Bonhams is to end sales in Knowle in order to concentrate on providing greater local access to its London and international salerooms. The office in Knowle will remain open for business and will continue to offer a comprehensive valuation and advice service either on the premises or at clients’ homes.
Besides two general valuers covering the full range of art and antiques there will also be specialist teams covering ceramics, jewellery and silver.
The move comes at the end of a year in which the local Knowle team uncovered some outstanding works of art. All future finds in the region will now be directed to sales in Chester, Oxford and London or, depending on the item, be sent to the relevant international art centre for sale.
Mark Jones, Bonhams Regional Director for Knowle, says: “This decision means that our local team will be freed up to be far more active in searching out local treasures, offering valuations, and providing advice. This means local finds will go to busier more dynamic markets. Our presence in Knowle can now send a louder message that: ‘Bonhams is the gateway to the international art world.’ ”
Matthew Girling, Bonhams CEO for Europe and the Middle East, comments: “I know that Knowle provides a rich source of outstanding art and antiques for us, so our commitment to the region is rock solid. I know that with more time available to them the local team will able to offer a better service with better results for our local clients. It is a market we believe in and enjoy operating in.”
