Lawsons

About Lawsons

Lawsons is a Sydney auction house that sells art, design, lifestyle and estate goods. It was founded in Sydney in 1884 and today runs a digital-first auction platform that reaches buyers across Australia and overseas. Its clients range from downsizers and estate holders to collectors, decorators and first-time bidders.

The firm runs several specialist departments and also acts as the official auctioneer to Transport for NSW for heritage and custom number plates. Its salerooms are in the inner-west suburb of Leichhardt.

History

Lawsons traces its history to 1884, which makes it one of the oldest auction houses in Australia. It uses the line "selling to other people's kids since 1884" in its marketing. Several of its senior staff have been with the firm for more than twenty years, including its managing director, Martin Farrah, who joined in 2002.

What Lawsons sells

Lawsons holds sales across a wide range of categories. Recent catalogues have covered Australian Indigenous art, home contents from Sydney houses, handmade rugs, luxury designer fashion, cars, fine wine and a single number plate.

• Fine art, including Australian Indigenous art
• Luxury jewellery, watches and gemstones
• Fine, vintage and estate furniture
• Decorative arts and objects
• Art and design
• Home contents and single-owner collections
• Fine wine and spirits
• Heritage and custom number plates

Selling at Lawsons

Sellers begin by requesting an appraisal through the online form. Lawsons only accepts items that have been appraised and approved, and consignments are received on Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. The valuer provides an auction estimate together with the full fee structure, so commission is set out per consignment rather than published.

Consignors can follow their items through the Seller Hub in their online account. Lawsons also offers formal valuations as a separate service.

Buying and bidding

Lawsons runs two kinds of sale. Timed online auctions take place only on the website and app, with a posted closing time and a three-minute extension when bids arrive near the close. Live-call auctions are run by an auctioneer, and bidders can take part in the room, online through the website or app, or by leaving a phone bid.

• Timed online sales: 25% buyer's premium including GST.
• Live-call auctions: 27% buyer's premium including GST.
• Motor vehicles: 16.5% including GST.
• Number plates: 8.25% including GST.

Invoices are emailed after each sale. Payment can be made by card, digital wallet, bank transfer, EFTPOS or cash, and card payments carry a processing fee. Items must generally be paid for and collected within 24 hours, as the firm does not offer storage.

Location and viewing

Lawsons is at 8-16 Moore Street, Leichhardt, NSW, on the corner of John Street, with parking at the rear. The auction rooms are open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and are closed on Wednesdays, weekends and public holidays. Most in-room sales can be viewed beforehand, and the viewing details for each sale are listed with its catalogue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the buyer's premium at Lawsons?

The premium is 25% including GST for timed online sales and 27% including GST for live-call auctions. Motor vehicles carry 16.5% and number plates 8.25%, both including GST.

How do I sell an item through Lawsons?

Request an appraisal through the website first. Once the item is approved, it can be delivered on a Monday or Tuesday between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.

How long do I have to collect my purchases?

Items generally have to be paid for and collected within 24 hours of the auction ending, unless the sale says otherwise. Lawsons does not offer storage, so buyers can arrange a carrier instead.