in the room and who’s online. “And there’s a competitive element with bidding, so if there are two people after the same lot it can go up and up. But quality will always sell; it doesn’t matter what it is, furniture, pictures, the top end will always do well. “The main concern of the job, for me, is handling people’s expectations. People bring items in for auction which they think are worth hundreds, when in reality they’ll make a fiver. Everyone thinks they’ve got something which is worth something, but we have to be brutally honest. We’re happy to sell it for them and it makes what it makes.” Over the years, Richard has done his bit to raise the profile of auctions in Staffordshire, appearing on AMY NORBURY TAKES TO THE ROSTRUM RECENT FURNITURE LOTS AT THE THREE-DAY SALE both BBC’s Bargain Hunt and ITV’s Dickinson’s Real Deal, two shows which have helped to popularise auctions among the masses. “We’ve done Bargain Hunt for a very long time,” says Richard. “We were one of the first on Bargain Hunt and we did the very first live show, which was exciting I have to say. I was trying to sell and it was non-stop chatter in my ear from the production team, which is so difficult. It gives you new admiration for newsreaders and the like who have to do their job with constant talking in their ear. “On our second live show, we had a lot which just went higher and higher, it made about £760; it was right near the end of the show and the bidding just kept going and the production team were saying ‘RIchard, we need to wrap it up, we go off-air in a minute-and-a-half and we need to do the wraps’, and I’m there with a live bidding going on, which you just can’t stop! “Shows like Bargain Hunt and Dickinson’s Real Deal have opened up the world of auctions to a wider audience,” adds Richard. “They make auctions seem more accessible, which is what we need to get across. “Yes, we have prestigious fine art coming into sale, but honestly there really is something for everyone. We don’t want people to feel afraid to come along. There might be a perception that auctions are a bit elitist, but they’re not in the slightest. You might even get a bargain.” For more information, visit the Lichfield Auction Centre at Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, call 01543 251081 or visit the website at www.richardwinterton.co.uk 10
BAYLISS creating bathroom envy since 1929... Visit our extensive prestigious bathroom and tile showroom.... regarded as one of the finest in the Country! Bayliss Limited, 23 Gate Lane, Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield B73 5TR T: 0121 362 1800 www.baylisslimited.co.uk