We’re thrilled to formally announce the opening of our new £1m building here at 1818 Auctioneers. Our official press release follows.
An auction house on the Cumbria and Lancashire border opened a second 1,300 sq m saleroom at the end of last month (November). It doubles the size of the 1818 Auctioneers base at J36 Rural Auction Centre.
The £ 1 million investment provides much-needed space to house the increasing number of expert departments and the volume of items handled, and it improves the viewing experience for customers.
Auction Manager Bill Nelson explained: “We now have 12 valuers whose expertise covers a huge range of subjects. That includes antique and vintage furniture, jewellery, silver, figurines, pictures, cameras, pens, and automobilia. Plus textiles, stamps, vinyl, toys, coins, wine and spirits, militaria, country pursuits, sporting memorabilia, and books.
“Whilst all our sales are online, our viewing days are more popular than ever. Dealers and members of the public tell us they appreciate coming in to speak to experts and handle the items being sold. Now we have dedicated space for each specialist, so people know exactly where to find them. This purpose-built facility reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing services for buyers and sellers alike. There’s even a Café Ambio next door for a brew and food,” added Bill.
The expansion is driven by exceptional growth in auction activity. Between 1 January 2024 and October 2024, the auction house handled 23,500 lots, with 19,000 successfully sold. Examples of top prices made include £7,600 for a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date watch, £1,460 for a Charles I Gold Coin, and £2,000 for a watercolour by Cumbrian artist Percy Kelly. Around 50 photos of Colonel Lawrence, or ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, the British intelligence officer Thomas Edward Lawrence sold for £3,350.
Bill Nelson says turnover has increased from £600K to £ 1.75 m in the last decade, and staff numbers have risen from seven to over 22.
The new facility has the capacity to handle larger volumes and streamlines operations, allowing lots to move directly into designated areas for cataloguing.
“This new saleroom is more than just a building; it represents our dedication to innovation and excellence in the auction industry,” added Bill.
Stephen Wilkinson of Lancastrian Antiques, Lancaster, said: “This is one of the few auction houses in the region with two purpose-built salerooms. It makes for a very good viewing experience. It is well-lit, items are well-laid out, and the valuer is around to answer questions. The quality of description and photography is such that we don’t need to view, but it’s always nice to have the opportunity to get your hands on items as well”.
This is the 11th year that 1818 Auctioneers has been trading at J36, having moved from the centre of Kendal in 2013.