Fellows auctioneers stage auction from home

Fellows Auctioneers has revealed that its latest auction was operated in full from a family home in Shropshire on 26 March. 

The auction, which was “one of their most successful” auctions to date, achieved a hammer total of £210,000.

Managing director Stephen Whittaker was auctioneer from his family home, with twin daughters Alexandra and Nicola Whittaker running the bidding platforms, and Jayne Whittaker clerking.

Approximately 400 people signed up for Fellows’ own bidding platform, and staff from Fellows assisted the sale from their own homes as they managed bids which were still being placed on the day and operated telephone bidding.

The auction lasted seven hours with only one 15-minute break. Over 700 lots of alluring jewellery went under the hammer throughout the day. 

It is only the second time in the company’s 144-year history that it has held an auction from home. 

Stephen Whittaker, managing director of Fellows Auctioneers, said: “Today was a first for Fellows Auctioneers in that we held a jewellery auction from home. 

“This was just the second time in our history that we have held an auction away from our saleroom. The first was an estate sale over 30 years ago! Luckily for us, we have significantly embraced the use of technology in the intervening years.” 

He added: “My wife and daughters assisting from home helped create a thriving auction atmosphere and our dedicated staff worked remotely to ensure we held yet another successful sale. 

“I am extremely grateful for their ongoing support from their own homes during these times. It’s delightful that people seem to be taking advantage of a welcome distraction to what is happening in the world by bidding on our auctions from the comfort of their own homes.”

The sale reportedly followed a trio of successful Fellows auctions, which “shows that the appetite amongst buyers for stunning items of jewellery remains high”.