A new man has been appointed to run one of the country’s leading antique and fine art auction houses.
Michael Roberts will head up Mitchells in Cockermouth after spending five years in a similar role at Penrith Farmers’ and Kidd’s (PFK) antiques auction department.
He will work alongside existing director Mark Wise who, after more than 30 years at the helm, has been looking for a suitable successor to enable him to move to a more part-time position.
“I am very much looking forward to working with him and helping take the business to the next level,” said Mr Wise.
“I will be remaining on Mitchells’ board of directors and will still maintain an active role in the business concentrating particularly on the major antiques and fine art sales.”
Mr Roberts has also worked for 10 years at the Canterbury Auction Galleries and, speaking about his new role, said: “I am excited to be heading up Mitchells and to have the opportunity to further develop their excellent business.
“Succeeding Mark will be a tough act to follow but I’m confident in my ability to further fine tune this much-loved institution.
“I am a great believer in offering a comprehensive auction service and while I shall maintain and enhance Mitchells’ strong reputation for fine art and antiques, I will also work on growing the business from house clearances and nurturing popular specialist sales categories such as watches, wine and mid century furniture, as well as developing timed online sales.”
PFK has now closed its antiques auction department as part of a wider restructuring and agreed a referral deal with Mitchells for all valuations, contents sales and house clearance instructions.
