About us

Tom Killen BSc (Hons) MRICS FAAV
Auctioneer

Tom established the Mendip Auction Rooms in 2012 and has over 30 years experience in undertaking auctions and providing advice on a range of matters throughout the West Country.

Gordon Brockman
Senior Valuer and Auctioneer

Gordon is Senior Valuer and Auctioneer at the Mendip Auction Rooms and has worked across the South West for many years working in a number of auction houses. Gordon has extensive experience in the valuation and sale of all forms of antiques and collectables and has featured on programmes such as Flog It, Bargain Hunt and Cash in the Attic. He is also well known on the Charity circuit where he conducts auctions and he has raised over £180,000 for charities including Dorothy House, Cancer UK and the Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Niall Fry
Valuer and Auctioneer

Niall was the youngest person to become a fully qualified member of NAVA, aged 17. Following a three-year apprenticeship in Portsmouth, training as a general valuer, he moved from West Sussex in 2020 to become an Auctioneer and Valuer at the Mendip Auction Rooms. Niall specialises in Silver, 20th century British ceramics and metalware and collectables. Niall can be found most weekends on the golf course, or watching Brighton & Hove Albion FC.

Harriet Mustard
Valuer/Cataloguer

Harriet is one of our in-house valuers and works alongside Gordon and Niall. Harriet, having previously worked in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter auction room, specialises in jewellery and watches. Harriet also specialises in toys, linen and clothing and, out of work, collects rare and unique hand fans. Harriet plays rugby on the weekend for a local ladies team.

Louise Phelps
Valuer/Cataloguer

Louise has over twenty years experience of working for international auction rooms. She has carried out extensive valuations for many important museum and noble collections and has particular expertise in ceramics and glass. Since relocating to her hometown of Bath, Louise works as a consultant and cataloguer for the Mendips Auction Rooms.

Anna Chiffers
Cataloguer/Publicity

Having trained as a fine artist, Anna worked for nearly twenty years in the Asian Art department of Kunsthaus Lempertz in Cologne and has extensive experience of all aspects of the auction business as well as a keen interest in Asian art. Anna continues to practice as a mixed media artist in her spare time and is an enthusiastic amateur gardener.

Nicky Perold
Saleroom Manager

Nicky oversees the day to day running of the Mendip Auction Room and ensures sales are produced to a high standard. Nicky is our problem solver and, since working here, has implemented an efficient way of working. Nicky is an integral part of the team and well thought of by all the team with her can-do attitude.

Neil Sterry
Photographer

Neil helps out in a variety of aspects of the saleroom, but predominantly oversees the photography of our sales. Along with photography, Neil is passionate about giving customers a positive experience and assisting in quick and effective turnarounds between sales. Before joining us at the Mendip Auction Rooms Neil previously worked in logistical roles along with freelancing as a photographer with various companies. Outside of work Neil's hobbies and interests include classic cars (he owns an '88 Porsche 944) and film photography with many hours spent printing in a darkroom.

Harriet Brixey
Receptionist/Administrator

Harriet has a keen eye for detail, previously working in the creative industry. Harriet has always lived in Somerset and enjoys driving her vintage tractor when the weather allows. She is a member of a local carnival club where she undertakes much of the intricate painting and costume making and has a passion for singing. Harriet prides herself on delivering outstanding customer service and goes above and beyond to help clients and customers.

Brian Lang
Saleroom Assistant

Brian has a real interest in antiques and is very capable in overseeing the day to day management of the saleroom ensuring that items are properly accepted, laid out, presented, sold and collected. He cares passionately about customer service and ensuring that a customer's experience of selling or buying is an enjoyable one.

Toby Dawkins
Saleroom Assistant

Toby joined Killens in 2019 as an apprentice and has developed into a capable, enthusiastic and conscientious member of the team who is able to assist in all aspects of the auction rooms.

Alys Williams
Cafe Manager

Alys is the Mendip Auction Rooms café manager. Providing homemade pastries, rolls and cakes, Alys opens the café on viewing days and auction days. Alys is a wonderful member of the team and ensures everyone feels at home in the café whether a familiar face or a new customer.