SPECIAL Auction Services, the West Berkshire auctioneers best known for regular sales of commemoratives and pot lids, are themselves on the market.
As advertised in this week's issue (The Antiques Trade Gazette
1687) on page 76, owner Andrew Hilton is looking for either a buyer
for his company or a partner that can help the business grow beyond
its current parameters. Mr Hilton, who has over 30 years of
experience in his field, told ATG he was concerned at the
much-documented trends in the traditional collectables market and
feels a need for new blood. While he has no intention on turning
his back upon a loyal customer base, he believes SAS are yet to
fulfil the potential of the saleroom in Kennetholme, Midgham, near
Reading where seven sales are held each year.
Meanwhile a clue to the next generation of the firm was seen on
April 16 when 25-year-old Lucy Hobbs took to the rostrum for the
firm time at the end of the sale of collectable toys. A Czech
Republic national who arrived in the United Kingdom with little
English seven years ago, she received a warm round of applause from
the audience after selling 36 lots. "I must say I was so nervous,
that the whole rostrum must have been shaking, but really enjoyed
it," Mrs Hobbs told ATG.
"I got in a muddle with one lot, but had so much support it didn't
really matter. I am really looking forward to doing a little bit of
each auction from now on and hopefully I will get there
eventually."
Contact 0118 9712949 for more information.
CHESHIRE auctioneers Maxwells have acquired a new permanent
saleroom.
Following a general trend, this is a fully renovated,
parking-friendly industrial unit situated between Stockport and the
firm's original base, Wilmslow. The new larger premises will allow
much greater flexibility for the auctioneers who are planning
larger sales held on a three weekly cycle instead of fortnightly.
The first sale to be held at The Auction Rooms, Levens Road, Hazel
Grove, Cheshire, will be an April 27 catalogue of Victorian and
later furniture and effects with the first quarterly antiques held
on Wednesday, May 11.
Contact 0161 4395182 for more information.
BECCLES, Suffolk auctioneers Durrants will officially open their
new saleroom at their sale of antiques and fine art on Friday, May
6.
After spending many of their 152 years at premises on the Gresham
Road, Beccles, the company have recently moved to a former
silkworks and school on Peddars Lane. The disabled-friendly
conversion of The Old Schoolhouse includes a cafe, a lower-floor
saleroom for furniture and an upper-floor saleroom for pictures and
furnishings that can be accessed by a lift.
Contact 01502 713490 for more information.
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