Royal Tunbridge Wells’ antiques heritage is set for a new lease of life thanks to the arrival of Hansons Auctioneers led by TV personality Charles Hanson.
Charles, a familiar face on popular shows like Antiques Road Trip, has launched Hansons Royal Tunbridge Wells. Its office opened on February 13 in The Pantiles Arcade, home to art and antiques in the Kent town.
Hansons Royal Tunbridge Wells, located at 49 The Lower Pantiles, will be led by antiques expert, collector and valuer Robin Fletcher. He is developing quarterly Fine Art and antiques auctions and the first sale is scheduled for May 23. These will later be enhanced by a range of specialist sales.
Charles, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “I am delighted to be working alongside Robin to develop business in an area known for its antiques pedigree. The Pantiles has a long heritage and connection to art and antiques. Over the years it has hosted a number of antique shops and auction firms.
“This traditional link to antiques combined with buoyant growth in the collecting market has provided an excellent opportunity. This expansion will strengthen and support services in the South East developed by Hansons’ London office in Teddington and broaden our reach across the UK.”
As well as the London office Hansons has salerooms in Staffordshire, Oxfordshire and Derbyshire, making Royal Tunbridge Wells its fifth location.
Mr Hanson said: “We will be collaborating with specialist consultants and fine art dealers in the South East. We’re also thrilled to be able to draw on the knowledge of resident specialists in The Pantiles including Eric Knowles, Mark Hill and Dr Robert Woodmansey among others.
“Our combined expertise will enable the people of Kent, East Sussex and neighbouring counties to take full advantage of booming auction sales. Demand is strong in many sectors including Asian antiques, Chinese porcelain, jewellery, watches, silver, coins and medals, ceramics and glass, wine and spirits and toys. Plus new collectables markets are emerging all the time.”
Robin Fletcher said: “I am delighted to head the team and work alongside Charles. It is an opportunity to welcome back sellers and buyers to a great location for the arts and antiques auction market.”
Hansons’ arrival has been welcomed by Robert Woodmansey, the founder of scottishantiques.com and The Pantiles Arcade. He said: “Charles Hanson has joined a thriving centre of antiquarian excellence which is The Pantiles Arcade in Tunbridge Wells.
“His arrival will create synergies which will complement and enhance efforts made by Eric Knowles, Mark Hill and other domain experts. It will broaden our collective knowledge base and depth of experience. It will be a pleasure and a privilege for all existing partners at The Pantiles Arcade to work alongside Charles thanks to his innovation, commercial acumen and breadth of knowledge.
“The Pantiles Arcade could not wish to partner with a more charismatic, engaging and bill-topping personality than Charles. His passion for the drama of auctions is also reflected in the original role of the building in which we are based, a theatre dating back more than 200 years.
“Charles’ arrival is another step in the pursuit of our vision to ensure The Pantiles Arcade showcases our partners who offer the best services and goods imaginable. The arcade was once integral to one of the leading auction venues in the South East. Hansons’ arrival will spark a delightful renaissance, restoring that status and make it a destination for those who share our passion for collecting and decorative arts.”
Hansons’ Pantiles office will host free, open-house valuations on Fridays and Saturdays, 10am-3pm. Specialist antique valuation events are also planned featuring familiar faces from TV including Adam Schoon.
Hansons Royal Tunbridge Wells will also reach out to communities across Kent and Sussex by offering free antique valuation events at various locations. Other services will include home visits to assess large collections, house clearance/downsizing and probate/insurance valuations.
All aspects of the business will be backed by the expertise of Hansons’ company secretary Sonya Marshall. She said: “I’m thrilled to be supporting Hansons’ development and working alongside Charles and Robin. We look forward to welcoming clients to our new saleroom.”
Entries are invited until May 2 for the inaugural Hansons Royal Tunbridge Wells auction on May 23. Further sales are scheduled for August 31 and November 21.
Contact Hansons Royal Tunbridge Wells
To contact Hansons Auctioneers & Valuers Ltd, The Pantiles Arcade, 49 The Lower Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5TE, call 01892 573540 or contact Robin Fletcher:
T: 07876 457481 | E: [email protected].
Alternatively, telephone Charles Hanson: 07725 514855 | E: [email protected]
Enquiries can also be directed to Sonya Marshall: [email protected].
Hansons’ office is accessible for people transporting antiques or collectables. Several car parks are within easy reach of The Pantiles Arcade including Linden Park Road Car Park, Sussex Mews, TN2 5QJ (closest); The Pantiles Car Park, Major York’s Road, TN2 5TP: The Old Coach Park, Linden Park Road, TN2 5QL: The Old Station Car Park (Sainsbury’s) TN2 5QL (free). Free parking for up to two hours is also available in the area.
Follow Hansons Royal Tunbridge Wells on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: @HansonsRTW
