Meet the team

From a young age, Stuart has been interested in history, antiques and general decorative items to the point that he pursued a Masters degree in The History of Art & Architecture with honours from the University of Edinburgh. After spotting the opportunity to join our growing team, Stuart has recently relocated to the area. He describes himself as having a bit of a wanderlust and enjoys exploring new places, including antique fairs and towns, and finding new restaurants and places to eat.

Rowan has recently joined us after moving from Glasgow where she gained vital industry experience at a local auction house. She has an MSc in Collecting and Provenance in an International Context from University of Glasgow, and a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Medieval and Early Modern History from Aberystwyth University.

Rowan has a keen interest in jewellery and silver, especially antique jewellery. However, her interests extend to photography, horse riding and the cultivation of houseplants specifically orchids and carnivorous species.

Our specialist, Andy, is a member of the PTS (International Philatelic Traders Society) and has many years of experience handling collections of all sizes. Like many people, Andy started collecting as a child with help from his parents. Andy is a vital team member and is ambitious about continuing to grow this section.

Andy is available on Fridays or by appointment.

Bethan is an illustrator and designer based in the Lake District. Since gaining her bachelor’s degree in Art History and curating at MSoA, she has occupied a variety of roles across the creative industries. Her passion for vintage fashions and the cultural histories surrounding them has accompanied her throughout her journey.

With an eye for timeless styles and historical details, Bethan hopes to uncover the stories told by what we wore.

Outside of work, you’ll find Bethan diving into icy rivers and lakes, dabbling in rock climbing, cycling from A to B or taking in scenic mountain walks, always with an eye on the prize (pub) at the end.

Do you have a passion for auctions and collecting? We have two exciting auctions, Coins and Militaria, that now need the expertise of an experienced valuer/cataloguer or enthusiastic junior.

Interested in joining our growing auction house in the North of England? We’re located just off the M6 motorway at Junction 36, and we’re a thriving team of friendly valuers, auctioneers, saleroom staff, and support staff.

Email Simon Thompson to arrange a chat about the role and your knowledge. Then, send a CV and cover letter to apply.

Liam is an experienced photographer and art professional with extensive knowledge of photography equipment, photographs, art books and artworks. Until recently, Liam has worked as the Art & Design, Filmmaking & Photography Lecturer at Kendal Collage, backed up by a BA (Hons) in Photography from the University of Cumbria. In his spare time, Liam buys, repairs, and sells used analogue cameras and other photographic equipment online.

Sheryl heads up our in-house packing department and has made an instant impact in that area of the business. With a background in catering and hairdressing and interests in baking and crafting, Sheryl has transferred her attention to detail from her out-of-work interests to her role here. This has already led her to be featured in The Antiques Trade Gazette’s letters page with a glowing review of our in-house packing services.

The latest member of the saleroom team, who brings so many strengths to the business. With a talent for photography, she can be found either unpacking items for sale or snapping pictures of them. Always busy, but there is usually laughter heard when Bec’s is around

David will value toys of all eras and has specialist knowledge of railwayana, models and tin plate. David is a busy man between running a farm with a young family and his role in 1818. David leads on Wines and Spirits, Coins, and Militaria and works closely with Andy on Stamps and Postcards.

Days:
Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Friday mornings

Leading the Furniture auction as well as Musical Instruments and Equipment growing both departments in both size and value. When not in 1818 you can catch Kev (The Acoustic Mod) performing his lively set throughout the county sometimes with his talented son Robbie.

Do you have something you’d like me to look at? You can ask me any question about buying and selling musical instruments and equipment, my usual working days are Monday to Thursday lunchtime.

Rob has a great understanding of volumes of all types. He provides valuations and catalogues our regular antiquarian rare and collectable books auctions. Even though he is in only one day a week he is loved and respected member of the team with his quiet humour and great work ethic. Rob is available most Tuesdays.

Days: Tuesdays

Andy leads the Country Pursuits sales, which he has grown in size and quality. Andy is a large part of the Saleroom team. He’s in charge of receiving goods for auction, keeping them in excellent order prior to sale, and ensuring that they’re sold in the correct sequence. Andy carries out most of our PAT testing.

Days:
Andy works Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

James is a vital and well-respected member of the team. After studying all aspects of 1818 business, from admin and logistics to finance, he is continuing to learn and develop new skills as he catalogues our Collectable Figurines and Studies auction cataloguing. James benefits from Simon’s invaluable auctioneering expertise and mentoring.

Nicola, along with Dawn runs the office like a well-oiled machine. She is also the PA to the management team. In her spare time, you can find her ether walking up a steep hill, swimming in very cold lakes and warming up in cosy pubs.

Alison is a vital part of the saleroom team handling hundreds, if not thousands, of lots on a weekly basis. It’s non-stop for the saleroom team as they unpack and display items for sale, take most of the photographs for use on our website and online bidding platform pre-auction, present the saleroom at its best, keep the valuers and auctioneers on track, and oversee lot collection with the admin team. She has taken the lead on our Green sales with an eye for presentation the sale continues to develop

Bill joined 1818 Auctioneers in late 2016 and took up the role of Salesroom Manager around that time. An experienced auctioneer, he says he’s still enjoying learning something new every day. Bill finds it a privilege to lead of such a great team who have grown the business so rapidly over the last eight years

Days:
Monday to Thursday

Simon takes the lead on our vinyl valuations, particularly on rare pressings and private collections, and catalogues our popular Vinyl & HiFi auctions.
He has a wide and varied knowledge of the music industry and passion for rare vinyl.

Days:
Thursday or Friday afternoons by appointment

Dawn is our Office Co-ordinator and with Nicola they have made the office an efficient and smooth operation. She takes care of all of the administration and has helped reorganise many aspects of the office, helping put new systems in place to deal with the demands of our growing auction business. She can also be VERY FIRM when anyone has not paid within terms

Amy is a vital part of the saleroom team handling hundreds, if not thousands, of lots on a weekly basis. It’s non-stop for the saleroom team as they unpack and display items for sale, take most of the photographs for use on our website and online bidding platform pre-auction, present the saleroom at its best, keep the valuers and auctioneers on track, and oversee lot collection with the admin team. She also spoils our canine visitors to the saleroom, with doggy treats on hand.

Jackie leads the Jewellery section cataloguing and valuing the section she has grown over the years. There have been some fantastic results achieved over recent years. Jackie is a keen walker and enjoys travel and good food.

Jackie Rothwell is available on Wednesdays

Lee coordinates the saleroom team ensuring the smooth running of the operations. He’s always busy receiving goods for auction and organising the collection of goods following each auction’s close. His passion for customer services is a shining example to all.

Anne-Marie is a vital part of the Saleroom team. Her main role is to unpack and display items for the Antiques, Vintage & Collectables sales. Anne-Marie has traded over the years and has a great depth of knowledge and eclectic taste. She has a great eye for display and is already making an impact within the 1818 Auctioneers team. Anne-Marie is our main window dresser and creates a visual advert every week in the corridor outside of the saleroom.

After 22 years in the industry Simon has found his happy place in 1818. Simon thrives in the environment and takes great pleasure in his role as Assistant manager and mentor. Simon who has a passion for all things of quality resides in Penrith and has a young family who keep him very busy outside of work.