West country auction houses merge

Wiltshire-based auction house The Auction Hub has merged with Lawrences Auctioneers of Crewkerne in Somerset, the long-established firm of fine art auctioneers.

Anounching the merger, the businesses said it represents “an exciting milestone for both auctioneers and with this partnership they will strengthen their position in the West Country and the surrounding regions, offering service and expertise across an even wider area.”

The Auction Hub will continue to operate from their Westbury salerooms under the new name of Lawrences Wessex.

Lawrences offers more than 50,000 lots per year in over 50 collecting categories to include silver, ceramics, clocks, furniture, rugs. pictures, jewellery, coins, medals, books, militaria, collectors and sporting items.

The Auction Hub provides an online auction service with traditional values and expertise. Their bespoke premises in Westbury are designed to enable their specialists to carry out the cataloguing, photography and viewing of consignments using efficient systems that makes selling and buying a fast and professional experience.

The blending of the companies will be overseen by Auctionet, Europe’s leading marketplace for auctions that enables affiliated auctioneers to sell their clients’ art, antiques, furniture, collectables and more, using the latest auction platform technology to connect with connoisseurs and collectors across the world.

Founded in 2011, Auctionet has since grown with over 50 partner auction houses, operating in 6 countries. It sells more than 500,000 lots annually with auctions taking place 365 days of the year and provides their partnered auction houses with a truly integrated auction management and logistics package that enables local auctioneers to have a global reach.