Mickey blue eyes!

by Corina Alexandra Lazar
Apr 19, 2017
4 min read

If you want a reality check go to a live auction day. You’ll love it. Especially when the first modern art item that goes for £4K is a 20 cm decorative bronze cat. Yes, I’ve said ..cat. And you should have seen my face. It dropped. Nothing compared to the metallic crab that went for £7K, though. I have to admit it was a first for me but at least I’ve done it in style, as I like it. At Roseberys London, a traditional fine art and antiques auction house with more than 25 years of experience on the market. If you’re like me you’ll feel as a child in a precious candy shop.

Barely touching the floor, I floated between all the amazing antiques dreaming of owning few similar ones in the years to come. I am a passionate person about anything stylish from art objects, to places, trends and people. I have a huge amount of respect for anything out of the ordinary. So you can imagine that lost between fine art objects, I was in a buoyant mood. My favourite affordable item by far was this Display Side Table with marble top. Estimated price £200-£400. Easily affordable if I wouldn’t have spent that much lately on perfumes and bags.

After browsing 2 floors of fine art treasures, falling in love with few particular ones, I followed the fine audience heading the last floor where the Auction was being held.

I must admit that I have discretely scanned the other stakeholders in the auction room and all I could think about was the famous movie “Mickey Blue Eyes” (1999) with the hilarious English auctioneer played by Hugh Grant. One of my favourite movies ever. Well, the audience here was..let’s say, at least interesting to watch, with elegant old ladies and perfectly groomed gentlemen, all preoccupied to pursue a certain item they have fallen for. I think I was the youngest in the room. My consolation as well for not being able to invest in an art object …yet. But the experience was priceless. After few hours of observing, I’ve already had a life scenario for almost every person in the room. Luckily, I have a vivid imagination. I’ve also learned few of the reserve instructions terms such as "Without Reserve", "Wide Discretion", "Discretion"... terms you’re obviously not used to, if not into the auction world. You might wander if you can attend an auction without buying or selling. Oh, yes…you can. Always check their catalogues and yearly auction calendar as a reference. Step one, choose your niche of interest such as art & antiques, old books, rugs, paintings, decades of design, Islamic &Indian arts, Modern & Contemporary prints, jewelleries, Asian arts and many more others. Step two, fill in a bid form with your details if interested in buying, in which case you really want to previously attend a viewing, usually during weekend times, to carefully inspect all the objects. Viewing times are public and anyone can attend. Remember, prior to an auction you are entitled to place a reserve price on any lot consigned. Step 3, glam up and act important when showing up. Hats are allowed…actually quite a popular dress code detail in the live auction rooms. Act as you know what you’re doing. And no sudden moves please if you’re holding a bidding number. Another tip would be not to mark the item you want to bid for, in the catalogue you’re holding, as you might attract the attention of other bidders against the same object. Also, don’t act overexcited. People will label you as a “newbie” in this field. I did, though…regardless.

Step 4, enjoy the ride. Winner or not winner it’s great fun. At the end of the day, did you really needed that decorative cat? Extra tip…remember taking into account the commission and other hidden fees/VAT on top of the winning bid price. If you’re on the other side of the “table” as a seller, you usually benefit of a complimentary valuation service from the house’s specialists, together with many other professional and private services. Again, enquire about the final fees so you can make the best decision. What intrigued me, beside the live bidding room, was the dynamic of the telephone bidding (limited number of lines) and online bidding. Honestly, those people can buy with the same speed I buy perfumes and makeups. Except the final amount has few extra zeros. If you’re unable to attend the bidding or you want to stay in the shadow you can always leave a commission bid indicating the maximum amount to be bid. All bids must be received at reception, at least one hour before the start time. If your item sells, don’t book that exotic holiday just yet, as it usually takes 28 days for the cheque to go through. Just saying… even though, if you’re not into expensive bronze cats buying, you don’t even need it! Sparkle up, kids!