A Cornwall auction house has a new owner and bright future thanks to one of Britain’s best known fine art and antiques firms.
The Harbour Saleroom in Penzance, formerly Barbara Kirk Auctions, will reopen on January 2 [2025] thanks to Hansons Auctioneers, a company launched in 2005 by charismatic TV personality Charles Hanson. The Cornwall operation will be the 11th auction centre in Hansons’ growing portfolio. As well as its headquarters in Derbyshire, Hansons has salerooms in London, Staffordshire, Oxfordshire, Kent/Sussex, Nottinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Norfolk.
Charles, well known for appearances on TV antiques shows, said: “Hansons celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025 and I can’t think of a better way to mark it than bringing our services to the people of Cornwall, Devon and the southwest peninsula up to Exeter. The area has a wealth of fine objects and Hansons Cornwall will be specialising in Asian and Islamic works of art and rugs, jewellery, silver, watches, militaria, toys, wine and whisky as well as offering monthly antiques sales.
“The opportunity to take over a thriving, highly regarded saleroom was an unmissable opportunity for Hansons. We’re excited to bring our expertise and wealth of experience to a beautiful part of the country. We enjoy meeting people and love the south west. It has sleepy riches of finds. We hope the quaintness of the harbour saleroom and the attraction of using the services of a leading firm with thousands of registered bidders will appeal.
“There will be familiarity, too. Though Barbara Kirk chose to close her saleroom due to retirement, I’m thrilled to say she will be supporting Hansons Cornwall as an independent consultant. Together, our team of business and antiques experts will continue to build a saleroom worthy of a sophisticated location and clientèle.
“The saleroom will be led by Darren Ashley as associate director and head of Asian sales. Darren is an old and trusted friend and professional colleague who I’ve known for 25 years. We’re looking forward to meeting clients across Cornwall and Devon as we build both specialist and collectors’ auctions.
“Darren will be supported by Rob Bolton, auctioneer and valuer, office manager Claire Govier and Carrie Edmunds who will manage photography and social media.
The saleroom will reap the benefits of Hansons’ consultants who can assess everything from ancient coins and jewellery to antiquarian books and works of art. Hansons covers every aspect of the world of antiques and collectables and people from all over the world participate in our live online auctions.
“As well as in-house consignment and valuations, Hansons Cornwall will be going out into the community to host valuation events. We aim to make it as easy as possible for people to secure professional advice and consign to auction.”
Darren Ashley said: “I’m excited to be bringing Hansons’ services, which include house clearance and downsizing, to the people of Penzance and beyond. Though we don’t offically launch until after the festive break, we are happy to take enquiries now. We are also inviting entries for our first two-day auction in 2025. It will feature antiques, coins, medals and toys on March 4 followed by Asian and Islamic objects and rugs on March 5.
“Hansons is renowned for achieving record prices for clients and making global headlines with its finds. For example, it’s currently offering the Eric Morecambe Collection, an auction honouring the comedy legend. [Jan 10-11] Hansons is a firm with pedigree and 20 years of experience in delivering auction services nationwide. I’m proud to be part of it.”
Top prices achieved by Hansons in 2024 include premium-inclusive totals of £94,896 for a signed portrait of Sir Winston Churchill and £85,000 for a first edition hardback copy of Harry Potter and the Philospher’s Stone. In previous years, the firm achieved £650,000 for an ancient Chinese vase and £421,600 for two rare Fabergé flowers.
Saleroom address: Hansons Cornwall, The Harbour Saleroom, Trinity House, The Quay, Penzance TR18 4BN
Enquiries: 01736 339350 | [email protected]
