Gorringes

Gorringes is one of the most established and well-regarded auction houses in the south of England, with a history that stretches back to the early 1920s and a reputation built on consistent quality, specialist knowledge, and the handling of distinguished private collections. Based in Lewes, the historic county town of East Sussex, Gorringes has grown from a local estate agency and auction business into a firm with a national and international following. The business was founded by Rowland Gorringe, who opened offices in Lewes as an estate agent and auctioneer. He held numerous sales in properties across Lewes and its environs, but it was one early consignment that put the firm on the map. Gorringe was instructed to sell the contents of Lewes House, the remarkable collection assembled by the American art connoisseur and collector Edward Percy Warren. This sale attracted international attention, as in addition to a notable collection of early furniture and works of art, it included Auguste Rodin's 'The Kiss' (Le Baiser) and 'The Portrayal of Adam and Eve' by Lucas Cranach the Elder — masterpieces that underscored the caliber of material that a small Sussex auction house could attract. In 1946, shortly after the war, Gorringes moved to its current site at 15 North Street in Lewes, where it has remained ever since. The premises have been expanded and modernized over the decades, but the house retains the character and atmosphere of a traditional English auction room. In 1994, Gorringes expanded further by acquiring Fryer's Auction Galleries in Bexhill-on-Sea, housed in impressive former railway station premises. The Bexhill saleroom serves as both an auction venue and a valuations and storage facility, extending the firm's reach across East Sussex. Gorringes holds over 70 sales per year, a schedule that encompasses a wide range of collecting categories. The core business covers antiques and fine art, featuring ceramics, works of art, silver, jewelry, furniture, and pictures. In addition, the firm conducts regular specialist sales of stamps, coins, medals, toys, books, automobilia, wine, pop and film memorabilia, and other collectors' categories. Twice a year, Gorringes holds its Connoisseur Auctions — prestige events that bring together the finest consignments of higher-value antiques, works of art, and pictures in a dedicated sale format. The firm has handled several notable consignments in recent years, including a collection of Jane Austen artifacts that were acquired by the Jane Austen House Museum in 2013, reinforcing Gorringes' ability to attract culturally significant material and connect it with appropriate institutional buyers. For sellers, the process of consigning to Gorringes is straightforward and welcoming. Valuations are available at both the Lewes and Bexhill premises, by appointment, or through online submission. For larger collections or estate clearances, Gorringes' team will visit the property. The firm handles all aspects of the sale, including cataloguing, photography, marketing, and post-sale settlement. Commission rates are competitive and are discussed at the time of consignment; they may vary depending on the value and nature of the property. Buyers can participate in person at either saleroom, by telephone, by absentee bid, or through the firm's online bidding platforms. Gorringes partners with major online auction platforms to extend the reach of its sales to a global audience. A buyer's premium is charged on all lots, and the current rate is published with each sale's conditions. The specialist knowledge at Gorringes is deep and varied. The firm's experts have particular strengths in English and Continental furniture, silver and jewelry, and fine art, but the breadth of the specialist sales program — encompassing everything from stamps and coins to pop memorabilia — means that the team can handle an unusually diverse range of property. This versatility is valuable for executors and families dealing with varied collections or complete household contents. Gorringes' location in Lewes is an asset in itself. The town has long been a center for the antiques trade in Sussex, with a concentration of dealers, collectors, and enthusiasts that creates a supportive market environment. The firm's sales attract regular attendance from local and regional dealers, as well as private buyers from further afield. The firm's online presence has expanded significantly in recent years. In addition to partnerships with major online auction platforms, Gorringes maintains a comprehensive website with upcoming sale catalogues, results archives, and news updates. Online bidding is available for all major sales, and the platform supports both real-time bidding during live auctions and absentee bidding. This digital infrastructure has broadened the buyer base, attracting collectors from across the UK and internationally who might not otherwise attend sales in Lewes or Bexhill. Gorringes also offers a range of ancillary services that add value for clients. These include insurance valuations, probate valuations, and advisory services for executors and trustees. The firm's long experience in handling estate sales — from modest household contents to significant private collections — means that they can provide practical guidance on every aspect of the dispersal process, from initial assessment through to final settlement. For anyone in the south of England with antiques, fine art, jewelry, or specialist collections to sell, Gorringes offers a professional, knowledgeable, and reliable service. For buyers, the combination of regular sales, specialist depth, and accessible price points makes it a rewarding house to follow, whether you are furnishing a home, building a collection, or seeking a rare find.