Auction house Phillip Arnold is preparing to return to the room for its 26 October sale, in what could be the first such move for the sector since Covid restrictions have been lifted.
Managing partner and auctioneer Phillip Arnold said he is planning to hold a hybrid sale in which 40-50 registered bidders will be permitted to attend the venue and all other registered bidders will be able to participate via phone and internet. The sale will be live-streamed from the Double Tree by Hilton hotel in Ealing, W5.
The firm has held-live streamed sales since restrictions were introduced last year, producing results on a par with its in-room sales. Its July sale raised £3.2m from eight lots sold.
However, Arnold said: “We want to lead the charge and show how we are dealing with the situation and how we see things moving forwards. We can’t rest on our laurels and that’s why we are doing this.
“We have people who love online and will bid from their living room forever now, and we will definitely keep that going, but we have others who want to get back out there.
“We will bring it back slowly, with social distancing to keep people safe. We’re not going to flaunt it and suddenly fill a room up. Who knows, it may be a few years before people turn up in large crowds to an auction.”
Those attending in person will be allocated a seat and paddle and will be expected to social distance. A decision on wearing masks will be made closer to the sale.
Arnold said the atmosphere of in-room auctions could not be fully replicated online.
“You can see what is happening with phone and internet bidders and you can still ‘work the room’ but it is nothing like having people in front of you with a catalogue and a paddle,” he said.
The sale catalogue will be out at the beginning of October. Phillip Arnold’s next sale will be live streamed on 15 September.
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