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History

Established in 1876, Fellows Auctioneers is one of the United Kingdom's oldest and most respected firms of Auctioneers and Valuers.

The company’s origin can be traced back to the collapse of an order for bicycles. When William Henry Fellows was left with the unwanted order he decided to sell the bicycles by auction. 

William Henry Fellows was followed by his son Francis Henry Fellows in 1920. It was during the 1920’s that the business grew, with Francis selling items belonging to refuges escaping the ravages of the Russian revolution.

Francis was in turn followed into the business by his two sons William and Albert Fellows, who ran the business from Greenfield Crescent in Edgbaston, Birmingham. This is when the jewellery sales began to build up.

William and Albert were followed into their business by Antony Fellows in 1972, the son of Albert. The company moved to larger premises in 1976 on Hagley Road, Birmingham. Antony (Tony) ran the company with his wife Muriel.

The company had now built up a reputation specialising in jewellery, and they were able to setup a Fine Art and Furniture Department. In 1986 they were joined by their daughter Jayne. In 1987 Stephen Whittaker joined the firm and he and his wife Jayne ran the Fine Art department.

Fellows Auctioneers moved in 1990 to Augusta House in the Jewellery Quarter, the firm’s current home where the company has excelled. Tony Fellows sadly passed away in 1997, and the company was still run by the three partners until Muriel’s retirement, when it was taken over by Jayne and her husband Stephen who is the current Managing Director.

Fellows now hold over 100 sales per year, more than half of which are for jewellery. This growth has been helped by the firm specialising in other niche markets such as watches, antiques, silver, collectables, furniture and handbags.

In 2016, Fellows celebrated 140 years and continued to expand its London office. In May 2018, Fellows acquired their own townhouse, nestled in the heart of Mayfair. Fellows’ London office is located at 29 Charles Street, London, W1J 5DT.

The Fellows family presence also expanded with Jayne and Stephen welcoming their daughters and the sixth generation into the firm. Alexandra and Nicola Whittaker work from the London office.