News
The Timeless Appeal of Garden Stoneware: A Guide to Values and Trends
30th July 2024
We have some great garden stoneware in next week’s Interiors sale together with garden furniture and more. This article delves into the types, historical significance, and market values of garden stoneware. Garden stoneware, with its rich history and enduring charm, remains a staple in outdoor decor. From or...
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Polished performance at the Silver, Jewellery and Watches sale
15th June 2024
An excellent entry of silver, jewellery and watches went under the hammer on 8th June and was greeted with strong online bidding in particular. Jewellery Highlights: The jewellery section featured a charming and diverse collection, including rings, necklaces, bangles, bracelets, and earrings. Notable sale...
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Dame Laura Knight Portrait achives £6500
1st June 2024
A charcoal and watercolour portrait of the famous early 20th century pianist Ethel Bartlett achieved a buying price of £6500 when recently sold by Killens at the Mendip Auction Rooms to a London art gallery. Painted by Dame Laura Knight (British, 1877-1970), the picture was sold by Ethel’s niece. At the tim...
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Trains run away at Toy Sale
17th May 2024
There was an excellent entry of over 600 lots in the Toy Sale held at the auction rooms on 17th May including a fabulous collection of Dinky and Corgi toys from the family of one collector. There was a good array of toy trains including Hornby, Bachmann, Helijan and others with Two Heljan OO gauge diesel loc...
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Saleroom Manager wanted
27th April 2024
We are seeking to strengthen our team by appointing a saleroom/auction room manager to join our friendly and professional team at the auction rooms. The full role is: JOB TITLE Saleroom/Auction Room Manager LOCATION Killens Mendip Auction Rooms, Rookery Farm, Binegar, Somerset. BA3 4UL. JOB OVERV...
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Office Administrator/Receptionist sought
27th April 2024
We are seeking an additional member of staff to strengthen our reception/administration team. This is a great opportunity to work in a friendly professional team in a really interesting environment. The full role is: JOB TITLE Office Administrator/Receptionist JOB OVERVIEW The Office Administrat...
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Exceptional interest shown at Silver, Jewellery and Watches Sale
16th April 2024
The 13 April auction of Silver, Jewellery, Watches and Antiques at the Mendip Auction Rooms generated a huge level of interest with an excellent attendance of buyers in the room as well as almost 600 online buyers including representatives from 36 different countries. Demand for quality jewellery has strengt...
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Militaria Sales continue to grow
16th March 2024
Our bi-monthly sales of Militaria continue to grow in popularity with a wide following across the world. The knowledge and expertise of our valuers is widely recognised, both nationally and internationally, and encompasses a broad range of items including 18th and 19th century firearms, military uniforms, he...
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Historic car to go under hammer
1st December 2023
An historic vehicle – a ‘barnfind’ – from Peasedown St John will be offered at our sale of Antiques on Saturday 9th December. The 1904 Historic Holsman Model 3 two-seat High Wheeler Horseless Carriage Runabout Piano body was purchased for the London to Brighton Rallyand has been fully verified by The Science...
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Obtaining valuation advice is easy!
18th November 2023
At the Mendip Auction Rooms we have a team of in-house valuers who can provide valuation advice at the auction rooms Monday - Thursday between 10 am and 3pm each day. They are also able to visit you at home free of charge. We can also consider photographs of items emailed to us or sent to us through the webs...
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Looking at Butlers Trays
18th November 2023
Butlers trays regularly come into the Auction Rooms for sale. Learn more about them here. The table was believed to have been developed and used by the Egyptians back in 2500BC using wood and alabaster and were little more than platforms to keep objects off the floor. Over the centuries, tables have develope...
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Locomotives really driven on at Toy Auction
17th November 2023
Locomotives, diecast cars, dolls and action men were amongst the items performing spectacularly at the Toy and Train Auction held earlier today. The sale attracted a good number of buyers in the room as well as online buyers and some fierce and furious bidding was seen. As one seasoned collector said “Genuin...
