Strong Participation and Engagement – A review of 2024 at Plymouth Auction Rooms
As 2024 draws to a close, the team at Plymouth Auction Rooms have taken the time to reflect on the last 12 months.
“A year of change and consolidation” remarks Paul Keen who has seen his saleroom develop their strength as the principal saleroom for fine jewellery and watches with no fewer 12 specialist sales. “ We have seen a significant increase in demand for fine and antique jewellery this year underpinned by our online presence. Furthermore, some fine timepieces have passed through the saleroom including some 56 Rolex watches. Several diamond rings and watches have sold well over £10,000 mark this year.
A closer look at the numbers reveals over 5,000 lots under the gavel over the thirty auctions. Paul continues “we have shifted several sales to the timed auction format, which has brought a whole new energy to auction bidding. Attracting many new online buyers enjoying the luxury of bidding at their own convenience”. This has allowed the popular saleroom to handle many extensive collections including 1000’s of models, toys, and collectables. The new bidding format has also reduced the buyer age of their demographic. “We have seen a good sales rates for diecast models, scale military models and model railway”.
Yielding valuable results have been many sales of gold and silver collections, whilst underpinned by the fierce bullion rates the Plymouth Auction Rooms have constantly demonstrated that a sale by auction gives the seller the best opportunity to realise the true worth of their treasures.
The quarterly art auctions have seen almost 200 various works on offer by Robert Lenkiewicz. There has certainly been a softening in demand as several collectors are moving to more commentary artists’ works today. However just this month Project 18 work sold for £4,500. Earlier in the year a Beryl Cook painting consigned from the US sold for over £13,000.
Paul sees this year’s success aided particularly by two other key factors. Firstly, the introduction of the South Hams valuation days; held once a month at the Rose and Crown, Yealmpton. “We have really enjoyed these and each of the four events, so far, have been well attended with queues out the door!” we have valued a wealth of antiques, works of art and jewellery resulting in several great auction consignments. The highlight being last months sale of the important memento mori Georgian ring for an impressive £11,000 to Wartski of London.
The recruitment of extra staff has allowed the saleroom to flourish with two new full-time cataloguers and researchers who have been instrumental in marketing items to their full potential. A small Orthodox icon triptych was identified from a mix lot and sold for over £3,000 to a New York buyer. Finally, with the amount of UK and overseas buyers the Plymouth saleroom has developed an efficient packing and shipping department allowing prompt and secure delivery of most lots in house. “Our customer like this personal touch and are often delighted to receive their goods within just a few days of the auction.”
The new year starts without hesitation, a collector’s timed auction where bidding starts on 1st January.