The grand dining rooms of the Travellers Club in London once again played host to Auctionet’s gathering of the auction world. Around 25 guests from 12 auction houses joined for a three-course lunch, fine wine and lively conversation in an atmosphere that balanced elegance with genuine camaraderie.

A Lunch to Connect the Industry

This was the second event of its kind, created to bring auctioneers together to share experiences, challenges and opportunities for the future. Among the guests were representatives from Chiswick, Halls, Railtons, Forum Auctions, Batemans of Stamford, Andrew Smith & Son, Bentley’s, Ma San Auction, Cheffins and Auctioneum.

It was a day devoted to conversation, exchange and inspiration. Between courses, guests discussed the evolving landscape of auctions, from technology and new audiences to the timeless value of expertise.

Voices from the Stage

Three keynote speakers took to the podium:
Oliver Miller from Bishop & Miller reflected on innovation and authenticity in regional auctioneering.
Hanna Hellberg from Stockholms Auktionsverk shared insights into digital development and collaboration within the Scandinavian market.
Matthew Denney from Lawrences Auctioneers spoke about balancing tradition and trust with the need to evolve.

Hanna Hellberg from Stockholms Auktionsverk

Matthew Denney from Lawrences Auctioneers and Oliver Miller from Bishop & Miller

Their perspectives offered a fascinating mix of vision and realism, sparking conversations that continued long after dessert.

Strengthening Collaboration

For Auctionet, the purpose of these gatherings is simple. To create moments where people in the same field can meet, exchange ideas and discover new ways to move forward together. The auction industry rarely pauses to talk, and when it does, something special happens.

Evan McPherson from Auctioneum meeting Oliver Miller from Bishop & Miller.

Alongside sharing ideas, these events are also a chance to meet decision-makers across the UK, to build trust and explore collaboration.

Looking Ahead

The Travellers Club lunch fits naturally within Auctionet’s wider ambition to make art, antiques and auctions more accessible and engaging for a broader audience. It stands alongside initiatives such as the Auctionet Academy and the Auctionet Summit, each designed to bring new energy and curiosity to the field.

Felix Turner, Wimbledon Auctions and Stephan Ludwig, Forum Auctions. Catherine Hockley, Andrew Smith & Son and Tom Österman, Auctionet. Martin Millard, Cheffins, Anna Wilcox and Austian Farahar, Chiswick Auctions

Jessica Ames, Bishop & Miller. Greg Bateman, Batemans of Stamford. Leon Ma, Ma San Auction. Robin Fletcher, Bentley's Fine Art Auctioneers