Q&A's With Fellows' Senior Clock Specialist, Mark Huddleston

Q1. Tell us a bit about your background?

A: I have been in the auction world for 14 years and worked for several auction houses, firstly as a porter, then cataloguer, then valuer and now specialist. For the last six years I’ve worked more specifically with clocks and bronzes, but in the Fellows Antiques Department I’m back working in all areas again.

Q2. What is the most interesting item you have ever valued?

A: I once valued a pack of early 19th century playing cards which had an accompanying note to say that they had been washed ashore from a shipwreck off Zanzibar in 1833. And I sold a tin of dried onions from Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition!

Q3. Do you have a favourite antique which has been auctioned and why?

A: Your favourite should always be the next one – unless you can be enthusiastic about things, you can’t sell it.

Q4. Could you tell us a bit about the Antiques Department and your role within it?

A: We’re looking to build on the rapid growth of Fellows as a firm in other departments, and so I’ve joined the team to help us cover the Midlands more effectively and source more high-quality antiques. We have already begun holding outside valuation days and have set a calendar of sales for this year, which will see us raise the bar. We’re aiming to make Fellows the place to sell your antiques in the Midlands. My role is pretty varied, from in-house and outside valuations to cataloguing for the sales.

Q5. For you, what is the best part about being an antiques specialist?

A: Making someone happy by telling them something they didn’t know or selling something they didn’t think was valuable! Sharing whatever knowledge I’ve acquired and enthusing others about the past.

The auction of English & Continental Clocks will take place on Monday 2nd April. You can view the online catalogue here. (starts from lot 601)