Antique, Fine Art & Collectable Auctions

Antiques Auction

Our monthly Antiques, Fine Art & Collectables auction follows on from the specialist sales on the first Wednesday of every month. The auctions include selected ceramics, jewellery, collectables, silver, paintings, sculpture, books, and furniture.

The fashion for home interiors is ever-changing, so it is not always the traditional pieces that are selected for this auction – we often allocate mid-century furnishings as well as much earlier pieces. This wide range of furnishings gives this sale an interesting and eclectic mix, with prices ranging from less than £100 to over £100,000. This auction also attracts a wide variety of people, from local private buyers to international dealers and collectors bidding on one of the two worldwide bidding platforms we subscribe to.

See auction calendar for our next Antiques, Fine Art & Collectables auction

Our Valuers of Antiques, Fine Art & Collectables

Callum Macaulay-Brown heads our monthly Antiques, Fine Art & Collectables auction; Simon Brown, Hugo Lemon, Mark Baldwin, Sian Brown, and Chris Smith all have experience in different fields and assist Callum with the valuations.

What to Expect from an Antique Auction?

At an antique auction, you can expect a lively and sometimes competitive environment where unique and historically valuable items are sold to the highest bidder. Here's what you can typically expect:

1. Preview Period

Before the auction begins, there’s usually a preview or inspection time where you can examine the items up for bid. This helps you assess condition, authenticity, and value.

2. Catalogue or Listing

Most auctions provide a catalogue —online or printed—that includes descriptions, estimated values, and photos of the items. It's useful to review this ahead of time to plan your bids.

3. Types of Items

You'll see a wide range of antiques, such as:

• Vintage furniture
• Fine art and sculptures
• Coins and currency
• Jewellery and watches
• Porcelain, glassware, and ceramics
• Historical documents or memorabilia

4. Bidding Process

• Live Bidding: Raise your hand or paddle to place a bid in person.
• Online Bidding: Available for many of our auctions. 
• Absentee Bidding: Submit your maximum bid in advance if you can't attend.
• Phone Bidding: Some auction houses offer phone bidding for high-value lots.

5. Buyer's Premium

Expect to pay a buyer’s premium—an additional fee (usually 10–25%) added to your winning bid. Always factor this into your budget.

6. Payment and Pickup

You’ll need to pay shortly after winning. Accepted payment methods may include cash, credit card, or bank transfer. Arrange to pick up or ship your items soon after the auction ends.

7. Tips for First-Timers

• Research item values in advance.
• Set a budget and stick to it.
• Ask questions about provenance or condition.

*The first half of the catalogue for the weekly auction is available on Friday evenings with the complete catalogue available on Monday evening. Viewing for all auctions is on Tuesday from 09.30 - 17:00.