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Buying at Auction

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Overview

We hold a full calendar of jewellery, silver, painting, fine art and collectables auctions.

Buying at auction is becoming an increasingly popular, as more people are choosing to promote a circular economy thorugh sustainable shopping and upcycling. Auction buying offers a responsible and environmentally conscious way to acquire high-quality and unique pieces to furnish your home.

While the auction environment can appear fast-paced and dynamic, it is far less daunting than it may seem. With the right guidance and preparation, anyone can confidently take part and enjoy the experience.

The key points below will help you understand the auction process, master the art of bidding, and give you the knowledge needed to bid successfully and with confidence.

How do I search for an item?

You can easily search for your favourite auction lots using the search bar at the top of our website. Simply enter keywords, artist names, or item descriptions to quickly find relevant lots across our upcoming auctions

All of our auctions are accompanied by beautifully illustrated printed, as well as a fully searchable online auction catalogue available on our website in the weeks leading up to each sale. There you will find detailed lot descriptions, high-quality images, and full auction information to help you browse and bid with confidence from anywhere.

Can I view items in the auction?

Each auction lot is carefully inspected, appraised, and described in detail by our team of experts. Every listing includes a comprehensive condition assessment, along with high-quality images, so you can review each item in detail before placing a bid.

If you require further information, our team is happy to help. You can request additional details, full condition reports, or extra images for any lot, and we will provide these upon request.

We strongly encourage prospective buyers to view items in person prior to each auction. This provides an opportunity to inspect lots firsthand and speak directly with our experts, who will be available to answer any questions you may have.

Viewing dates and times are published in the front of all auction catalogues. Viewings typically take place four days before the auction, as well as on the morning of the sale.

How to bid at auction

There are several ways to bid at auction, allowing you to take part in the way that best suits your preferences and circumstances. Full details of each bidding method are explained below to help you choose the option that works best for you:

Bid Online at Our Live Auctions

Bidding online at one of our live auctions is simple, secure, and an exciting way to experience the thrill of an auction from anywhere. Whether you are buying antiques, collectibles, vehicles, property, machinery, or general auction lots, our online auction platform allows you to bid in real time from your computer, tablet, or mobile device.

To get started, register for an online bidding account on our website before the auction begins. Once registered, browse our upcoming auction listings and select the live auction you wish to join on auction day.

During the auction, you can watch and listen live as the auctioneer sells each lot in real time. Our online auction system displays the current bid, next bid amount, and live bidding activity, helping you place competitive bids instantly and confidently. The auctioneer receives your bid immediately and can even see when bidders are actively preparing to place a bid online.

If you cannot attend the full live auction, you can also leave a maximum absentee bid online in advance. Our system will automatically bid on your behalf up to your chosen limit, helping you secure auction items at the best possible price.

Attend Our Live Auctions in Person

Most of our auctions are open for buyers to attend and bid in person, offering a dynamic and exciting live auction experience. Watching the auctioneer in action and competing in real time adds to the atmosphere and energy of the sale, making it a memorable way to purchase a wide range of auction lots.

On arrival, all bidders are required to register before taking part. Please bring valid identification, such as a driving licence or passport, to complete the registration process. Once registered, you will be issued with a unique bidding number, also known as a paddle number, which you will use to place bids during the auction.

Simply raise your paddle clearly when you wish to bid, and our auctioneer will recognise your bid instantly. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a regular bidder, our team is always on hand to assist and ensure the process runs smoothly.

Absentee bidding

If you are unable to attend an auction, you can still take part by placing a commission bid. This allows the auctioneer to bid on your behalf up to a pre-agreed maximum amount.

Your bid will be handled confidentially and executed by the auctioneer during the sale, ensuring you remain competitive without needing to be present.

The auctioneer will manage the entire process directly, giving you a simple and reliable way to participate in the auction remotely.

Telephone bidding

Register in advance for telephone bidding and take part in our live auctions from anywhere in the world. Telephone bidding allows you to bid in real time with one of our auction team members, giving you the experience of being in the auction room without attending in person.

Our experienced staff will call you shortly before your chosen lot is offered for sale and relay the live bidding directly from the auctioneer, allowing you to place bids instantly and confidently over the phone.

As our auctions attract a high volume of telephone bidders, we strongly recommend registering for telephone bidding at least 24 hours before the auction begins to secure your place. Early registration also ensures sufficient time for account verification and bidding approval.

Telephone bidding is ideal for buyers who want the excitement and flexibility of live auction participation while receiving personal assistance throughout the bidding process.

What are the costs?

If you are successful with your bid, the total amount payable will include the hammer price plus a buyer’s premium of 23% + VAT (27.6% including VAT).

In addition, you may also be required to pay:

  • Any applicable online bidding fees
  • Any additional charges relating to the bidding platform used
  • Artist’s Resale Right (ARR) royalties, where applicable

Auction Collection, Packing and Delivery Services

Purchased auction lots can be collected as soon as payment has been received and cleared. Our team aims to make the auction collection process quick, convenient, and straightforward for all buyers.

For customers unable to collect in person, we offer a professional in-house packing and postage service for most non-fragile auction items within the United Kingdom (subject to discretion). 

For larger, fragile, specialist, or high-value items, we can recommend reliable local shipping agents experienced in auction transport, domestic courier services, and international shipping. Delivery options are available for buyers across the UK and worldwide.

Please see our Postage & Shipping page for further information. 

Looking for a valuation? Speak to our friendly team today for a free online valuation.