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Strong interest in coinage and stamps
13th November 2023
An excellent entry of coins went under the hammer on 11th November and was greeted with strong bidding in the room and over the internet with a top price achieved of £1300 for a Brazilian 12800 reis gold coin dating from 1728. Many similar gold coins achieved values of between £800 and £1200 and many buyers ...
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All Ears for Film Memorabilia
13th November 2023
From Lord of the Rings to The Hobbit and Star Wars, there was an excellent entry of film memorabilia at a Film Memorabilia sale on 7th November. Included within the lots was an entry from the renowned Hollywood make up artist, Peter King, who won an Oscar at the 2003 Academy Awards for Lord of the Rings, The...
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Forthcoming Camera Sale
13th November 2023
Killens will be staging their next sale of cameras of optical equipment on 21st December. The sale will be live in the auction rooms and it will also be possible to bid online. Entries are invited. Contact Neil Sterry at the auction rooms for valuation advice on 01749 840770 or enquiries@mendipauctionr...
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Exceptional Silver, Jewellery and Watch Sale held
19th August 2023
Exceptional Silver and Jewellery Sale held at Killens At the Mendip Auction Rooms, over 400 lots of silver and jewellery went under the hammer on 12th August with exceptional demand seen from within the room and over the internet. Top price was achieved for an impressive early 20th century sapphire and cu...
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Trunk meets strong demand
18th February 2023
The February sale of Fine Art, Antiques, Silver and Jewellery was slightly lighter on the number of lots entered but was full of quality with all items being met with keen demand. In the jewellery section, an early 20th century gold and diamond solitaire ring achieved £2200 with a mid-20th century platinum a...
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Vacancies at the Auction Rooms
17th December 2022
Valuer (Full time or part time) We are seeking an experienced additional Valuer to join our busy team at the friendly and expanding Mendip Auction Rooms. The main responsibilities will include the valuation of a range of art, antiques and collectables for sale, securing consignments and sourcing new busin...
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Silver & Jewellery Sale a great success | Record Prices Achieved
7th November 2022
Our 5 November auction of Fine Art, Silver & Jewellery was a huge success, including jewellery selling for excellent prices at auction. The star of the show was a gold and diamond ring with a weight of 4.17cts which was met with strong bidding from across the world with many internet bidders, excellent inter...
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Office Administrator/Receptionist Required
31st May 2022
We are seeking a full time office administrator/receptionist at the auction rooms. The full job description is: JOB TITLE Office Administrator/Receptionist JOB OVERVIEW The Office Administrator/Receptionist will be jointly responsible for the day to day management of the reception and undertakin...
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Netsuke in Saturday's Fine Art auction
5th April 2022
The Japanese small toggle carvings known as netsuke were originally designed as a simple fastener for the cords of an inro (small storage box) which hung from the obi. With time, however, they came to reflect Japanese society, illustrating all levels of the human psyche from the mundane, almost banal everyday o...
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Double auction week over, many more to come
13th February 2022
This week's auctions sold a wide variety of items from jewellery, ceramics, furniture and a pretty collection of T. Stevens silk woven bookmarks in Tuesday's 'interiors and Collectables', to paintings, glass and enamel in Saturday's 'Fine Art, Antiques & Militaria. Thomas Stevens first introduced his woven sil...
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A busy double auction week
16th January 2022
At the end of another busy double auction week, we can look back on a number of highlights. Tuesday’s Interiors and Collectables sale featured over 900 lots from the 18th to 20th centuries and went on to sell over 90%. Top lots included a pair of child’s riding boots (£650), an extensive collection of vintage ...
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Auctions at Killens Mendip Auction Rooms
12th January 2022
The auctions at Killens Mendip Auction Rooms have been refined this year - with a slight name change to some. The fortnightly auction is now titled 'Interiors and Collectables' interspersed with ‘Modern Design, Interiors and Collectables’ to better suit the variety we offer as well as the continued interest in...
