Room Bidding Returns

Room Bidding Returns

08/04/2022    

After two years of online-only auctions and talking to a camera, live auctions are back! This last week’s Antiques & Collectors and 20th Century Art & Design auctions saw the return of flesh and blood room bidders, and as Auctioneers, we can safely say it was great to have you with us.  

“It was wonderful to see so many familiar and new faces back in the room on Tuesday,” comments Gildings director and 20th century art and design specialist, Will Gilding. “We were lucky enough for the pandemic to be a really strong period for us, to the extent that we saw our highest ever sale result during this period, and we have recently introduced standalone jewellery and watches auctions due to demand. However, nothing can match the buzz of a saleroom full of people on an auction day, so it’s fantastic to have that back after two years of selling to an empty room.”

The reopening coincided with the conclusion of our latest refurbishments including a new entrance and spacious Reception area. We also now have a dedicated Valuations office to host clients wanting their personal possessions valued in a comfortable yet discreet environment. The remodelling of the reception will also allow for a greater opportunity to preview lots for upcoming sales, and host dedicated specialist viewing for Jewellery auctions in ample space.

The standout lot on the day was a signed print by one of the UK’s best-loved 20th century artists, TS Lowry. ‘Berwick-Upon-Tweed’ sold for £6000 against an estimate of £2000 - £4000. The 20th Century Art and Design sale also included a private collection of works by the well-known Leicester artist Rigby Graham,  including a 1976 painting The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping, which sold for £1800 against an estimate of £250 - £350. Another strong result was for a Victorian pottery jug by the Martin Brothers that the owner bought from Gildings 4 years ago for £3,000. Deciding to re-sell it this spring, it proved a wise investment as it sold for a hammer price of £5,500.

Anyone who is interested in attending an auction is welcome to do so at any of Gildings’ upcoming auctions, including the regular Antiques and Collectors auction on April 26th, the biannual flagship Fine Art & Antiques Auction on May 10th and the next Jewellery and Watches auction on May 17th.

“Whether you are looking to secure a bargain piece of furniture or collectable item at one of our regular auctions or are in the market for a special painting or item of jewellery at one of our specialist sales, we have something for all tastes and budgets,” adds Will Gilding. “And of course, there is no need to bid when you visit us; the reopening of the saleroom presents a great opportunity for those who are curious about auctions or who got into bidding online as a lockdown hobby to visit us to see what a live auction is all about.”