Episodes
Harry and Simon delve into a fascinating story about the discovery of rare artworks by Louis Wain, exploring the provenance and significance of these pieces. At Windsor Auctions, they have coming up for sale a model of Starbug 1 from the iconic series Red Dwarf. The pair also explore various themes including a humorous anecdote about a bear that serves as a landmark, the excitement of discovering gold nuggets, natural and factory diamonds, and the impact of forest fires on a gold panner's...
Published 11/18/24
Something a little different from the norm today. Graham Roberts, a retired ecologist, discusses the critical state of England's rivers and the various factors contributing to their decline. He highlights the pollution from agricultural runoff and sewage discharge, the challenges posed by privatization and inadequate regulation, and the urgent need for community engagement and activism to address these issues. Graham emphasises the importance of personal responsibility in water conservation...
Published 11/11/24
Published 11/11/24
In this celebratory 100th episode, Harry and Simon welcome auctioneer and TV personality Catherine Southon. Catherine shares her journey to becoming a successful auctioneer and business owner. The conversation explores her experiences in the auction industry, her transition to television, and the challenges of running her own auction house. Catherine's insights highlight the importance of passion, resilience, and the evolving landscape of auctioneering, especially for women in the industry....
Published 11/04/24
To give us time to prepare an amazing interview for our 100th episode, producer Dave has put together a best of from the early episodes. If you're a new listener this is the best way to catch up on what you've missed. If you're a long time listener, it's a chance to go back to some classic anecdotes. CONTACT [email protected] Instagram @thegavelandthegabble Twitter @GavelandGabble  TikTok @laughingauctioneer www.windsorauctions.co.uk www.lymebayauctions.co.uk ABOUT THE...
Published 10/28/24
Harry and Simon delve into the current state of the auction market, sharing insights from valuation days and the impact of second homes on local communities. The conversation shifts to innovations in auction processes, particularly the concept of lean processing and continuous online auctions, and concludes with a discussion on the potential integration of AI in auction descriptions. CONTACT [email protected] Instagram @thegavelandthegabble Twitter @GavelandGabble  TikTok...
Published 10/20/24
Harry and Simon discuss their recent charity auction for Momentum Children's Charity, where they successfully raised funds through the sale of celebrity-painted pebbles. They delve into the challenges faced in house clearances, particularly when items lack value for auction. The duo highlight the importance of community initiatives, such as local pubs, and the creative upcycling efforts of individuals who repurpose unsellable items. The conversation emphasizes the significance of community...
Published 10/13/24
Simon is back this week! Although it turns out he never plugged his microphone in, so apologies for the sound quality. Producer Dave has already given him a stern talking to. Today Harry and Simon share stories about customer service challenges, the value of silver items, and the impact of online reviews. Windsor Auctions is thrilled to be hosting a special auction of celebrity-decorated pebbles on October 11. Over 20 well-known figures, including Tom Holland, Zendaya, Angellica Bell, and...
Published 10/06/24
Today is another best of where we'll hear clips from three fantastic guests. We hear from Jaimie Fennell, vinyl expert from Rooster Records, TV personality, Jo Roberts and Matt Ball from the Antiques Trade Gazette. Find all of their links below. Back soon with a new episode. Jaimie Fennell - www.roosterrecords.co.uk - Rooster Records, 98 Fore Street, Exeter, Devon, EX4 3HY Jo Roberts - Instagram: @withjoroberts www.instagram.com/withjoroberts - www.josobjectsofdesire.co.uk Matt Ball  -...
Published 09/29/24
In this episode, Harry and Simon discuss their experiences in the auction world, touching on the importance of charity auctions, the challenges faced during tech issues, and a heart-warming story of teamwork in helping an elderly lady during a stressful move. They also share insights about a unique whiskey collection and the upcoming charity auction for Momentum Children's Charity, emphasizing the significance of community support and planning in successful fundraising efforts. Windsor...
Published 09/22/24
The most listener requested guest, television royalty, Harry's man crush, the amazing Philip Serrell is on the pod! Philip joins Harry and Simon to discuss his career and the state of the auction industry. He shares his passion for the job and the thrill of finding unique items. Philip reflects on his journey from being a PE teacher to becoming a well-known auctioneer on TV. He also talks about the rise of online bidding and the cyclical nature of the antiques market. The conversation touches...
Published 09/15/24
Dee and Ken, hosts of the Antiques Freaks podcast, join Harry and Simon to discuss their love for antiques and the auction market in the US. As always when Americans and Brits get together, tensions are high, although that's mostly due to Dee and Ken wishing they had the history on their doorstep that Harry and Simon do. There's also chat about the silver market, preserving antique items, Ken and Dee's strange collections, and Varney the Vampire. If you enjoyed hearing Dee and Ken then you...
Published 09/08/24
David, John, and Adam from Graham Budd Auctioneers, the leading European auction house for sporting memorabilia, join Harry and Simon to discuss the world of sporting collectibles. They highlight the nostalgia and passion that drives the market, with football being the most popular sport due to its global appeal. They also discuss the emergence of niche markets within football, such as vintage shirts and match-worn items. In addition, they touch on the F1 market and the high value of...