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A SNEAK PREVIEW - ENDURING CLASSICS IN THE DECEMBER 11TH ANTIQUES AUCTION
23rd November 2021
A design classic is seen as a standard of its kind with enduring, instantly recognisable aesthetic appeal which retains these qualities far beyond its time. It is these items which never lose their appeal on the market, selling for solid prices, and which tend to remain treasured items for generations. Robert...
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Double auction week sparkled with highlights
8th November 2021
Last week’s two auctions sparkled with highlights. The Victorian and Later Effects sale on Tuesday saw interest in the room but also a great number of sales online. With over 90% sold, there were good results from the 19th and 20th centuries. Highlights included a group of collectables and jewellery featuring...
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The British Sovereign
2nd November 2021
The British Sovereign was struck in its first form in 1489 during Henry VIII’s reign when he ordered the Royal Mint to produce ‘a new money of gold’, the largest and most valuable gold coin at that time. Originally larger in size than today's variant, it continued until 1604, when the coin started to shrink in ...
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Two day Victorian and Later Effects Sale planned for December
25th October 2021
The scheduled Victorian and Later Effects Sale for December has been turned into a two day affair and will now take place on Monday 6th December and Tuesday 7th December. It will be possible to view the sales on Friday 3rd December [10 - 7] and Saturday 4th December [10 - 5]. This two day sale will then be c...
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A successful double-sale week with porcelain stars
10th October 2021
With percentage sales steadily increasing over the past few months, Tuesday’s Victorian and Later Effects sale continued this pleasing trend with an almost 90% sales quota – great news for sellers. From the wide variety on offer, top lots included a group of wristwatches featuring a Rotary Automatic Aquaplunge ...
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Bottle of Macallan-Glenlivet tops sale at £6200
2nd October 2021
There was strong interest at the sale of Sporting Items, Fine WInes and Spirits held on 30th September. An excellent offering of whiskeys, in particular, achieved superb prices with two bottles of 1961 Macallan-Glenliver making £6200 and £5800 respectively. There was strong bidding for a 1959 bottle of Talis...
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Last week's sales
13th September 2021
Last week’s sales of Victorian and Later Effects on Tuesday and Antiques and Collectables on Saturday proved that the interest in auctions is getting back to pre-Covid levels. The Saturday auction in particular saw many familiar faces as well as some new ones in the room, and, accompanied by a great number of t...
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Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson
4th September 2021
Add a piece of traditional British furniture history to your home with an 8-foot oak refectory table, eight oak dining chairs and a sideboard from the Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson workshop - three highlights from our Antiques and Collectables auction on 11th September, lots 424, 425 and 425A. Robert Thompson w...
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Operating in the national lockdown
5th January 2021
The national lockdown has come into force and antiques shops, centres, art galleries, auction houses and fairs and markets will have to close their premises to the public. However, operating online and by phone, and having staff on premises for collection and deliveries will be allowed. The Department fo...
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Silver in demand at busy Antiques Sale
17th October 2020
Over 800 lots went under the hammer at the sale of Antiques and Collectables held on 10th October with over 500 registered online bidders as well as a good attendance of face covered bidders in the room. An excellent selection of silver attracted keen interest leading to prices that were described as one sea...
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Hands rise for watches at Mendip Auction Rooms
19th September 2020
During August, Killens allowed buyers back into their auction rooms at Rookery Farm for their sales and many were pleased to be able to return. All sales are continuing to be staged online however ensuring maximum coverage. At their September Antiques sale, Killens saw strong interest interest for the 700 lo...
Read more Senior Valuer/Auctioneer required
8th September 2020
We require an experienced and hard working Senior Valuer/Auctioneer to head up our valuation team. The Mendip Auction Rooms is a young, dynamic and expanding auction house with great facilities staging three auctions monthly. The successful applicant will be self-motivated and enthusiastic with a strong work...
