Semley

Semley are an auction house established in 1990 in Shaftesbury, Dorset. They also now boast an office in South Kensington in London.

Their annual auction calendar features regular sales of antiques and furniture alongside several specialist auctions in areas such as clocks, barometers & scientific instruments, militaria & sporting items, Oriental & Islamic art, rugs & textiles, and garden & architectural items.

Expand an interest in Beatrix Potter

12 September 2022

The ‘property of a lady’, this concertina-style wallet book by Beatrix Potter, 'The Story of Miss Moppet', is a first edition published by Frederick Warne & Co, London & New York, 1906.

Nemon became Sir Winston’s sculptor of choice

13 December 2021

The Anglo-Croatian sculptor Oscar Nemon (1906-85) first met Sir Winston Churchill when holidaying in Marrakech in 1951.

How long is it ‘fair and reasonable’ to wait for a bidder to settle a £354,000 bill?

13 September 2021

A legal dispute that explored how long it is ‘fair and reasonable’ to wait for a buyer to pay for a six-figure purchase has concluded.

Portrait of a young boy by Greiffenhagen makes many multiples of estimate

16 August 2021

Semley (22% buyer’s premium) earlier this summer sold this portrait of a young boy in profile by Maurice William Greiffenhagen (1862- 1931).

Top-selling cameo of Napoleon from 1810 stars in our latest pick of five auction highlights

18 June 2021

ATG’s weekly selection of items that caught bidders’ eyes includes a rare sardonyx cameo depicting Napoleon as a classical emperor that sold above estimate at Chiswick Auctions.

Gainsborough chair is sitting pretty at Locke & England auction

15 February 2021

Although now known as Gainsborough chairs, generous walnut and upholstered armchairs were often referred to by contemporaries as ‘French’ chairs, as the most elaborate styles were based on French rococo.

Victorian kidney-shaped desk and a Cromwellian gold medal are among five auction highlights that caught bidders’ eyes

29 January 2021

ATG’s selection of hammer highlights this week includes a Victorian walnut and tulipwood kidney-form desk that made over five-times estimate.

ʻThe epitome of old European taste’: British diplomat's collection of Chinese ceramics sells at Semley Auctions

30 November 2020

Semley Auctions (22% buyer’s premium) in Dorset secured one of the choice consignments this season: the Martin Robert Morland (1933-2020) collection of Chinese ceramics.

Burgess portrait of daughter draws serious attention in Dorset

17 February 2020

The Victorian artist John Bagnold Burgess (1829- 97), grandson of a painter who counted Thomas Gainsborough among his pupils, was best known as a painter of genre scenes.

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Fine feathers for faithful Lady Franklin

27 November 2014

Lady Jane Franklin (1791-1875) gained worldwide admiration for her efforts to trace her husband’s disappearance on his fatal 1845 voyage seeking the North West Passage.

Italian consoles tables bring £28,000 in Devon

06 February 2009

Remarkable for both their size and their original condition, this pair of Italian console tables c,1760 sold for £28,000 Semley Auctioneers of Shaftesbury in Dorset on January 24.

Semley open London office

07 April 2008

Semley Auctioneers have opened an office and reception at 97 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3LD.

Leo Spik: Paintings, Works on Paper, Prints & Sculptures; 06 Oct 2022
Twents Veilinghuis: Art, Antiques & Collectables; 06 Oct 2022
Veilinghuis de Ruiter: Silverware, Jewellery, Watches, Art & Antiques; 06 Oct 2022
Kinghams: Fine & Decorative Art; 06 Oct 2022 - 10:00 AM
Clarke's Auctions: Antiques & Collectables; 07 Oct 2022 - 10:00 AM
Laidlaw Auctioneers: Antiques, Collectables & Home Interiors; 07 Oct 2022 - 10:00 AM