PRESS RELEASE – December 2007
From – Will Farmer – Fieldings Auctioneers Ltd.
| In a move that could turn the current status quo
in the Clarice Cliff market upside down, Fieldings
Auctioneers are pleased to announce that they will be holding two
dedicated Clarice Cliff sales in 2008 to be managed by Director Will
Farmer.
This move follows protests by members of the Clarice
Cliff Collectors Club regarding the 29.375% buyer’s premium charged at
Christies most recent sale (as covered in the Antiques Trade Gazette (ATG)
on the 29th October 2007).
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Will Farmer
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Fieldings have joined forces with
the original Clarice Cliff Collectors Club and its founder Mr Leonard Griffin
who has signed up with Fieldings to provide his expertise and advice; furthermore
he will assist with the development and promotion of this new event to
a world wide audience. Leonard Griffin, who founded the Clarice Cliff Collectors
Club in 1982 had been a consultant for Christies for 18 years however he
recently resigned following complaints from club members regarding the
increased buyers premium.
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Will Farmer at an early CCCC
Convention - Can you spot him?
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| Will Farmer director of Fieldings
Auctioneers has been actively involved with Clarice Cliff for over 20 years
“I first began collecting Clarice Cliff at the age of 11 and was one of
the youngest members of the Clarice Cliff Collectors Club attending the
early club weekends in Stoke on Trent. Having closely followed the debate
I feel that both Fieldings and I are perfectly placed to provide collectors
and CCCC members with a new and exciting sale. With my knowledge 20th century
decorative arts, together with a well established saleroom in the centre
of the country (close to the original home of this great pottery) it seemed
an obvious decision” adding “As an independent firm we are able to provide
every aspect of commercial promotion and support collectors expect but
at a buyer’s premium of only 17.63%, furthermore we have agreed to support
the CCCC members with a range of reduced and competitive rates for selling”
The first event will be on Saturday the 31st
May 2008 and will form an integral part of the 2008 CCCC convention
weekend. The sale will be catalogued by Will Farmer who with his personal
interest in Clarice intends to produce an extensive catalogue illustrated
with multiple images of important lots and archive material combined with
historical facts and comments from Leonard Griffin. Leonard Griffin added
“Im very excited about working with Will who I remember from those early
conventions. It’s just so amazing to see Will come full circle from being
an original member to cataloguer and promoter of this new and exciting
auction. In Will we shall have someone who is passionate, understands the
market and appreciates the needs of the collector” adding “the opportunity
to hold this first sale alongside our 2008 convention is wonderful, last
year at Burgess Dorling & Leigh in Stoke we had speakers from as far
away as Australia and America, however our link with Fieldings enables
us to stage a bigger and better event, and most importantly collectors
will be able to acquire some new pieces!”
Fieldings and CCCC also announced that the event
would be supported by leading Clarice Cliff dealer Andrew
Muir. Andrew Muir will provide his knowledge and expertise in assisting
with the sale and its development. Andrew Muir himself based in the West
Midlands has been at the forefront of the Clarice Cliff market for many
years supported by his presence at Birmingham NEC “Antiques for everyone”
fairs for over 10 years, he commented “I see this sale a mutually beneficial;
it reinforces the West Midlands as the premier area to buy and sell Clarice”.
Contact Information
Will Farmer - Fieldings Auctioneers – 01384
444140
will@fieldingsauctioneers.co.uk
Leonard Griffin – Clarice Cliff Collectors Club
Andrew Muir – andrewmuir@blueyonder.co.uk
CLICK HERE FOR AUCTION PREVIEW |
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