An auction house on the Cumbria and Lancashire border has revealed a £1 million expansion.
1818 Auctioneers at J36 Rural Auction Centre has opened a second 1,300sq m saleroom – doubling its size.
Auction manager Bill Nelson said: “We now have 12 valuers whose expertise covers a huge range of subjects.
“That includes antique and vintage furniture, jewellery, silver, figurines, pictures, cameras, pens and automobilia. Plus textiles, stamps, vinyl, toys, coins, wine and spirits, militaria, country pursuits and sporting memorability and books.
“Whilst all our sales are online, our viewing days are more popular than ever. Dealers and members of the public tell us they appreciate coming in to speak to experts, and to handle the items being sold. Now we have dedicated space for each specialist so people know exactly where to find them.
“This purpose-built facility reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing services for buyers and sellers alike. There’s even a Café Ambio next door for a brew and food,” added Bill.
The expansion is driven by exceptional growth in auction activity, the firm said.
Between January 1 and October this year, the auction house had handled 23,500 lots, with 19,000 successfully sold.
Top prices made include £7,600 for a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date watch, £1,460 for a Charles I Gold Coin and £2,000 for a watercolour by Cumbrian artist Percy Kelly. Around 50 photos of Colonel Lawrence, or ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, the British intelligence officer, Thomas Edward Lawrence sold for £3,350.
Bill said in the last decade turnover has increased from £600,000 to £1.75million and staff numbers have risen from seven to over 22.
He added: “This new saleroom is more than just a building; it represents our dedication to innovation and excellence in the auction industry.”
1818 Auctioneers moved into J36 from Kendal in 2013.
