Charles Geoffrey Maurice Des Graz CBE was a well known art auctioneer, Chairman of Sotheby’s, and “one of the ablest men even to adorn his profession1. He was the eldest son of Charles Louis Maurice des Graz (1856 – 1935) and Mary Christina Guthrie (d. 1948), daughter of the 2nd Baron Oranmore and Browne, Ireland. He went to Eton and Trinity, Cantab.

His brother was Edward Percy Aylmer des Graz (1899 – 1942), who was killed in action at Tobruk, Libya.

He was initiated in 1934, and 41. He filled the progressive offices to Senior Warden in 1938. War intervened and he served as Assistant Director Western Areas, Postal Censorship, Ministry of Information, being made a CBE in 1942. He then went to America.

Welcomed back on his return he was reappointed Senior Warden and then installed as Worshipful Master in 1945. He served as Director of Ceremonies from 1947 to 1949 when he became Senior Warden for the third time.

After permission was granted by Grand Lodge in 1951 he was installed for the second time, whilst also holding the same office in Benvenuto Cellini Lodge No 6917 (now sadly erased due to declining membership). He died in 1953, whilst IPM.


  1. Book Auctions. John Carter