Charismatic TV antiques expert Charles Hanson is cementing his childhood love of Norfolk by launching a new saleroom in the county.
Charles, the owner of Hansons Auctioneers, has taken over The Rostrum, Jewellery and Fine Art Auctioneers at The Old Bakery, Thorpe Market Road, Roughton. The first auction is scheduled for July 20 and entries are invited.
The saleroom has become part of the Hansons Auctioneers group, the seventh UK saleroom to be operated by the firm. Hansons was launched by Charles Hanson in his home county of Derbyshire in 2005. It has since expanded to Staffordshire, London, Kent, Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire.
Charles Hanson said: “I have always had big ambitions and the rich landscape of Norfolk and East Anglia are part of them. I have cousins from Norfolk and as a child enjoyed holidays in the county.
“The opportunity to invest in The Old Bakery saleroom is one I couldn’t miss. I watched with interest when The Rostrum Auction Room came to fruition in 2021. It has had two previous partners, latterly, Mike Winspear. I’m thrilled that Mike is heading up the saleroom. The business has energy and we will invigorate it further thanks to 20 years of experience in the industry.”
Mike Winspear, (above) who has worked in the antiques and auction industry for five years, said: “When deciding how best to boost the profile of The Rostrum, I wanted to ensure the saleroom was given the chance it deserved. I knew straight away that Charles Hanson was the best person to invigorate and capture the potential of The Rostrum through his name, knowledge and the combined experience of the Hansons group. I am extremely excited about the future of our saleroom now that Charles and his business development Amanda Butler are on board.”
Charles said: “Together Hansons’ team of business and antiques experts will build a Fine Art saleroom worthy of a sophisticated location and clientèle. Norfolk is home to connoisseur shipping collectors as well as people keen to buy and sell all manner of antiques, collectibles, jewellery and silver.
“The Norfolk saleroom will be led by Amanda Butler who has championed the success of our Hertfordshire auction house Hanson Ross. It has gained phenomenal success in less than 12 months, cementing operations in the south. From North Norfolk, south to Southwold, east to Beccles and west to Kings Lynn, this new expansion will serve thousands of clients and further enhance Hansons’ UK operations.
“As well as in-house consignment and valuations, The Rostrum team will host valuation events throughout the area to help people secure professional advice easily. These will include weekly events in Norwich. We will offer specialist niche sales promoting lifestyle and luxury as well as general antiques, collectibles, jewellery, silver and watch sales. The latter will benefit from Mike’s expertise. He comes from a line of clock-makers and repairers. He also has specialist knowledge of vintage toys.
“The Old Bakery auction room captures the pebble-dash charm of the Norfolk I remember as a boy. It is perfectly fitted out and has benefited from significant investment to create a modern facility.”
Amanda Butler, head of operations, said: “We have a pool of talented specialists to offer clients expert advice. People who consign with us will reach a worldwide audience through our live online auctions. Hansons has a rich database of thousands of registered bidders keen to buy and an in-house packing and postage service to ease the process.
“By sourcing from Norfolk and selling to the world we hope to offer clients an exciting experience. Charles Hanson, a man who’s spent his life leading salerooms to success, will guide The Rostrum every step of the way. He will also be a regular visitor. He will host antique valuation events at the saleroom on Fridays. Other services on offer will include home visits, house clearance and downsizing.”
Saleroom address: The Rostrum, Jewellery and Fine Art Auctioneers, The Old Bakery, Thorpe Market Road, Roughton, NR11 8TB. Auction entries are invited. Call 01263 840021 or email [email protected]
Valuation events
Roughton: Every Friday 10am-1pm, The Rostrum Auction Room, The Old Bakery, Groveland, Thorpe Rd, NR11 8TB | Charles Hanson in attendance June 29
Norwich: Every Friday 3pm-5pm, The George Hotel, Arlington Lane, Newmarket Rd, Norwich, NR2 2DA | Charles Hanson in attendance June 29
Cromer: June 15, 11-1pm, Vintage Shop | Jewellery, watches and silver with Melissa Lee-Patrick
Aylesham: June 30, 11am-1pm, Aylsham Garden Centre, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norwich, NR11 6UD | Charles Hanson in attendance
