I can’t tell you how excited I am to welcome clients back to our salerooms once again after such a long and difficult period of lockdown. It’s been tough for everyone, writes Charles Hanson.
I’m a people person and I’ve missed the chats, interaction and amazing finds which roll up on almost a daily basis at our Derbyshire headquarters in Etwall, as well as our Staffordshire, Oxfordshire and London salesrooms.
Now we can welcome people again, albeit with a few provisos in place to ensure everyone’s safety as lockdown eases.
For example, both staff and visitors must wear masks – though perhaps it’s a relief to have a rest from seeing my face! I confess, I prefer the large plastic visors so you will still have to look at me!
The good news is, Hansons’ Etwall saleroom is once again open for free valuations with one key change – it will be by appointment only. The same goes for valuations at all of our salerooms.
It’s a much better system for all concerned as clients will not be waiting around and valuers can schedule their diaries accordingly. In the past we have operated a come-whenever-you-please policy but that sometimes led to queues and wasted time. Not anymore!
Simply book your slot and drive in for a Covid-safe valuation in our airy marquee at our Etwall saleroom. All safety regulations and social distancing will, of course, remain in place. But we’re very much looking forward to meeting people face-to-face again.
And here’s an invitation you may struggle to turn down! On Fridays you can book an appointment to see me. I specialise in valuing Asian ceramics and Fine Art paintings but will happily assess all types of antiques and collectables – anything and everything. Bring me those dusty lockdown finds and I can tell you if you’re sitting on a fortune. Plus, if you’re happy with the guide price, you can consign to auction there and then.
Charles Hanson and Kate Bliss
For me, it’s so important to meet people personally. I’ve always wanted everyone to feel Hansons is an approachable, friendly place. Consequently, it was hard for me to close our salerooms to the public at the start of the pandemic.
That’s why it’s so fantastic to announce that – once again – free general valuations by appointment are now available every week at our saleroom in Heage Lane, Etwall. Join us Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm; Wednesday evenings, 5-7.30pm and Saturdays, 9am-noon
Plus, our team of specialist valuers are available by appointment on specific days, 10am-4pm, to guide you, whatever you may be considering selling. On Tuesdays, David Wilson-Turner will be valuing toys, railwayana, vintage video games and consoles while Barry Jones will cast his expert eye over ceramics and glass.
Barry Jones
On Wednesdays it’s a heady mix of wine, whisky and spirits or music memorabilia with Josh McCarthy, or bring along coins, medals and militaria for assessment by William Haywood.
We’re hoping Thursdays will sparkle with glorious finds thanks to our popular head of jewellery Helen Smith. She will be on hand to assess jewellery, silver, watches, textiles and luxury goods such as designer handbags.
On Fridays it’s yours truly, Charles Hanson, here to help, assess and delight in the fascinating world of antiques.
Mike Wetton
In addition, I am pleased to reveal that four specialists will be visiting the free valuation marquee at Etwall this summer. Clock valuations with Michael Wetton and stamp valuations with Geoff Milsom will begin on May 7, 10am-1pm. New firearms expert Robert Nettleton will be available on July 9, 10am-1pm, and Kate Bliss, our consultant jewellery and silver expert, will be back at Hansons on June 16, 10am-4pm.
Appointments can be booked for all general and specialist valuations. Simply email [email protected] or call 01283 733988. If you can’t make any of these times/days, please get in touch. We can accommodate people out of hours and, of course, offer free home visits for larger collections.
So, dig out those lockdown finds. We can’t wait to see them – and meet you!
How to book a free valuation at Hansons Salerooms
Simply email or telephone the saleroom that’s most convenient for you to book a free valuation appointment.
DERBYSHIRE | Hansons, Heage Lane, Etwall DE65 6LS | [email protected] | 01283 733988 or 07725 514855
STAFFORSDHIRE | Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge, Staffordshire, ST17 0XN | [email protected] | 07725 514855
OXFORDSHIRE | Hanson Holloway’s Ross, 49 Parsons Street, Banbury | [email protected] | 01295 817777 or 07968 732166.
LONDONS | Normansfield Theatre, 2A Langdon Park, Teddington, TW11 9PS | [email protected] | 07469 353077