Published 09/01/24
Harry and Simon discuss the process of cataloguing and preparing for an auction. They also talk about the market for movie memorabilia and the potential comeback of elegant dress watches. Simon shares a rant about customers who change their minds about what items to sell after the auction house has already made arrangements for collection. CONTACT [email protected] Instagram @thegavelandthegabble Twitter @GavelandGabble  TikTok...
Published 08/25/24
Harry and Simon chat about the challenges of staffing during the summer holidays and the importance of providing provenance to buyers, as it appears not all auction houses do so. The pair also discuss the potential of internet-free auctions and if such a think is a viable business strategy in 2024. Could this be the solution to all those unsellable bulky items found in house clearances? CONTACT [email protected] Instagram @thegavelandthegabble Twitter @GavelandGabble  TikTok...
Published 08/18/24
Harry and Simon discuss their recent experiences at valuation days and house clearances. They share interesting stories about the items they encountered, including a World War II French resistance spy's belongings and ceramics by Damien Hirst. They also express their concerns about auction houses that offer to buy items directly from sellers, questioning the transparency and integrity of such practices. Listen and laugh at Chris Cannon's appearance on the pod as we wish him the best at a...
Published 08/11/24
Harry and Simon give an update on the market with their recent sales at Windsor and Lyme Bay Auctions. They talk about the positive growth in the market for furniture, especially dark brown furniture. Harry and Simon also share stories of valuable items found in costume jewellery boxes and the importance of not underestimating the value of inherited jewellery. The conversation then shifts to the topic of liability in the auction industry, specifically regarding the refunding of a buyer for a...
Published 08/04/24
As everyone is on their summer holidays Producer David has put together a best of episode featuring clips from the archive. Listen in to hear Adam Hills from design and reclamation company Retrouvius tell Harry and Simon the differences between reducing, reusing, and recycling. There's also clips of Harry and Simon chatting about amazing finds including a seemingly one of a kind Rolex, beautiful jade earrings, and the pair tell you why listing your item at a lower start price might actually...
Published 07/28/24
Harry and Simon discuss Simon's recovery from surgery and their recent experiences at valuation days. The pair also discuss how the value of silver and gold goes beyond their scrap value, as collectors are willing to pay more for unique and interesting pieces. There's also all the usual chat about the interesting items that have come through both auction houses including a monk's skull and and a one of a kind item from Harrods. CONTACT [email protected] Instagram...
Published 07/21/24
While Simon is recovering from surgery, we've put together another best of, this time featuring unheard material cut from the regular episode. Listen in for some great clips from Adi Higham and Tara, the best and worst emails Harry and Simon have received, some great finds including the treasures of an open barn and some Brazilian pop art. There's also a good amount of dog chat, including why you need to be a dog person in this line of work. CONTACT [email protected] Instagram...
Published 07/14/24
Harry and Simon delve into the details of Simon's upcoming surgery and its potential impact on the auction house. They also revisit the recent sensational sale of Lionel Messi's napkin contract, which fetched an astonishingly high price. The discussion then shifts to new legislation on animal ivory and the implications of the upcoming election for the industry. Tune in to discover the identity of a celebrity visitor at one of the auction houses and, more intriguingly, whether they turned out...
Published 07/07/24
Harry and Simon discuss various topics, such as their recent van troubles, an inflatable church that does fake weddings, upcoming auctions, and interesting items they've come across including a glass harmonica, Star Wars cookie jars, and a stunning diamond necklace. There's also chat about Harry and Simon being the Loose Women of the auction world and a message for anybody attending Glastonbury Festival. CONTACT [email protected] Instagram @thegavelandthegabble Twitter...
Published 06/30/24
Harry and Simon are joined by James Broad, or JB, the new man on BBC One's Antiques Roadshow. James shares his journey into the world of antiques, starting from his passion for pocket watches and his experience as a teenage auctioneer. He discusses his online shop, James Broad Antiques, which offers a diverse range of curated items. James also talks about his involvement in TV shows like The Bidding Room and The Great Antiques Challenge, and the importance of attracting younger people to the...
Published 06/23/24
Linsey Lunny, founder of Hidden Strength joins Harry and Simon to introduce her mobile app revolutionising mental health support for young people aged 13-24. The app offers a safe space for accessing help, featuring a help zone with various topics and the ability to speak to qualified therapists. Adapting to social media trends, it counteracts their negative effects. Early intervention and support are key focuses, allowing users to connect with trained therapists via messaging. It's Linsey's...
Published 06/16/24
Matt Easton, founder of Easton Antique Arms and the historical fencing club Schola Gladiatoria, shares his journey into the antiques industry, historical fencing, and the challenges faced by his business due to shipping restrictions on items with blades. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by antique sword dealers due to changes in shipping regulations and age verification services. It explores the impact on the antique trade, the ambiguity in the rules, and the need for a more...
Published 06/09/24