Out With The Old - Canterbury Auction Galleries

January is the perfect time to blow away the cobwebs and refresh both yourself and your surroundings. So why not consider letting some of your possessions go and making space for new pieces to love?

We can all grow a little tired of polishing, dusting or simply living with the same familiar objects. Selling a few items can instantly bring a feeling of renewal into your home, not to mention some useful extra cash.

Professional organiser Marie Kondo’s approach to decluttering is legendary. Her advice is simple: hold each item and ask yourself whether it genuinely sparks joy. If it does not, it may be time to pass it on to its next owner and create space for calm, clarity or perhaps something new and beautiful.

Where to sell (and buy) with confidence

One of the most trusted places to both sell and buy is the long established Canterbury Auction Galleries, renowned for achieving London level prices from their historic headquarters near Canterbury Cathedral.

If you have ever wondered what your treasures might be worth, the auction house offers specialist expertise across a wide range of categories, from fine art and jewellery to ceramics, furniture, clocks and contemporary art. They also handle 20th century collectibles, including items such as Pokémon cards in top condition.

When it comes to selling valuables such as gold or gemstones, it is always wise to consult experts with a long standing reputation for accuracy, trust and integrity. Specialists are often able to spot tiny details that could make an item far more valuable than you might expect.

How to get started

The first step is to attend one of the auction house’s free valuation days, where you can meet the friendly team and receive a no obligation estimate, much like a real life Antiques Roadshow. Alternatively, you can simply email photographs for an initial assessment.

If you are buying, using a trusted auction house is equally important. While online marketplaces such as eBay are familiar to many, they can be rife with scams and counterfeit items.

Canterbury Auction Galleries’ sales are fully accessible online and attract bidders from around the world, but with the reassurance that every item has been vetted and checked by experts.

How auctions work

Auction houses offer viewing days where you can see items in person, or you can request a detailed condition report, including measurements and additional photographs.

If you decide to bid, register well in advance of the sale, either online or by phone, and take time to read the terms and conditions carefully.

On sale day, log into your account and follow the live auction feed. Each lot appears in turn and you can hear the auctioneer as bids come in. When your chosen item appears, be ready to bid quickly. Your heart will almost certainly be racing – the thrill is all part of the experience.

If you are selling, you can also watch live as bids are placed on your items.

Costs to consider

Always read the terms and conditions carefully, as fees vary between auction houses. There are usually buyer’s or seller’s fees applied to the final hammer price, along with small additional charges from third party bidding platforms such as thesaleroom.com or easyliveauction.com if used.

In general, expect fees to range between 10% and 30% per successful bid. It is worth remembering that online marketplaces and payment platforms also charge for their services.

For more information, visit www.thecanterburyauctiongalleries.com.The next sale takes place on February 13–14.

What’s sold recently?

A selection of recent highlights from Canterbury Auction Galleries:

• A striking yellow flecked glass vase, 12 inches high, by Bertil Vallien (1938–2018), alongside an orange flecked bowl for Swedish design house Kosta Boda Sold for £100

• Honolulu, a charming daffodil jug by the much loved Clarice Cliff, 3 inches high Sold for £160

• A single Pokémon TCG Latias + Latios card in exceptional condition Sold for £380

• A Carlton Ware “Guinness” pottery electric table lamp with metal spherical shade, 14.5 inches high Sold for £180

• A delightful oil painting of a standing pug by Enzo Bellini (born 1932) Sold for £150

• A diamond and emerald ring from a wide selection of fine jewellery Sold for £1,400

• A lady’s 18ct gold Rolex Oyster Datejust wristwatch, with diamond numerals and diamond set bezel Sold for £4,300

• Arts and Crafts silver candlesticks by James Dixon & Sons, dated 1904 yet wonderfully contemporary Sold for £1,500

• A carved Victorian sycamore board decorated with oak leaves Sold for £300

• La danse aux boules, a cold painted metal sculpture signed by Maurice and Marcel Denis, early 20th century, 10 inches high Sold for £600