Elaine Binning studied valuation and auctioneering of fine art at Southampton Institute. She joined Sotheby's in 1992 and worked in a number of departments. She is now a partner at Dreweatt Neate in Newbury, where she is a valuer and auctioneer specializing in furniture. She is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, sitting on the fine art panel.