When you step into Youngs Auctions in the heart of Farnham, there’s an immediate sense of care for people, for objects, and for stories that connect them. Founded in 2011 by Christopher Young and his life partner Cherry Courtier, this family-run auction house has built its reputation on a simple but profound principle: to offer clients the kind of service we ourselves would wish to receive.
Whether you are a vendor parting with a treasured heirloom or a buyer searching for something truly special, Youngs’ approach remains rooted in courtesy, professionalism, and genuine enthusiasm for discovery.
From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Hub
The story of Youngs Auctions begins not in a grand saleroom, but in a village scout hut near Guildford, where Chris hosted his first “Saturday Auctions.”
‘‘I had been bitten by the auction bug while portering at two local auctions, after studying the whole process and observing the auctioneers I had felt confident I could do this myself.’, Chris recalls,
Back then, bidders turned up in person and raised their paddles without an online presence in sight.
As interest grew, so did the venue, moving first to West Horsley Village Hall, and eventually to Farnham, where the business flourishes today. Through years of dedication, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to clients, Youngs has evolved from local curiosity to a trusted auction house with a worldwide audience.
The Making of an Auctioneer
Chris’s path to auctioneering was anything but ordinary and followed a 20-year spell as a bookbinder/conservator. Winding the clock back to 1985 and whilst working as a trainee underwriter in The City of London, he realised reinsurance was not for him. He undertook evening studies, earning a Diploma in Wine, while transitioning into the wine trade. Selling wine & spirits to restaurants and pubs gave him invaluable “people skills”, learning to connect with customers, listen, and build relationships - lessons that transferred seamlessly into the world of auctions.
His natural eye for beauty, particularly in glass and craftsmanship, and his love for rummaging through car boots and charity shops, laid the foundations for what would become his vocation.
Mentored by Gordon Patrick, a seasoned saleroom manager who still consults for Youngs today, Chris learned not just the mechanics of valuation and sale, but the art of treating every item (and every client) with respect.
What do you want to sell?
Ask the experts at Youngs Auctions here, or pay them a visit at: 10 Riverside Park, Dogflud Way
Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7UG
United Kingdom
A Modern Auction House with Heart
Today, Youngs Auctions stands proudly in Farnham, offering probate valuations, house clearances, downsizing support, and the sale of family heirlooms. The team’s decades of experience allow them to recognise and market items with precision and care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for their clients.
Their approach is both traditional and forward-thinking. Embracing modern technology and online auction techniques, they’ve created a professional, rewarding experience for buyers and sellers alike.
Queen Mary’s Belle Epoque Brooch at Youngs Auctions
A particularly proud milestone came with their Royalty Sales, which captivated collectors and jewellery specialists worldwide. Among the highlights were cards and correspondence between members of the Royal Family, including Queen Elizabeth II, Edward, Duke of Windsor, and Queen Mary, whose exquisite Belle Époque platinum brooch set with natural Conch pearl, pearls, and diamonds achieved an astonishing £55,000 hammer price.
Partnership with Auctionet: A Shared Vision
The collaboration between Youngs Auctions and Auctionet was a natural meeting of minds. When Oskar Tornvall and Tom Österman from Auctionet visited the Farnham premises, Chris immediately recognised the potential of continuous online selling.
With consignments flowing in faster than ever, Auctionet’s streamlined model offered the perfect solution, keeping items moving efficiently while upholding the warmth and personal service that define the Youngs ethos.
Oskar Tornvall, Director of Sales, Auctionet
This partnership has not only expanded Youngs’ reach across Europe and beyond but has also reaffirmed their belief that technology and tradition can thrive beautifully together.
Looking Ahead: The Spirit of Youngs
Led by Chris and his talented team, including the ever-enthused Henry Chui, whose keen eye and energy make him indispensable, Youngs Auctions continues to thrive while honouring its roots.
Whether through continuous online listings or specialist live sales, every lot at Youngs carries with it a story, a legacy, and a promise: that the past still has much to offer the present, and that there will always be a place where craftsmanship, history, and humanity meet under one roof.
As Chris Young himself says, “Every piece has a story — and we’re dedicated to helping it find its next chapter.”
)
)
)