New life has been breathed into a well-known Oxfordshire auction house which relaunches with its first sale since lockdown in September.
Holloway’s of Banbury and Charles Ross Auctioneers of Woburn, Milton Keynes, have been acquired by celebrity auctioneer and TV personality Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers.
The firm has been renamed Hanson Holloway’s Ross, four members of staff have been retained and Charles is predicting a bright future for the Parsons Street saleroom.
He said: “Holloway’s is a firm with provenance and pedigree. It’s been part of Banbury life since the 1970s and is the town’s longest-standing professional auction house. I’m excited and proud to help it move forward as we look to write the next chapter.
Holloway’s in Banbury, Oxfordshire.
“Antiques and collectables are as popular today as they have ever been. Despite lockdown, Hansons has achieved record-breaking results in 2020 and we look forward to delivering strong hammer prices for the people of Oxfordshire and neighbouring counties.”
Free valuations of all types of antiques and collectables are now available every Thursday from 10am-4pm at the Banbury auction centre and Bargain Hunt regular Kate Bliss will visit the town regularly to assess jewellery and silver. The first Banbury Antiques, Collectors and Fine Art Auctions will be held on September 12 and thereafter on the first Saturday of each month.
More than 400 lots are due to go under the hammer on September 12, from 10.30am, including a fine array of clocks and the Jessye Norman Costume Collection, sourced by senior valuer James Lees. Jessye (1945-2019), a famous American-born opera singer, won five Grammy awards during her impressive career. Another eye-catching item is lot 174, a signed EastEnders E20 Albert Square promotional street sign signed by several cast and crew members including Sid Owen (Ricky), Shona McGarty (Whitney), Laila Morse (Big Mo) and many more, estimate £100-£150.
Lots in the September 12 auction. Catalogue.
“We’re looking forward to a great first auction and serving the people of Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire and Buckinghamshire,” said Charles. “This is a wonderful opportunity and I’m delighted we have been able to retain Holloway’s staff – people clients in the area will be familiar with.”
In addition to James Lees, the Banbury team includes senior valuer Jasper Marsh and office manager Nikki Beale. The firm also continues its connection to respected auctioneer Charlie Ross. Charles Ross Auctioneers acquired the firm in 2015.
CLICK HERE to browse September Banbury Antiques. Collectors and Fine Art Catalogue
Charles Hanson, a familiar face on Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, launched Hansons Auctioneers in his home county of Derbyshire in 2005. A London office followed, based in Teddington, in 2018, then in August 2019 the company expanded to Staffordshire. It purchased Georgian country house Bishton Hall, near Stafford, to host both auctions and events.
Hansons offers a wide range of general and specialist sales and has an in-house postage department and online bidding/catalogue platform, www.hansonslive.co.uk.
Charles said: “I’m passionate about antiques and collectables and look forward to enhancing the Holloway’s brand. Pop down to the Banbury auction centre any Thursday for a free general valuation and don’t miss the opportunity to have objects assessed by our popular jewellery consultant Kate Bliss.”
Kate Bliss will be valuing jewellery and silver at Holloway’s on September 23, 10am-3pm.
Kate, a fellow of the Gemmological Association, will be at Hanson Holloway’s Ross Auction Centre, 49 Parsons Street, Banbury, 0X16 5NB, on September 23, October 21, November 25, 10am-3pm, no appointment necessary. She can assess all types of jewellery from antique and vintage items to contemporary pieces with a view to items being consigned to auction.
Hanson Holloway’s Ross is inviting entries for its October 3 and November 7 auctions. To find out more, arrange a free valuation or home visit or enquire about house clearance/downsizing services, please call 01295 81777, email [email protected] or visit www.hollowaysauctioneers.co.uk.
