The Wilford sisters will hold their first auction on March 13-14 comprising militaria and medals and antiques, collectables and interiors and the saleroom in Beeston, between Swaffham and Dereham in Norfolk.
They are joined by Matt Vandersluys, also a former employee of Townsend, who has designed the new website for the business.
The Wilfords said: “We hope to inject a fresh impetus on the business and have been really pleased with so much positive support from existing and new customers… We believe this is the only auction house in the country to be run by sisters.”
Its sales calendar for this year includes fine antiques, silver and jewellery and antiques, collectables and interiors on April 10-11 and vintage toys and antiques, collectables and interiors on May 8-9.
Freelance auctioneer David Palmer, well-known for his colourful waistcoats, will host the auction house’s monthly sales.
He works for a range of firms including Batemans in Stamford as well as hosting a number of charity auctions.
Former owners David and Diana Townsend said: “We would like to thank all our customers for their support over the last six years. We hope you will support the new owners, Catherine and Shelley-Anne Wilford, in the same way, as they start their new venture.”
Henry Aldridge & Son
Alan Aldridge, auctioneer and valuer, is retiring from his company Henry Aldridge & Son and his son Andrew (left) is taking over.
Alan Aldridge, auctioneer and valuer, is retiring from his company Henry Aldridge & Son in Devizes, Wiltshire after more than 30 years in the business.
His son Andrew, who already works at the firm, is taking over the business that specialises in Titanic memorabilia via a new company, Henry Aldridge & Son Ltd. The changes will take effect in April.
Alan, 71, will become a consultant to the firm and will spend more time pursuing his interest in metal detecting.
Andrew said: “Instead of working 70-hour weeks, dad is going to spend more time enjoying himself. But this is evolution not revolution and he will still take the hammer.”
Andrew follows his father Alan, his grandfather and great-grandfather Henry in the auctioneering business. He plans a number of changes in the coming months and will expand some of its sales.
Fellows Fine Jewellery
Jewellery and watch specialist Fellows is to introduce a new sale category this month focused upon the better quality lots it sells from its Birmingham saleroom.
The inaugural Fine Jewellery auction on March 21 is the first of what will be six sales a year, each with around 500 lots both period pieces and high-end contemporary jewellery - targeting an international buying audience.
These sales will effectively replace the monthly Antique & Modern Jewellery auctions. View five highlights from the Fellows’ sale here.
Online-only at Artcurial
French auction house Artcurial has launched online-only auctions on its website. Each timed online-only auction will appear on its website for a week.
The sales will be in addition to its calendar of traditional sales in Paris and Monaco. The firm said the online-only sales will “allow the organisation of thematic sales and events”.
