What does it take to be an auctioneer?
AN ANCIENT and wellrespected profession, something of the ritual of an auction and the dominance of the auctioneer, holds an enigmatic appeal to the layperson.
The auction house is a unique setting, with its own set of time-honoured rules and traditions and for those presiding over such an institution, a unique set of demands to fulfil.
Auctions have been in existence for over 2,000 years, the earliest examples in ancient Greece and then later the Romans, who auctioned the assets of debtors, slaves, and the spoils of war. One of the most significant auctions occurred in 193 AD, when the Praetorian Guard put the entire Roman Empire up for auction.
The word auction derives from the Latin auctus, which means increasing. As well as their traditional role as facilitator in increasing the value of goods and services, for the modern auctioneer, the prestige of commanding a busy auction room, is now combined with the management of telephone bidding and often multiple online bidding platforms.
At Anthemion Auctions in Cardiff, auctioneer Ryan Beach, MRICS, is a busy man.
Ryan said: “It’s non-stop, and a completely unpredictable business. On the rostrum, multi-tasking is imperative, as bids now come via so many means. It’s also useful to have some stamina for those eight-hour auction! A sense of humour helps too.”
Asked about visits to the auction house, regular buyer Mrs Edwards said: “I love the thrill of an auction. Anthemion is a great one, because Ryan moves so quickly through the lots. He has energy and charisma, which I think is important for an auctioneer”
If it isn’t an auction day, Ryan’s typical day can include anything from in-house valuations, visits to estates across the country, cataloguing jewellery and paintings, or moving furniture in preparation for sale.
Ryan is qualified for his position with a Fine Arts Valuation Degree, as well as a Fine Arts Valuation Diploma and a Retail Jewellers Diploma, and believes that the right qualifications are fundamental in being able to offer a good service to the public.
A vast and varied working experience is also key to his success in the role, and this year he celebrates 25 years in auctioneering, as well as 20 years since his founding of Anthemion Auctions, Cardiff’s leading auctioneers.
Anthemion’s first auction of the year, which will include everything from furniture to ceramics, collectables and paintings is on Wednesday January 29, at 11am.
The auction is open for viewing on Tuesday 28 between 9am and 6.30pm.
■