Team Profiles: Head Auctioneer Gareth Wasp
Snippet: Get to know Gareth Wasp who has joined the RWB Auctions team as Head Auctioneer.
Gareth Wasp has been pretty busy since he joined the RWB Auctions team in June.
With more than 25 years working in the auction industry, including 14 years on the rostrum, Gareth has also loaned his expertise to the BBC as an off-screen valuer for shows like Flog It. His new role as Head Auctioneer for RWB Auctions involves working closely with the construction crew as renovations on our flagship salerooms near completion. He’s also been preparing for our first sales and hosting a packed program of valuation days.
Last week we lured him away from his desk to answer a few questions.
How did you start your career in auctioneering?
‘When I was a small child I was given some old cigarette cards by a relative and started researching them in earnest. Rather than getting a paper round at 14, I was writing to my local auction house in Sussex looking for work experience. I got a regular role as a porter soon afterwards.’
Do you remember your first sale?
‘Back in those days, we used to run village hall auctions. We would have rows and rows of items all lined up on the trestle tables, most valued at less than £10. When on the rare occasion something was bid over £100 the whole room would instantly fall deadly silent as people tried to contain their excitement!’
How do you think the industry has changed since then?
‘The internet has naturally been the biggest disruptor to the auction world as it has allowed new audiences around the world to buy and sell with ease. With so many new potential buyers the market has flipped in favour of buyers. This has made it more important than ever for auctioneers to actively seek out both interesting items and new sellers.’
What improvements would you like to see in the auction world?
‘Auctions need to work on being more welcoming to everyone.
‘If you go to an antiques fair or flea market this weekend you will see a wide demographic of people but that is not necessarily reflected in an auction sale room.
‘It’s important for me that RWB Auctions is somewhere that new buyers and sellers feel confident visiting as well as experienced auction users. We’re doing that by offering a low and straightforward fee structure and a really nice place to visit. We’ve got an art gallery onsite and cafe bistro as well as a growing team of friendly staff who are ready to explain every detail of the auction process.
‘If you are interested in antiques and collectables I would encourage you to come along to one of our talks and events: it’s a great way to get to know our salerooms before you attend your first auction.’
What do you collect?
‘I am a big fan of vintage jewellery, antique silver, decorative arts, and 20th-century Scandinavian design. My taste is quite eclectic so at home we have a 12th Century Burmese Vase, 19th-century Minton plates and until recently a deactivated bomb that had fallen on Winchester College during WW2 - it was taken home as a souvenir by a pupil! With all the items I own, I love to think about their history and the life they must have witnessed.
This robot vase is a favourite item from Gareth’s personal collection of Scandinavian glassware.
What makes auctions special?
‘I’ve always enjoyed the atmosphere in the room on auction day: it's never boring for me, even after all these years. It is exciting to test the market for rare items that are hard to value and no matter what you are into, everyone can find something that appeals to them.’
What’s the best thing about being an auctioneer?
‘Most people only know one side of the story as they are either the buyer or the seller, however, I get to watch it all as items pass from one home to another.
‘I once sold two rings that ended up making £28,000 and £42,000 respectively. I had actually found them among some costume jewellery a client brought in to us. The lady had only recently inherited them and understandably had little idea of their financial value. In fact, she told me both rings would have been destined for the charity shop had I not spotted them otherwise.
‘During the sale, I remember watching a gentleman in front of me. He would eventually become the buyer for one of the rings, and he chose to sit in the auction room alongside his wife all day long just so he could buy it for her. Naturally, they were very excited when they won.’
Quirky vintage jewellery items from Gareth’s personal collection, purchased at auction over the years.
What will be selling well soon?
‘I think 20th-century design is still trendy although I’m not sure for how much longer as it has begun declining slightly. Nostalgia has always been a big thing so now we are all looking towards 1990s toys, vintage technology, old trainers, branded fashion and the like. For instance, even 10 years ago very few auction houses had vintage entertainment, handbags or fashion sales. Today it is a very different story and these items will probably become even more popular in the near future.’
Contact Gareth Wasp by email on gareth@rwbauctions.com or call 01793 840777 for valuations and more.