An auction house is awash with extraordinary finds, historical objects and forgotten quirky items that fascinate the world – but only if their stories are told.
At Hansons we pride ourselves on telling those tales because bringing history to life to enhance the sale of antiques and collectables is what sets us apart from the crowd.
Our stories often go national – or global – appearing on hundreds of media websites in the UK and around the world.
From the Times of London to the New York Post, from the Daily Telegraph to Bild of Germany, from the Daily Mail to Holland’s DE Telegraaf, we make major media waves.
It’s good news for our sellers, who stand to gain more bids and a bigger financial windfall, and also for our buyers all over the world who get to know about treasures they can purchase.
But this does not happen by accident. Hansons Auctioneers employs an in-house journalist, Jill Gallone, who has more than 35 years’ experience in both the local and national press as both a print and digital editor.
The award-winning feature writer and magazine editor has a passion for storytelling and history and a wealth of experience to bring Hansons’ stories to life. To date, her success has been phenomenal.
Jill said: “I have been overwhelmed by the response to Hansons’ stories in the local, national and international press, not to mention the plethora of radio and TV interviews they prompt.
“My aim is to deliver a perfect package suitable for both digital and print media with a strong selection of images and, where possible, video.
“I know exactly what journalists need – and what frustrates them. They want polished prose, a strong mix of images, clear captions, fulsome content and, where possible, interviews with vendors. I give them what I would have loved to receive as a journalist having been on the receiving end of countless poor press releases.
“Since joining Hansons in June, 2017, I have lost count of the stories that have made huge press. One story about a woman who bewitched Jimi Hendrix in 1967 appeared on more than 120 websites around the world – and she was swept into a media whirlwind.
“Her Jimi Hendrix autograph went on to sell for £5,700 from an estimate of £2,000, such is the power of a well-written story.
“In 2018, a story about a Georgian sex manual also went global prompting bids from all over the world. Then there was Stanley Matthews’ first football contract and two Harry Potter first editions that sold for tens of thousands of pounds and sparked international coverage.
“We target local and national press and work with key news agencies to make headlines for our clients. I am often told by journalists that they love Hansons’ stories because they bring some welcome light relief to a chaotic world.
“From a client’s point of view, our marketing efforts, not just in the press but through social media, mean we can work on their behalf to gain the best possible price for their items. Entertaining people along the way is an added bonus. It’s nice to pen stories that make people smile.”
