The Harbour Saleroom in Penzance, formerly Barbara Kirk Auctions, will re-open on January 2.
Hansons Auctioneers, a company launched in 2005 by charismatic TV personality Charles Hanson, are the new owners of the auction house located on The Quay.
The Cornwall operation will be the 11th auction centre Hansons own who have salerooms in London, Staffordshire, Oxfordshire, Kent, Sussex, Nottinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Norfolk.
Charles, well known for appearances on TV antiques shows, said: “Hansons celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025 and I can’t think of a better way to mark it than bringing our services to the people of Cornwall, Devon and the southwest peninsula up to Exeter.
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“The area has a wealth of fine objects and Hansons Cornwall will be specialising in Asian and Islamic works of art and rugs, jewellery, silver, watches, militaria, toys, wine and whisky as well as offering monthly antiques sales. The opportunity to take over a thriving, highly regarded saleroom was an unmissable opportunity for Hansons.”
Associate director Darren Ashley said: “I’m excited to be bringing Hansons’ services, which include house clearance and downsizing, to the people of Penzance and beyond. We are inviting entries for our first two-day auction in 2025. It will feature antiques, coins, medals and toys on March 4 followed by Asian and Islamic objects and rugs on March 5.”
Top prices achieved by Hansons in 2024 include premium-inclusive totals of £94,896 for a signed portrait of Sir Winston Churchill and £85,000 for a first edition hardback copy of Harry Potter and the Philospher’s Stone. In previous years, the firm achieved £650,000 for an ancient Chinese vase and £421,600 for two rare Fabergé flowers.