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New delivery service launched
15th August 2020
Killens in partnership with ARK Solutions have launched a delivery/collection service at a competitive rate. Items can now be collected/delivered at a cost of as low as £3 per item subject to a minimum total cost. Click on the image below to see the delivery zones and costs. Contact ARK for more detail...
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Strong online bidding returns to Antiques Sale
16th June 2020
Killens staged their first online sale after lockdown on 26th May and competitive bidding for the 500 lots of Victorian and Later Effects on offer was seen. This was followed by a sale of Antiques and Collectables on 13th June with almost 650 lots going under the hammer. With over 600 registered buyers, the...
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Many seek to grab snake
16th February 2020
At their Antiques and Collectables sale at the Mendip Auction Rooms on 8th February, Killens experienced a real buzz in the room with a huge level of interest for all of the 700 lots on offer with an additional 500 bidders following the sale online. Another excellent entry of jewellery attracted strong inter...
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Garage find generates huge interest
19th January 2020
A rare Expressionist painting found languishing in a Somerset garage generated a huge level of interest when it was offered at the December sale of Antiques and Collectables at the Mendip Auction Rooms. The painting by Carlos Nadal (1917 – 1998) was found hidden in a garage amongst a collection of paintings bel...
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Rocking horse canters in
23rd November 2019
The November sale of Antiques and Collectables at the Mendip Auction Rooms saw a fabulous entry of over 650 lots including a special entry of items from Harptree Court, East Harptree following its sale having been agreed. There was some quality furniture on offer and bidding was particularly robust for a 19t...
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Rare picture to go under the hammer
23rd November 2019
Mendip Auction Rooms are delighted to announce that in their sale on 13th and 14th December 2019 we are auctioning a rare re-discovered painting by Carlos Nadal (1917-1998). The attached painting was found hidden in a garage amongst a collection of the vendors grandfather's paintings. From the estate of th...
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Regal portrait turns heads
13th October 2019
Killens saw another healthy entry of almost 600 lots in their sale of Antiques and Collectables held on 5th October. It was a day when it was confirmed that quality attracts keen interest. The Mendip Auction Room attract buyers seeking quality watches and clocks and there was strong bidding for those on offe...
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Keener interest for jewellery
15th September 2019
With some local auction houses struggling for entries, Killens saw a healthy entry of over 650 lots in their sale of Antiques and Collectables held on 7th September. Once again, a wide variety of items was entered with particularly strong entries of jewellery, silver and paintings. Keen interest was seen for...
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Concertina plays a happy tune
18th August 2019
The sale of Antiques and Collectables held on 10th August attracted an excellent entry of some 750 lots with some exceptional lots on offer generating very strong interest. The room was packed with potential buyers with many commenting that they had never seen so many in attendance in spite of being in the midd...
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Saleroom Assistant required at the Mendip Auction Rooms
18th August 2019
We are seeking a saleroom assistant at the auction rooms and this presents a great opportunity to get involved in a fun industry. The position is full time with a requirement to work one Saturday each month. Based upon experience, the salary range is £15,000 - £23,000. Email tom@killens.org.uk for a full ...
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New homes found for church pews
19th January 2019
Times are changing and, across the country, churches are being adapted to offer flexible and adaptable space that can help strengthen communities and St John's Church in Glastonbury is undergoing such a change. The Mendip Auction Rooms were pleased to receive instructions to offer the existing church pews for s...
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£9500 for Radstock valuation day find!
5th January 2019
Back in October, the team from Killens held an antiques valuation day in aid of the Radstock Museum and Nicky Houston, senior valuer, got very excited when a Chinese medal was brought in by a local resident. Dismissed by the Antiques Roadshow a few years ago as being of little interest, Nicky immediately recogn...
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Many sit up for sofa
9th November 2018
The sale of Antiques and Collectables held on 3rd November attracted an excellent entry of some 750 lots with some exceptional lots on offer generating very strong interest. A fantastic selection of quality jewellery once again led to many viewing the sale and a large number of bidders in the room as well as...
