ABOUT US
Laidlaw Auctioneers and Valuers are evangelical in the belief that auctions offer the most exciting of shopping experiences, with all the drama of the theatre combined with the thrill of a day at the races. Founded in 2013 by BBC antiques expert Paul Laidlaw, Laidlaw Auctioneers and Valuers comprises a small team of antique experts who share Paul's vision to transform the public perception of the auction world from the Dickensian to the Digital Age.
Based in a lovingly re-purposed period building, the auction room is situated in the heart of Carlisle, between the wild and beautiful borders of Scotland and the picturesque English Lake District.
Laidlaw Auctioneers and Valuers is one of relatively few auction houses in the country to offer weekend specialist auctions, opening up these events to the widest possible audience via the internet, with online catalogues and live interactive bidding for every sale. This approach means that our auctions are unmissable events for buyers, and an exceptional route to market for prospective sellers. Find out what people are saying.
WE ARE
PAUL LAIDLAW BSc
Auctioneer & Valuer
paul@laidlawauctioneers.co.uk
twitter: @thepaullaidlaw
Edinburgh born Paul Laidlaw has had a passion for antiques since childhood. Academic by nature, he chose to read science at University, though his love of antiques and persistent devouring of related knowledge never faltered.
Having been head-hunted by H&H Auction Rooms of Carlisle, he joined the firm in 2002, leaving in 2012 to launch this business. Since 2006 Paul has made regular appearances as an expert on BBC's 'Bargain Hunt', 'Antiques Roadtrip', 'Celebrity Antiques Roadtrip' and most recently 'Flog it!'.
He has earned an enviable reputation for conviviality, true specialist expertise and strong results.
STEPHEN POOLE
General Manager
Of all the team members here at Laidlaw’s, Stephen Poole has worked with Paul the longest. He has over 20 years of invaluable auction room experience to draw upon, acquired as he developed his career from auction house porter to General Manager.
While breadth of knowledge is crucial to his role here, Stephen has a keen and specific interest in quality and vintage fishing tackle.
MATTHEW COOK
Live Internet Bidding
Matthew Cook’s role here at Laidlaw's is the administration of the live internet bidding platform; connecting us to our international audience.
Matthew has a heady interest in all things unique and antique. His particular specialisms surround period silver and ceramics, while his automobile love comes in the form of his classic 1964 Rover P4.
KURT- SIEGFRIED von RÜGEMER Auctioneer & Valuer
Kurt is Anglo-American of German and British extraction with a lifelong love of all that is old. He studied historic paint finishes and gilding in Lincoln, before reading Fine Arts Valuation and obtaining the National Association of Goldsmiths’ jewellery diplomas at Southampton. A practicing auctioneer and valuer for over twenty years with firms in the north west. When not at work, never happier than when in his workshop, building something new or fixing something old, whilst listening to classical music.
NATHAN COPLAND Junior Auctioneer & Valuer
Nathan is a Junior Auctioneer here at Laidlaw. Before training and working with us, Nathan was involved in the antique and auction world from a very young age, having bought his first auction lot at the tender age of 9, with Paul on the rostrum.
Although his interest is piqued by many things, Nathan is particularly drawn to coins and banknotes, vintage toys, rugs, and interiors.
HANNAH STOKOE Junior Auctioneer & Valuer
Hannah is originally from Kent but moved to Cumbria and stumbled across her dream job quite by accident.
She had previously achieved a first in Art History at the University of Plymouth, working and volunteering in heritage sites before discovering the world of auctioneering and beginning her career at Laidlaw.
Hannah has always had a love for antiques and collecting things to fill her home. This, combined with her love of studying and research, makes auctioneering the career for her. Whilst Hannah is learning it all, she has a particular interest in paintings and prints.
WEBSITE PHOTOGRAPHY
Selected promotional images used on our website are by James Norman Photography. Visit the photographer's website for further information.