When the pandemic hit, Fellows reacted quickly. Pivoting their live public auctions to a timed, online only format allowed one of the UK’s leading auction houses to thrive during the first nation-wide lockdown. In the face of a second national lockdown, the independent, family-run business’ outlook is optimistic.

“People are becoming accustomed to the timed bidding format,” says Stephen Whittaker, managing director at Fellows, where more than three-quarters of auctions held in 2020 will be timed (50 out of 65). “Many of our timed auctions are seeing a very high percentage of items sell, notably our first-ever Designer Collection timed sale in June which saw 91% of items sold, and our Online Jewellery sales in April and May seeing 93% and 92% sold-rates respectively. Our Watches auctions are also continuing to attract hundreds of new bidders”. In April, the auction house’s record for participants in an auction was broken when the Watches auction saw over 1,600 bidders taking part.

The auction house’s success in these difficult times is due to the agility of their team to adjust to new ways of working and the management’s willingness to give more to the customer than ever before. Fellows offers virtual viewings over zoom at a time to suit the bidder, as well as free worldwide shipping on 90% of the items it sells. 

The auctioneers are offering free, no-obligation virtual valuations, in addition to their standard online valuation portal. “We are thrilled to still be able to connect with our clients during this isolated time. Using Zoom, our clients welcome us into their homes (often with a cup of tea!) and we are able to share our expertise with them”. Lindsay Beardmore, Jewellery Specialist, explains. “Although a video call has its limitations, we have been able to share some tricks of the trade with our clients so that we can value accurately.”  Beardmore credits the humble kitchen scales and good lighting as key valuer’s tools, along with a jeweller’s loupe and years of experience. With Antiques Roadshow-type of events off the calendar for the foreseeable future, Fellows’ online valuations are now busier than ever. The valuation team has being virtually assessed just shy of £1million worth of items in the last 6 months.

The auction house is now preparing for a busy month in the lead up to Christmas. There are still 10 auctions left on the calendar before Father Christmas pays his visits around the world. Fellows are hoping to capitalise on their wide range of price-points to appeal to savvy shoppers looking to get more for their money this year. “Our Designer Collection auction on November 23rd is set to be particularly popular with bidders” shares Stephen Whittaker. It is no surprise when one can pick up a Gucci handbag for less than £200. The prices in Fellows’ auctions range from £150 for a pair of plain gold and diamond earrings to £150,000 for a rivière necklace with 40 cts of diamonds.