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Silhouettes come out of the dark
13th October 2018
An impressive five stone carved half hoop ring with rose cut diamond pointers sold for £3200 whilst a rose gold Albert chain with T-bar made £900. A very attractive William and Mary style laburnum cabinet with oyster veneered doors and oval marquetry panels generated plenty of interest and sold for £1800 whilst...
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Phenomenal interest for a wee dram!
30th September 2018
The autumn Sporting, Fine Wines and Spirits sale held on 27th September generated a phenomenal level of interest from across the UK and Europe. A personal collection of whisky from a local seller led to plenty of enquiries prior to the sale and very strong internet bidding at the sale. All whisky sold to adv...
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Strong interest in Jewellery at the August Antique Sale
18th August 2018
In spite of being held at the height of summer, the recent sale of Antiques and Collectables held on 11th August saw excellent numbers of attendees viewing and attending the sale. With over 600 lots entered, it was a sale with something for everyone. There was an excellent entry of quality jewellery and the ...
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Demand for Jade Still Strong
16th June 2018
The Chinese have long been fascinated by jade and they often relate the semi-precious stone to a beautiful woman, prosperity and success and attribute it to healing and wisdom. For them, jade is a precious stone of great beauty. They say when you wear a piece of jade, you are wearing a beautiful stone that i...
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Oriental box leads to Chinese battle
12th May 2018
A very good entry of some 800 Antiques & Collectables went under the hammer at the Mendip Auction Rooms on 5th May and, in spite of the warmer weather, there was a good attendance of buyers with particularly strong interest over the internet. Oriental items were in demand and a Chinese cinnabar lacquer lobed...
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Heat turns on wine cooler
13th April 2018
The Auction Rooms team certainly had a busy Easter being open for Good Friday and Easter Monday so that the two sales held on 3rd and 4th April could be viewed and the crowds flocked in. The Monday was the busiest viewing day ever seen with both car parks full and a queue for the catalogues. The Tuesday sale...
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Antiques Road Trip have great day on Mendip
13th April 2018
The team from the popular TV show, Antiques Road Trip, recently filmed an episode on Mendip attending the Mendip Auction Rooms. Celebrity valuers Timothy Medhurst and Christina Trevanion had spent the previous week shopping in the South of England prior to sending the items to the Killens team at Binegar to be ...
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Well connected naval uniforms saluted
17th March 2018
The latest monthly sale of Antiques & Collectables staged by Killens at the Mendip Auction Rooms was dominated by items generously entered by the Somerville family formerly of Dinder House. Items ranged from quality furniture to collectables such as tennis racquets once used by the family. Sir James Somervil...
Read more Brave Pigeon flies to great heights
16th February 2018
The latest monthly sale of Antiques & Collectables staged by Killens at the Mendip Auction Rooms attracted the largest crowd ever seen for such a sale and came only four days after a sale of Victorian & Later Effects that also saw a huge crowd of potential buyers in attendance with fierce bidding seen at both. ...
Read more Maori Spoon Serves a Surprise
15th January 2018
With many auction houses not staging sales in January, the team at the Mendip Auction Rooms carried on regardless and there was a busy start to the New Year. On 9th January, the first Victorian and Later Effects sale of the year saw an excellent seasonal entry of almost 500 lots go under the hammer with a go...
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Strong interest in coinage and stamps
1st January 1970
An excellent entry of coins went under the hammer on 11th November and was greeted with strong bidding in the room and over the internet with a top price achieved of £1300 for a Brazilian 12800 reis gold coin dating from 1728. Many similar gold coins achieved values of between £800 and £1200 and many buyers ...
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Coins and stamps wanted
1st January 1970
An excellent entry of coins went under the hammer on 11th November and was greeted with strong bidding in the room and over the internet with a top price achieved of £1300 for a Brazilian 12800 reis gold coin dating from 1728. Many similar gold coins achieved values of between £800 and £1200 and many buyers ...
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