Eldreds auction lots
"Today’s auctions revolve around contemporary art, silver, gold, jewellery, watches and intrinsically valuable items as well as toys and collectables."
By Anthony Eldred, Senior Partner at Eldreds Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers
What does the role of an auctioneer/valuer entail?
The role involves assessing the value of antiques, art, silver, jewellery and collectable items for different purposes, including probate (inheritance tax), insurance, family division and for sale by auction or private treaty. You often need to visit clients’ homes to appraise larger items or collections, as well as overseeing the marketing and preparation of online sale catalogues before conducting auction sales.
What training and qualifications do you need?
To become a successful valuer and auctioneer, practical experience of handling objects is key and best gained by working in a reputable auction house, with experienced valuers, covering a wide range of items. Formal qualifications include the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and for jewellery valuers the Gemmological Association (FGA).
There are also a number of university-based art history degrees, which provide a useful grounding.
When and how did Eldreds start as a business?
I started the firm in 1993 having spent a number of years with London-based international auction house Phillips (later merged with Bonhams), based mainly in the West Country and latterly in Plymouth.
What services do you offer?
We hold regular specialist auction sales throughout the year and provide comprehensive advice to executors, solicitors and other professional advisors, as well as to the general public and collectors wishing to buy or sell antiques and valuable items. We also prepare inventories and carry out valuations of entire house contents where a client is downsizing or after a bereavement, and assist in organising house clearances through trusted and reliable contractors. We hold regular valuation days at our Roborough office and travel throughout the West Country and beyond to value clients’ collections.
What are the most interesting or unusual items you have auctioned?
We auctioned a solid 18ct gold model of an Iranian casino (£46,000), a marble top table from Windsor Castle, and a pair of Queen Victoria’s bloomers!!!
How have auctions changed over the years?
The single biggest change has been the rise of the internet and online bidding platforms. Vast numbers of people can now take part in auctions through these platforms, accounting for over 65% of buyers (during the pandemic year this rose to 95%). Demand has changed from what we consider mainstream antiques, furniture and traditional art. Today’s auctions revolve around contemporary art, silver, gold, jewellery, watches and intrinsically valuable items as well as toys and collectables.
What would you say to someone thinking of this as a career?
Seek out some practical experience with an established auction house to gain wide-ranging knowledge and work on your communication and marketing skills. Visit collections, museums and antiques fairs.
What is the best thing about your job?
Discovering a rare or valuable object; conducting a successful auction sale, and meeting a diverse and interesting range of people, both vendors and buyers.