Lawrences Auctioneers

About Lawrences

Lawrences Auctioneers is a fine art and general auction house based at The Linen Yard, South Street, Crewkerne, in Somerset. It also operates a Wessex saleroom in Westbury, Wiltshire. The firm is a member of SOFAA, the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers, and says it has long been woven into the fabric of the West Country.

The business combines large, specialist Fine Art Sales held through the year with timed online general sales. That mix means it handles both significant single lots and more everyday antiques and collectables.

History

Lawrences of Crewkerne can trace its beginnings back to the early 19th century, according to the Antiques Trade Gazette. The business went through a management buyout in 1992, and in 2022 it was acquired by Auctionet, the Swedish online auction platform. Its own website does not give an exact founding year.

What Lawrences sells

Lawrences sells across a wide range of departments, and many of them feature in its multi-day Fine Art Sales. Its departments include:

• Pictures, including portraits and still life paintings
• Furniture
• Books, maps and manuscripts
• Ceramics
• Silver and jewellery
• Rugs
• Militaria
• 20th-century modern design

Recent results reported by the firm include a Royal Academy portrait by Gerald Leslie Brockhurst at £72,500 in June 2026 and a Patek Philippe wristwatch at £28,000 in October 2025. The firm also runs themed online sales, such as a vinyl record auction.

Selling at Lawrences

Sellers pay a commission of 15% plus VAT in the Fine Art Sales. In the timed online sales the commission is 15% plus VAT, plus a lot fee of £5 plus VAT. A damage and warranty fee of 1.5% also applies.

Valuations are offered at the Crewkerne and Westbury premises, and the firm holds valuation days in the region. Items for the general sales can be brought in and are placed into the next suitable auction.

Buying and bidding

For both the Fine Art Sales and the timed online sales, the buyer's premium is 25% plus VAT, which is 30% including VAT, charged on top of the hammer price. Timed online sales also carry a hammer fee of £5 including VAT per lot. VAT is not applied to the premium on books and unframed maps.

Online bidding is offered through several platforms, and the extra cost depends on which one is used:

• Auctionet: no fee beyond the standard buyer's premium
• the-saleroom: an additional 4.95% plus VAT
• EasyLiveAuction: an additional 3% plus VAT, or a flat £3 per sale

Some lots may carry further charges, such as Artist's Resale Right or VAT on the hammer price, and these are marked in the catalogue.

Location and viewing

The main saleroom is at The Linen Yard in Crewkerne, Somerset, and the second base is at the Woodlands Industrial Estate in Westbury, Wiltshire. Fine Art Sales have set viewing days before the auction, with specialists on hand to give advice. Lots in the general online auctions can be viewed Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the buyer's premium at Lawrences?

The buyer's premium is 25% plus VAT (30% including VAT) on the hammer price in both the Fine Art Sales and the timed online sales. Timed online sales add a £5 hammer fee per lot.

Which online bidding platform is cheapest at Lawrences?

Bidding through Auctionet carries no fee beyond the standard premium. the-saleroom adds 4.95% plus VAT and EasyLiveAuction adds 3% plus VAT or a flat £3 per sale.

How much does it cost to sell at Lawrences?

Seller's commission is 15% plus VAT in the Fine Art Sales. Timed online sales charge 15% plus VAT and a £5 plus VAT lot fee, and a 1.5% damage and warranty fee applies.