Today's interview features Chiswick Auctions, one of the leading auction houses in the country with over twenty departments dedicated to a variety of specialisms, including art, photography, design, memorabilia, erotica, jewellery, watches, wine and spirits, rare books and manuscripts – among many more. We look back at the challenges and successes of the 2022 season, what it takes to curate a white-glove sale, and get the insider's view into one of Chiswick's specialist departments – devoted to Rare Books and Works on Paper – with Clive Moss, Head of the department.
Chiswick Auctions
Barnebys: Chiswick Auctions has run about 70 sales in 2022 alone. What are your impressions of this past auction season?
Chiswick Auctions: Despite the obvious impact of both Brexit and Covid, we were able to adapt to the challenges with notable success. Throughout 2022, we have seen a rapid return to pre-Covid engagement by both vendors and prospective buyers. This feeling seems to be growing in momentum across all departments that are experiencing growth and outstanding prices. Several house records have been broken in 2022.
With a proven track record of success, Chiswick Auction is firmly placed among the top London auction houses. Where do you plan to innovate? What’s next for Chiswick?
Having just completed the relocation of our entire operation, we are now in a position to build and conduct our sales in dedicated spaces that suit each department. We will be making the most of our new gallery space and increasing our direct engagement with clients through themed events and more accessible sales. Like many salesrooms, we are seeing a trend for online-only sales for some departments, and we will be adapting our digital presence and exposure to make the most of this.
In your opinion, what are your core collecting categories?
For us, the core collecting categories would be watches, jewellery, wine, designer fashion, prints & multiples, design furniture, ceramics and glass, rare books, silver, and Modern British and Irish art. These are all incredible growth areas and the sales keep getting stronger year-on-year. If of the right quality, they are commanding great prices at auction. With specialists and sales in each of these key departments, Chiswick is perfectly placed for both buyers and sellers.
You can boast quite a number of white-gloves sales in your history. What guarantees that a catalogue is successful, and even sells out in its entirety?
Success comes largely from consigning stock at the right price point. If things are estimated well, then buyers will come. Having dedicated departments means we have focused specialists, who are most aware of the market and shifting trends. As such, we all work very hard to only include lots that we believe have an excellent chance of selling. Framing lots within the themed or single-owner sales is another proven method of ensuring strong bidder interest. Single-owner or estate sales are the most likely source of a white glove sale, and we work hard to secure them across all departments. We have several coming up at the beginning of 2023 including a really special collection of Indian and Burmese silver that takes you on a stylistic journey through the different regions of the area.
Clive Moss, Head of Books & Works on Paper
Barnebys: One of your core departments is dedicated to Rare Books and Works on Paper. Can you tell us a bit about what objects you typically deal with?
Clive Moss: Within the department, we are dealing with all aspects relating to books and works on paper. That means everything from early manuscripts to ‘Modern First Editions’ and ‘Privately Printed’ works deemed collectable. Illustrated books are always highly sought after, covering a vast spectrum of topics from travel, nature, and science to atlases and maps. Alongside having an inherent value, these also have a decorative value. Several subjects and categories would fall into our sphere that would be considered rare, scarce, collectable, and highly suitable for auction within our department.
2. How did you develop this interest? What draws you to this category?
I have been involved in the book dealing and collecting world for many years and fell into it by accident if truth be known. Books, once a person becomes involved with them (whether as a collector or dealer/auctioneer) are infectious. One becomes interested in one subject or another or can have quite diverse tastes and will just want to find something that is of interest. This opportunity for both diversity and a singular interest has formed some of the greatest private collections and libraries.
What have been some of the highlights for you in Chiswick’s past auctions?
In the book department, we have handled valuable books from a copy of The Tindall Bible, 1536 sold for £37,500 inc. premium to the Library of Paul Gallico which had several Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels personally inscribed to him. Most recently we have sold a very scarce copy of the Dutch travelogue Linschoten’s Voyasie, ofte Schip-vaert, 1624 which achieved £55,000 (including premium).
What are some of the most coveted rare editions and works on paper at auction?
This is a difficult question. Collectability can be dependent of the desire for that title. The highly valuable books that are sought after, are quite often rare and scarce editions, these are often few and far between, possibly previously owned or inscribed by the author or even a previous owner of the note.
Are there any books and works that people typically don’t realise the value of?
There are many books that people do not realise they own a book that could be worth a considerable amount, the list would go on forever! As with anything people can pick things up for any reason not knowing their worth and it is only when they contact a specialist in the field that their true worth is made clear.
Is there an upcoming sale that you’re particularly excited about?
With three Books & Works on Paper auctions a year, each provides something truly exciting and unique. There is nothing better for me than finding that gem that people didn’t even know they had, a first edition that was found in a charity shop or a book hidden away that looked nice but has true historical value.
How do you typically reach consignors for this department?
There are several ways we reach consignors. Word of mouth is always a valuable tool, marketing through the success of previous sales or exciting lots that are upcoming is important. Today social media plays a part. We also attend trade fairs and have a good relationship with trade dealers.
The department of Books & Works on Paper is now accepting consignments for the March 2023 auction. You can get in touch here.