A LEADING auction house is introducing a consultant led approach in response to increasing sales and a rise in the number of specialist events.

Addisons of Barnard Castle currently holds fortnightly antiques and interiors sales and quarterly fine art and antiques catalogue sales but, in recent years, has added more specialist events to its calendar, including vintage fashion and furniture, garden and sporting sales.

Specialist sections have also been introduced to the general two-weekly sales to showcase themed items such as high-quality jewellery, vintage clothing and militaria.

To accommodate this trend and streamline its auction and valuation services, Addisons is encouraging existing staff to further develop specific areas of expertise and increase the use of expert consultants.

Richard Edwards, who was a specialist with Sotheby’s and Doyle New York before moving to Addisons in 2003, is taking on a consultancy role with particular responsibility for the quarterly fine art and antiques catalogue sales which have been increasingly attracting interest from around the world.

He said: “The new organisational structure will not only play to the strengths of existing members of staff but will also enable us to present a highly experienced team of experts that is second to none within the region. It also means we can maintain an efficient yet personal service for our clients whilst achieving the best possible results in what has now become an increasingly global marketplace."

Auctioneer William McNab will concentrate on the fortnightly general sales that regularly attract up to 800-900 lots, assisted by Marella Darvill who will also continue to develop the Vintage auctions. Simon Nixon will focus on growing the sporting sales, which cover shooting, fishing and other country sports.

Henrietta Graham, one of the North’s leading antiques and fine arts experts who has previously worked for both Sotheby’s and Bonhams, will continue sourcing and cataloguing a wide range of lots and representing Addisons at specialist valuation days. Paul Ing, a well-known specialist in Arts & Crafts furniture and decorative arts, including Yorkshire oak by craftsmen such as Robert “Mouseman” Thompson, will provide expertise for all sales in this popular area.