The close of 2022 saw the world’s biggest auction houses celebrate record-breaking revenues, as sales of art and other collectables soared. As The Guardian outlined in December, the chief executives of the three leading auction houses cited ‘the resilience of the art market’, the ‘flight to quality in 2022’ and the digital revolution opening the market to a ‘larger and younger client base than ever before’.
So much for the top end of the market, where annual sales are in the billions of dollars. But there is also a definite trickle-down trend, with auction houses throughout the UK seeing buyer preference move towards higher-end items.
“Our auction house customers are telling us that lower value items are not selling so well now, and we have had the same feedback from franchisees,” says James Simmons, marketing manager at Mail Boxes Etc., whose white-glove MBE Auction Logistics service provides specialist shipping for the auction sector.
“Instead, private buyers are becoming more discerning, looking at investment purchases as well as acquiring items that they can enjoy themselves. Dealers, too, have an eye out for trends and are looking to snap up a bargain that might pique the interest of their own clients.”
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A look through the spring sales catalogues reveals what’s currently taking buyers’ attention, with trends in Caribbean and Asian art, gold coins and sovereigns, silver canteens of cutlery, Scandinavian design – particularly the work of silversmiths like Georg Jensen, contemporary studio pottery and the timeless Parisian luxury of Lalique crystal.
“Scotch Whisky, particularly brands like Macallan, is really popular, as are fine and rare wines,” continues James Simmons. “Historical memorabilia and anything with a royal focus is also set to be big this year, thanks to the coronation of King Charles III in May.”
Fashion is having a moment, too. “Investors are still snapping up iconic Hermes Birkin and Kelly handbags, Louis Vuitton luggage, luxurious silk headscarves, designer shoes and trainers, and of course anything by the late lamented Vivienne Westwood.”
Meanwhile, 1920s nostalgia means the art and artefacts of 100 years ago are much prized. There’s also a keen demand for original film posters – think classics like Vertigo, Lolita and The Graduate – plus memorabilia from the early years of pop music such as playbills, tickets and autographs, while those who prefer a more industrial aesthetic might treasure a vintage manual typewriter.
Extra care
Delicate, high-value items require extra care when it comes to packing and shipping, which is where bespoke auction delivery services come into their own. “Buyers want to know that their lots will be expertly handled and protected from the moment they leave the auction house,” explains James Simmons.
“The Auction Logistics brand represents our extensive experience in this sector. With more than 140 MBE centres throughout the UK and Ireland, we are here to collect, expertly pack, protect and ship each item to any address in the world. Of course, that also requires detailed knowledge of customs procedures and import regulations, which our customers can trust us to handle on their behalf.”
Knowing exactly how to pack each lot securely is a key part of this bespoke service. “Items like clocks, typewriters or anything with moving parts need extra care to secure their internal workings while also protecting the entire item from impact. Our franchisees are certified in packing breakable and unusually shaped consignments, which is why we’re able to offer such generous compensation cover for the ultimate peace of mind in the unlikely event of damage in transit.”
See also: How to Ship Art Safely
When bidding remotely, it's also a comfort for buyers to know that their chosen logistics service has a nationwide network. “We have long-standing relationships with hundreds of auctioneers around the country, and the local franchisee will have a regular collection day for each one. This means we can offer a dependable service for every buyer, no matter where they are.”
