In his regular column for Nub News Gareth Wasp writes:

On March 23rd Cooper and Tanner Salerooms, like so many other businesses in the UK, closed it's doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The team had been gearing up for a busy year until this point with a Specialist Jewellery and Watch Sale planned for June and a Vintage Car Sale planned for May; in addition to their normal twice monthly auctions.

After the government eased restrictions at the end of May part of the team returned to the Salerooms to get things started again with an incredibly successful online Household and Outdoor Effects Sale of over 850 lots. With competitive bidding from all over the country, and in some cases the world, the sale had less than 2% of the lots unsold.

With fewer outlets for purchasing second hand and antique items many buyers have turned to auction to fulfil their need for stock as well as items of personal interest. It is clear that shopping for all types of things will be different for an extended period of time due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Will this last beyond changes in restrictions? A difficult question to answer at this point for sure, but an interesting one to consider nonetheless.

Although, the calendar has been somewhat 'thrown out the window' at this point in time, Cooper and Tanner intend to continue holding regular sales of both their Antique and Collectables Sales and their Household and Outdoor Effects Sales. Due to the restrictions all sales will be held online only for the foreseeable future. With viewing in person available by appointment and bidding both online and by commission.

The calendar for the next few weeks is busy with an excellent Antique and Collectables Sale containing a wonderful selection of jewellery will be held on Thursday 25th June, a Car and Accessories Sale will be held on Wednesday 1st July and a Household and Outdoor Effects Sale will be held on Thursday 8th July.

Since the end of May intake for all items has been very busy, to the extent that Cooper and Tanner have all sorts of items waiting in store for the next sale! Demand for appointments has continued to be high since the easing of restrictions. Full PPE is worn by all members of staff when they are assisting clients in person with their items for sale or valuation.

All in all the market is buoyant for auction at the moment and shows no signs of stopping. If you have any items that you would like valued or are looking to sell, please do not hesitate to contact the office on 01373 852419 or [email protected].