Buoyant Auction Following Lockdown Lifting

After three months of closure, H&H Auction Rooms report enthusiastic return on its first sale of the year, with viewing followed by a successful sale day.

The first sale of the year by H&H Auction Rooms saw buyers return enthusiastically to bid for treasures and bargains, held online on 15th April. Responding to the opportunities presented by the partial end of restrictions, the auction room doors opened for people to view the 750 lots in time for the post-lockdown auction sale.

Highlights of the sale included two lots selling for double their estimate – a Japanese pot featured in the Antiques Trade Gazette which sold for £355.00, and an immaculate dining suite in Windsor pattern by Ercol – from the 1970’s - very “now”, which sold for £1,000.00. Most other lots touched or broke their estimate which demonstrates the ongoing keenness for people to purchase antique, vintage and upcyclable items.

Other highlights of the sale included a unique selection of artistic pottery pieces; items collected over time from the Potfest festival and market (held in Penrith since 1994); and a collection of very old-fashioned glass codd-bottles.

Stephen Farthing, Head of H&H Auction Rooms at Borderway in Carlisle commented: “It was good to see people starting to trade again, and to see how well it worked. We at H&H are very much on the front foot and wanted to get back into action as soon as possible. Everyone had missed the buzz of the auction room, and even more the social side of trading.

“Although we are still looking forward to when further restrictions are lifted, our ‘Hybrid Auctions’ proved successful in the second half of last year and have once again been a big hit for our first sale of 2021. Viewing days are in person and are an opportunity to see the lots, pick them up to examine them, check to see if things are right for you – all in a safe and controlled environment. Staff are on hand to advise on expected prices and to help with bidding. Bidding is by proxy, leaving the highest bid that you are happy with for the lots or even booking a telephone bid for those special lots. So, although sale day is so different where no customers are present, the experience seems to be being well received. And, if prices are anything to go by, we have got something right.

“On a different note, seeing customers both old and new was very special. Their stories and hopes regarding their plans are what auctions are all about, and come June if we can get back to live in-room bidding, we will also see again what H&H Auction Rooms is all about: packed rooms and frantic bidding. So, it’s back for the future here in Carlisle.”
H&H Auction Rooms is one of the longest established auction houses in the North of England. It has roots in Carlisle back to 1890, when the firm was founded by H E Winter. In 1999 it became part of H&H Group plc, one of the largest livestock auction groups of companies in Europe.