Leading auctioneers named top specialists after successful pandemic adaptation
An auctioneers with sale rooms in Penkridge and Wolverhampton has been handed an award.
Staffordshire-based Cuttlestones Auctioneers & Valuers, has been named Specialist Auction House of the Year in the Luxury Travel Guide (LTG) Lifestyle Awards 2020.
Cuttlestones was praised for "meeting all expectations of a modern auction house, with a dynamic website, professional photography and cataloguing of each lot, a live internet bidding facility and a comprehensive marketing strategy to ensure a global reach".
MD and head auctioneer, Ben Gamble, said: “Looking back to this time last year there’s no way any of us could have foreseen the upheaval that lay ahead with the pandemic – it made us change our plans and way of operating drastically, adapting quickly to running online-only valuations and auctions to keep our customers and team safe while working within the ever-changing guidelines.
“The hard work paid off and, despite losing the buzz of having live bidding in the room, we’ve seen a huge uplift in the number of online bidders registered for every sale – attracting new audiences as well as seeing customers who’ve always preferred to do things the ‘traditional’ way embrace tech and bid online, and hammer prices have risen across all sections.
“This award means a lot – it recognises the entire team’s adaptability and dedication to excellence in customer service during a very tough time, and we feel honoured to receive it.”
Cuttlestones is currently operating regular online antique and interiors sales from both its Penkridge and Wolverhampton auction rooms, with Covid safety measures in place for the consignment and collection of goods. Its next fine art-focused spring antique auction sale will take place on March 11 followed by a specialist collectors’ sale on March 19.
For a full sale calendar and illustrated auction catalogues, head to cuttlestones.co.uk. For a free, no obligation online valuation of anything from jewellery or silver to ceramics, medals, watches, works of art, furniture, email photos to valuations@cuttlestones.co.uk or WhatsApp 07949 603872.
