Leading auction firm Mitchells has appointed a new head.
James Moore will take over from Mark Wise, who is stepping down after over 30 years at the firm.
Mark will continue as a non-executive director on Mitchells’ board and remain in a consultant capacity for continuity, including occasional appearances auctioneering in the saleroom.
He said: “The time is right to hand over the reins and James Moore couldn’t be more qualified having been the saleroom manager here at Mitchells for many years.
“He already knows the business inside out, which will make for a smooth transition, and he has expertise in both antiques and fine art, particularly the work of local artists. He’s also impressed us by growing the biannual country sporting sales into major three-day sales.
“The board has every confidence that James and the new saleroom manager, James Warwick, will continue to build a thriving business into the future.”
James Moore said: “I’m delighted to have this opportunity and am already proactively seeking more entries of antiques, fine art, sporting goods and toys for our specialist sales.
“We’re now offering free drop-in valuations at our Cockermouth saleroom during office hours and are making it easier for communities further afield to access our services too.”
The company is holding free pop-up valuation events and one will be held at Maryport’s Shipping Brow Gallery on Saturday, February 10, from 11am until 2pm.
Mr Moore: “People can simply drop by with their items for a free, no obligation valuation and we’re particularly keen to see artworks by local artists such as Percy Kelly, Sheila Fell or William Mitchell. I’ll be there with my colleague Claire Machin who’s also looking out for items for our maritime and transport sale.”
Mitchells’ recent pop-up valuation in aid of St Mary’s Hospice, Ulverston yielded some valuable items including a Victorian Indian silver horse racing trophy sold for £4,000 in its antiques & fine art sale last September.
Another event in aid of Coniston TIC resulted in some very interesting items being brought in for valuation including a collection of 1966 World Cup memorabilia, with tickets for the final at Wembley, and a very rare Victorian/Edwardian footman’s outfit from Grizedale Hall near Hawkshead, probably the only one in existence.
