‘Perceptions are changing’
And when the flame goes out so the last bidder wins. That was the observation made by Samuel Pepys in the 1660s at a time when auctions were measured by the burn time of the wick and the wax.
For many, auctions might be considered to be places where there’s a very traditional approach to buying and selling. And yet, these places are definitely attracting a new generation of fresh talent who can’t wait to bring the gavel down on a top sale.
‘It’s encouraging to welcome younger people into the sector,’ says Liz Chilcott, at Honiton-based auction experts, Chilcotts.
‘Auctioneering has traditionally had a reputation for being a little musty or old-fashioned, but perceptions are changing as people recognise what an interesting and varied career path it can offer.’
‘As a forward-thinking business, we’re proud to be spanning the generations in our recruitment, from school leavers and graduates to career changers, and to be encouraging more women into auction work.’
The team recently recruited with three appointments with the aim of creating employment opportunities – and welcoming a mix of new talent and experience to the business.
‘Spanning the generations in our recruitment’
Among the new recruits is graduate trainee Amelia Draper, who developed her interest in auctioneering while working at a West Devon auction house alongside her studies in Theology and Religion at Cardiff University.
Now a trainee valuer and cataloguer at Chilcotts, Amelia is studying towards a diploma online as part of an in-house training programme.
She’s shadowing experienced members of the team – including Head Auctioneer Duncan Chilcott, with a view to progressing to a general valuer role.
From left to right: Amelia Draper, Callum West and Ruth Cuthbert. Image provided by In The Right Order.
Ruth Cuthbert has been brought in to support Chilcotts’ specialist probate and estate service. She’ll be the main point of contact for families and executors requiring probate valuations, house clearance and sale of contents.
She brings with her 28 years’ experience in finance, including working within the property division at Clarks in Street, as well as seven years in the charity sector.
Ruth’s interest in auctions dates back to childhood, having attended farming auctions with her mother, and she furnished her first home largely through auction purchases.
Completing the new intake is Callum West, who moved into a full-time portering role in January following a period of part-time work with the business.
A familiar face at Chilcotts since the age of 17, Callum’s appointment reflects a long-standing relationship with the firm.
Breaktime News recently reported on the auction of The Captain Campbell collection of more than 300 artworks.
