About

Biography 

Joseph Rumi began his career in the art world in 1995 as an apprentice in antique furniture restoration for Richard Rumi Antiques . Over four years he studied the art of French polishing, gilding, leather and colouration techniques.  

In addition Joseph began representing the family business at international antique shows (New York City, NY; Toronto, ON; Stamford, CT; South Hampton, NY; and Washington, DC), developing an eye for quality antique furniture, decorative arts, and fine paintings.   

In 1999 Joseph worked with his father Richard and founded a successful in-house, on-site furniture waxing business called Wax On, Wax Off that services the Greater Toronto Area to this day.   

In 2000 he attended York University  in Toronto.  After his first year he transferred to the University of Victoria  in British Columbia to finish his BA in Art History.  During his studies he worked for Lund’s Auctioneers and Appraisers  and for West End Gallery  as a sales representative.    In 2005 Joseph pursued his Masters in Art Business at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London (SIA), England.  As part of his studies he traveled to Paris, Maastricht, and Basel attending FIAC, The European Fine Art Fair , and Art Basel .  While studying in London he attended the Affordable Art Fair , FRIEZE London, the London Original Print Fair , the Winter Fine Art and Antiques Fair at Olympia , the Grosvenor House Art and Antiques Fair , Asian Art Week , and numerous Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Bonham’s sales.   

Upon completion of his Masters in Art Business Joseph returned to Toronto in June 2006 and won a prestigious summer internship with Sotheby’s Canada .  Within a week he was hired for the Client Services position and now works one on one with clients assessing their property.  Joseph also aids in the cataloguing of Sotheby’s/Ritchie’s twice annual Important Canadian Art Sales and is personal assistant to the Chairman of Sotheby’s Canada.   In addition Joseph has been appointed the Alumni representative of Canada for Sotheby’s Institute of Art and works closely with Canadian students interested in pursuing post-secondary education at SIA.

Joseph has also worked with charitable organizations in Toronto including Art with Heart  for Casey House, providing care for those with HIV Aids and Behind Closed Doors for the Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation to benefit the Marvelle Koffler Breast Centre.