Gildings Expand
The family firm of Gildings Auctioneers, established for more than 30 years, are set to extend.
For almost a quarter-of-a-century, regular sales of Fine Art, Antiques and Collectables, have been held at their Market Harborough saleroom.
Now from September 7th there will also be fortnightly sales of Victorian to Modern Furnishings and Collectables – VMFC – at new, additional premises on the edge of Leicester.
At a time when interest is increasing in collectables of all kinds and from all eras, more local people will find it easier to take advantage of the highly popular free valuation and advice service provided by Gildings.
The new Gildings Leicester Saleroom is at 63, Morris Road, Leicester, LE2 6BR.
Mr Mark Gilding said: "My father, John, opened his saleroom in Market Harborough in 1987, after holding regular sales in other parts of the county, including Newtown Linford.
Since then, my brother James and I have joined him in the business. In addition there have been many developments in the way auctions are run. We have been selling via the internet since 2001, for example, when we were among the first auctioneers in the country to introduce this service.
It has proved increasingly popular with collectors and dealers alike, who are not always able to come into the saleroom. This is a valuable option for them and many prefer it to bidding by telephone.
We know too that people looking to sell by auction greatly appreciate being able to ask for our advice on a collection they have built up over many years, or perhaps on just a few items they have inherited, acquired more recently, or have found tucked away in a cupboard, drawer or even long forgotten in the loft."
Mr Gilding added: "In our opinion there has been a growing demand for a saleroom in Leicester and we are looking forward to this extension of our service with a great deal of anticipation.
At present the two salerooms will continue to be run by our current staff, with James Gilding being the saleroom manager in Leicester assisted by Michael Mays. John and I will be based in Market Harborough. We are always happy to look at anything, whether it is from the 17th century or earlier, even to the present day. This is a free service and by extending to Leicester, we hope many more people can become involved.
Often there are big surprises along the way. Recently, a pair of early 20th century diamond-set Faberge gold cufflinks sold for £15,000 well over the presale estimate much to the delight of the seller. An unusual, rare piece of Moorcroft pottery, in Moonlit Blue pattern, although with a chip to the rim, made £1300 a few months ago, or it could be a piece of furniture, a clock, jewellery, a paperweight, a painting, even an unusual toy, that far exceeds all expectations.
Gildings Market Harborough saleroom is popular with collectors and dealers from both Leicestershire and neighbouring Northamptonshire, well situated on the border of the two counties. This will remain the central core of the business. Auctions of Antiques & Collectables will take place fortnightly, continuing the success of this sale category.
We all hope to meet a lot of friends – old and new – in the weeks ahead to have the opportunity to work with them whatever their interests."
Sale dates have been scheduled for the rest of this year, however these may be subject to change.
They are:
August
at Market Harborough:
3rd, 10th & 31st - General Sales
24th - Antiques & Collectables
September
at Leicester:
7th & 21st - VMFC (Victorian to Modern Furnishings and Collectables)
at Market Harborough:
14th & 28th - Antiques & Collectables
October
at Leicester:
5th & 19th - VMFC
at Market Harborough:
12th - Fine Art & Antiques
26th - Antiques & Collectables
November
at Leicester:
2nd, 16th & 30th - VMFC
at Market Harborough:
6th - Model Aero Engines, Toys & Railwayana
23rd - Antiques & Collectables
December
at Leicester:
14th - VMFC
at Market Harborough:
7th & 21st - Antiques & Collectables
