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.
