Celebrity auctioneer and TV personality hopes to 'breathe new life' into well-known auction house in Banbury

Holloway’s of Banbury have been acquired by celebrity auctioneer and TV personality Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers. Photo by Hansons.

A well-known auction house in Banbury relaunches with its first sale since lockdown this weekend (September 12) - and a new owner that is a familiar face to many from the TV.

Holloway’s of Banbury have been acquired by celebrity auctioneer and TV personality Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers.

The firm has been renamed Hanson Holloway’s Ross, four members of staff have been retained and Charles is predicting a bright future for the Banbury saleroom.

He said: “Holloway’s is a firm with provenance and pedigree. It’s been part of Banbury life since the 1970s and is the town’s longest-standing professional auction house.

"I’m excited and proud to help it move forward as we look to write the next chapter."

Free valuations of all types of antiques and collectables are now available every Thursday from 10am-4pm at the Banbury auction centre in Parsons Street and Bargain Hunt TV personality Kate Bliss will be visiting regularly to assess jewellery and silver.

The first Banbury Antiques, Collectors and Fine Art Auction will be held on September 12 and, thereafter, on the first Saturday of every month.

Autographed EastEnders sign. Photo by Hansons.

More than 400 lots are due to go under the hammer on September 12, from 10.30am, including a fine array of clocks and the Jessye Norman Costume Collection, sourced by senior valuer James Lees.

Jessye (1945-2019), a famous American-born opera singer, won five Grammy awards during her impressive career.

Another eye-catching item is lot 174, an EastEnders E20 Albert Square promotional street sign signed by several cast and crew members including Sid Owen (Ricky), Shona McGarty (Whitney) and Laila Morse (Big Mo), estimate £100-£150.

In addition to James Lees, the Banbury team includes senior valuer Jasper Marsh and office manager Nikki Beale. The firm also continues its connection to respected auctioneer Charlie Ross. Charles Ross Auctioneers acquired the firm in 2015.

Kate Bliss will be at Hanson Holloway’s Ross Auction Centre, 49 Parsons Street, Banbury, 0X16 5NB, on September 23, October 21 and November 25, 10am-3pm, no appointment necessary. She can assess all types of jewellery from antique and vintage items to contemporary pieces with a view to items being consigned to auction.

Hanson Holloway’s Ross is inviting entries for its October 3 and November 7 auctions. To find out more call 01295 81777, email enquiries@hollowaysauctioneers.co.uk or visit www.hollowaysauctioneers.co.uk.