About

We conduct specialist auctions across all categories, so whether you wish to sell a diamond necklace, a Picasso, a Chinese jade or a classic car, our dedicated team of specialists are on hand to help. Our regular Avenue Auctions enable us to sell lower value collectibles, meaning that, unlike many of our competitors, we have the capacity to deal with complete house contents. This comprehensive and inclusive service is particularly helpful for solicitors and those dealing with estates.

In addition to our in-house team of specialists, we have access to an impressive array of external consultants. We are fortunate that many of these specialists are recognised as leading experts in their respective fields.

Over 200 years of auctions

We held our first auction when George IV was on the throne in 1823, and since then we have conducted a number of landmark sales — the Estate of Thomas Hardy OM and the contents of a number of stately homes including Melplash Court, Milton Abbey and Athelhampton House are notable examples.

Our £2 million sale of two panels from a Fra Angelico altarpiece made headlines around the world. They were discovered by our specialist behind a bedroom door in a modest house in Oxford, and have now returned to their rightful home in the Church of San Marco, Florence.

The Fine Art Salerooms

Duke’s, one of Dorset’s oldest businesses, redeveloped a large redundant office building, formerly known as Pullman Court, immediately adjacent to the Brewery Square development in the heart of Dorchester, the county town of Dorset. The premises boast over 15,000 sq ft of space, with ample on-site parking, an impressive reception area and offices, exhibition space, auction galleries, secure storage and an excellent café and patisserie. The salerooms are close to Dorchester South railway station, with hourly trains to London Waterloo (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes), and there are airports at Bournemouth and Exeter.

Our network of global partnerships in Asia and the USA ensures we have unrivalled access to the international art market. This, combined with our innovative marketing and internet presence, means we are an auction house for the 21st century — we embrace the future, but we have not forgotten the importance of good old-fashioned service. At Duke’s we value one thing above everything else: our clients.

The Avenue Saleroom

Established in Duke’s former fine art salerooms on Weymouth Avenue, Dorchester (DT1 1QS), the Avenue saleroom focuses on decorative interiors and collectables. From eclectic furnishings to musical instruments, it has something for every taste and every budget, and is also home to Duke’s popular Vintage Clothing and Accessories sales and the rapidly growing Toys and Collectables auctions. Avenue enquiries: 01305 257544.

Meet the team

Garry Batt

Partner, Senior Valuer, Auctioneer

Furniture, sculpture & works of art, books & manuscripts, ceramics & glass, clocks & scientific instruments, paintings, collections & private sales, and inheritance tax, insurance & probate valuations.

William Batt

Valuer, Auctioneer, Head of the Quarterly Auctions and Asian Art

Classic cars & transport memorabilia, furniture, antiquities, Asian art, ceramics & glass, clocks, silver & objects of vertu, rugs & textiles, and collections & private sales.

• Sarah Gordon-Wild — Partner
• Helen Abraham — General Valuer and Head of Interiors
• Tallulah Barnett — Senior Auctions Manager
• Scott Grimsey — Specialist, Avenue Collectible Auctions
• Nicky Houston BA(Hons), MRICS, GA Cert — Head of Jewellery
• Michael Roberts — Senior Valuer, Auctioneer and Head of Silver, Wines and Spirits
• William Parker — Head of Paintings
• Julian Smith — Senior Valuer, Auctioneer, Head of Watches, Coins, Sporting & Natural History
• Ben Sewill — Junior Valuer and Cataloguer
• Guy Schwinge — Consultant
• Anna Tao — Asian Art Consultant
• Victoria Wild — Head of Marketing and Operations

Duke’s is a member of the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers (SOFAA), and many of our specialist team are members of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).