Antiques Trade Talks – Richard Bromell

Richard Bromell is the Director, Auctioneer and Valuer at Charterhouse Auctioneers & Valuers in Sherborne, Dorset. With 30 years’ experience within the auction world, he started work in Charterhouse’s Long Street Salerooms when it was owned by Phillips. He’s also worked for numerous firms of auctioneers, including Bearne’s in Torquay and Tennants in Yorkshire.

What are the current top sellers in the auction room?

Gold and silver are on the move up post-Brexit with low(er) interest rates helping the bullion market.

What antiques do you have at home?

Three-legged chairs and other auction rejects. I don’t do minimal.

What piece would you love to sell in the auction room?

Ferrari 250 GTO – at £20 million-plus it would annoy a lot of other auctioneers.

What has been your most exciting sale so far?

In 2013 I sold a chipped plate for £565,000 (including Buyer’s Premium). We had an auction for just this one lot which was a magnificent Italian maiolica charger from 1530.

Will people go to auction houses in 20 years or will sales all be online?

Probably all on line. 20 years ago I would not have predicted live internet bidding today so what do I really know?

Tell us some trade secrets – what are you top tips for being at an auction?

I don’t tell secrets.

Will brown furniture make a comeback?

All furniture is brown, unless you paint it. Markets change, and we must move with the markets.

Where are your favourite antique hunting destinations?

Somewhere with good coffee and cake

Young people don’t like antiques – agree or disagree?

Disagree.

What’s the future for the trade?

More competition.