years at Sotheby’s London, culminating in roles such as European Inventory Director and Deputy Director, Registrars and Collections, Cahalane is uniquely positioned to lead the meticulous stewardship of the Foundation’s diverse and historically significant collections. His skillset combines technical fluency in SAP and warehouse management systems with a deep understanding of fine art handling, conservation logistics, and global standards in inventory practice.

Cahalane says, “It is an honour to join The FRK Foundation at such a dynamic moment in its evolution. Mr. Koch’s collection represents not only artistic excellence but also a legacy of cultural patronage. I look forward to applying my experience to help realise the Foundation’s vision: to make its holdings more accessible through digital innovation, curatorial rigour, and ambitious future programming.”

ABOUT JOHN CAHALANE

John Cahalane is a seasoned collections and operations leader with extensive experience across the UK and European auction world. His career spans leadership roles in inventory and logistics at Sotheby’s, as well as positions at Dreweatts and Bloomsbury Auctions. His ability to implement best practices and systems across large teams and locations has earned him a reputation as a trusted expert in fine art property management and operational strategy.

Cahalane holds an MA in Arts Policy and Management from Birkbeck College, University of London.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Foundation’s decision to centralise inventory under Cahalane’s leadership underscores its long-term commitment to scholarly accessibility and creative engagement. Plans currently in development include:

• Digitisation of archival and collection materials across its international sites;

• Collaborations with academic and cultural institutions to facilitate research and education;

• Thematic travelling exhibitions that reflect Mr. Koch’s wide-ranging passions, from rare books and music manuscripts to decorative arts and architectural drawings.

Through Cahalane’s expertise and the Foundation’s ambitious roadmap, The FRK Foundation is taking concrete steps to share its cultural treasures with a broader public while preserving them for generations to come.