PAINTINGS specialist Paul Viney will be standing down as head of Woolley & Wallis salerooms' picture department.

Joining the Salisbury team of specialists at its Castle Street premises is Victor Fauvelle, who becomes head of the picture department.

Mr Fauvelle has worked as a picture specialist at Sotheby's for ten years and, more recently, at Dreweatt Neate.

"The painting department is an area which I feel has a lot of potential for us, and I am confident that Victor has both the experience and knowledge to make it one of our strongest departments," said Mr Viney, chairman of Woolley & Wallis.

"His arrival will give me more time to devote to outside valuations and the future direction of the company."

In addition, Woolley & Wallis has appointed Lynn Rix as representative in the Channel Islands. She is planning a series of valuation days and visits by the specialists from Salisbury.