Hansons Auctioneers has welcomed two new valuers to its growing team – Oli Thomas and Katy Beardmore.
Katy has been appointed as a general valuer at Hansons’ Derbyshire headquarters in Etwall, near Derby. She has 25 years of experience in the antiques and collectables trade, born out of a fascination that runs in the family.
She said: “My parents inspired my love of all things antique. They were traders and, from the age of 10, I attended large international UK fairs with them. They specialised in Wade Whimsies before upgrading to Clarice Cliff pottery and ceramics made by her contemporaries.
“Over time, I started trading with them and developed my knowledge of antiques, collectables and luxury goods. My speciality is 20th century ceramics and glass. I have a particular passion for Art Deco.”
Oli has been appointed as a general valuer based at Bishton Hall, Hansons’ Staffordshire saleroom. He is a specialist in arms and militaria and leads the firm’s Country Pursuit sales which offer items relating to hunting, shooting and fishing.
He said: “My interest in history and antiques began at an early age. After completing a degree in geography at Swansea University, and following an appearance on BBC’s Bargain Hunt TV show, my mind was set to join the auction industry.
“I joined Bonhams in London in 2015, initially as a porter in the Knightsbridge saleroom. I did a six-month secondment with the Car Department, was part of the New Bond Street gallery management team and latterly worked in the Modern Sporting Guns department. I’m excited by the opportunity at Hansons. It will allow me to expand my knowledge even further.”
The valuing team has also been strengthened by the return of Nick Bagshaw, a man with decades of experience in the antiques world. Nick, a qualified Chartered Surveyor, Chattels division, trained as a valuer and auctioneer at William H. Brown from 1982-1989.
He went on to become a senior valuer and auctioneer at Locke and England Fine Art Department, Leamington Spa, from 1989-2003. His experience expanded further as a senior auctioneer and valuer in the Fine Art Department
at Fellows and Sons, Birmingham, from 2003-2007 and at Dreweatts, Godalming, from 2008-2015
He said: “I have run salerooms for both antique and general sales as well as auctioneering. I have wide experience of probate, insurance and family division valuations. I specialise in valuing rugs, carpets, tin-glazed earthenware, 17th and 18th century furniture and 17th and 18th century painting, portraits being of particular interest.”
The company, which has four salerooms operating in Derbyshire, Staffordshire, Oxfordshire and London, has also promoted one of its key employees, Sonya Marshall. She has been appointed company secretary after five years’ service with Hansons.
Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons, said: “Sonya initially joined Hansons as a PA to the saleroom team and has proved to be an excellent employee. She has developed a deep understanding and knowledge of the auction business and is ideally suited to this important role. Thanks to Hansons expansion, I am also delighted to welcome Katy and Oli to the team and to once again draw on the exceptional experience of Nick Bagshaw.”
To book a free valuation at Hansons, please email: [email protected]
