Under the hammer
A decade after opening in Richmond, TV auctioneer Charles Hanson reflects on finds of a lifetime and inspiring a new generation of antique lovers
It’s 10 years since Charles Hanson – star of Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip – cut the ribbon on his flagship London office.
He says: ‘I knew when we opened the auction house it might be successful because Richmond is such a special place, but I had no idea just what awaited.’ Within two years the borough had given him the find of his life – two rare Fabergé flowers.
‘It was totally unexpected – as the best finds always are. A client brought them to a valuation at Hampton Court, after she had seen something similar on Antiques Roadshow.
‘They were wrapped in an old tea towel, housed in a cardboard box. I couldn’t believe it when she unwrapped them – not one, but two, Fabergé flowers.’ One sold for £160,000 while the other fetched £180,000.
It wasn’t the only significant find the London saleroom has discovered. A year later a chipped Chinese porcelain dish originally bought for just £3 sold for £100,000 after it turned out to be a rare 300-year-old antique. Says Charles: ‘I found the dish languishing on a sideboard with the owner having no idea what it was worth. It just goes to show you never know what treasures you might have.’
Many lots attract online bidders from across the world – such as Russia and China – but antiques enthusiasts and collectors still love to visit the saleroom. A growing number are younger, attracted by the sustainability of antiques, their Insta-worthy ‘narrative’ and vintage looks.
‘It’s wonderful to see a new generation of auction lovers emerging. Gen Z love individuality and nothing is more individual, or tells a story, like an antique.’ Charles says there are even growing signs of the return to ‘brown furniture’.
‘A lot of people are waking up to the value of antiques. You can buy a beautiful piece of handcrafted Regency furniture which has seen two hundred years of history for less than the price of a modern sofa.’
Early days
Charles’ love of history started young. Aged just twelve, he discovered a Charles I silver shilling, dated 1630, while metal detecting on his parents’ Derbyshire farm. ‘I went on to spend countless hours visiting local auctions, captivated by the excitement of the saleroom.’
He was working as a valuer in Lichfield when the TV cameras rolled into town in 2002. ‘I was 25, had a stammer, and nervous. I was thrown into the limelight filming a chat with David Dickinson and that began my journey into TV. I think they saw a young man with a passion for the past which continues to this day.’
Soon after, he joined Bargain Hunt – at the time, the youngest expert to do so – whilst also building a career as a valuer and auctioneer. A stint at Christie’s in St James’s followed, before he opened his own auction house, Hansons Auctioneers, in Derby in 2005. Now Hansons has eleven showrooms, with Richmond its flagship in the south.’
Love of Richmond
‘For a history-obsessive like me, there is really no place like Richmond borough and the surrounding areas, such as Putney and Wimbledon. Take Richmond Green – it’s one of the most atmospheric and historic spaces in London. It’s no wonder the area is bursting with antiques.’
‘We are one of the few auction houses in the area which hosts sales across the board whether militaria, coins or fine wine and spirits. Whether you want to discover the story behind a family heirloom or rescue a treasure from a lifetime spent in a box, we’re always excited to see what might be hidden in homes.’
Charles values antiques monthly from 12-3pm at the Richmond Golf Club, Richmond, but the team also make free home visits. Regular valuations also take place at St Anne’s Church in Kew and St Michael’s Church Community Centre in Barnes.
‘You never know, like the owner of those Fabergé flowers, you just might be sitting on an auction windfall.’