New sale room for Chilcotts Auctioneers

Honiton’s Chilcotts Auctioneers has successfully launched its new Auction Gallery with a landmark first sale.

Ideal for viewing and selling items, the gallery space represents a major investment by the family-run business as it continues to strengthen its position for future growth.

Following a year of strong trading, which saw turnover rise by around 30 percent, Chilcotts has significantly expanded the premises, increasing the overall working area by a third and transforming the customer experience for both buyers and vendors.

Central to the investment is the new first-floor Auction Gallery. Measuring 115 square metres, the gallery is equipped with a state-of-the-art audio-visual system, improving the auction experience for both in-room attendees and online bidders. Well-lit with natural daylight and carefully designed LED lighting, artworks and other auction items can be shown at their best.

Crucially, the redevelopment included the installation of a lift, supported by funding from the government-backed Innovation Resilience Fund (IRF). This has enabled accessibility for customers as well as the efficient movement of larger items between floors.

Liz Chilcott said: “Our positive financial performance gave us the confidence to make this investment, which is all about developing and future-proofing the business in a sustainable way, while improving the experience we offer. The new gallery allows us to present sales in a way that does justice to the quality of the items.”

The gallery was launched on April 11, when Chilcotts hosted its first standalone Fine Art sale in the new space. Liz added: “The sale exceeded our expectations. The room was full, and the feedback was incredibly positive. People commented on the lighting and the layout, and it was fantastic to see the lift already making a difference for customers with mobility needs. The sale itself performed well above its top estimate.”

The expansion supports a broader shift in Chilcotts’ auction programme. In response to growing demand, the business has added two additional specialist Fine Art sales to its calendar, alongside a new standalone Collectors Items sale featuring medals and militaria, books, maps, toys and models. A total of 13 auctions are planned for 2026, with another to be added in 2027.

Alongside the new gallery, Chilcotts has also created a dedicated photography suite for small items, two new stock rooms, and packaging room. This has made a significant improvement to in-house services, including a cost-effective packing and postage offering that sets it apart from many competitors.

The investment has also delivered new skilled jobs, with the team growing to 12 permanent staff, meeting the criteria of the IRF grant.

With this exciting development now operational and delivering immediate results, Chilcotts Auctioneers is well positioned for further growth over the coming years.

The next auction, taking place on 16 May, will offer Good Antiques and 20th Century Design.