The Auction House - Staff

6 February 2015

ROGER ROSS

Managing Director. Roger Ross is a well-known local figure in Chelsea. Roger compares his management style to that of Fidel Castro and readily admits to being the HR problem at Lots Road. It’s fair to say that Roger rules the Auction House with an iron fist. It’s common knowledge with all staff (and customers) that even during the winter months, Roger saves money by turning off the heaters; preferring to give his staff a winter clothing allowance. It’s not uncommon to see Roger shouting at customers and staff alike.

 

WILLIAM SHUTTLEWORTH

General Manager

Major William Shuttleworth joined the army in 1970, before being commissioned into the cavalry in 1972. After a further 12 years of service, including two years at the ministry of defence, he retired as a Major. Following his marriage in 1983, William moved to the City and became a certified financial manager for Merrill Lynch. William spent the next 29 years working as a stockbroker, investment manager and finally as investment director for a private equity fund based in Eastern Europe. Having no previous experience in the auctioneering industry, he is now the new General Manager at the Auction House. Will it be sink or swim for William?

 

MARTIN NICHOLLS

The Valuations Manager. Martin has worked at Lots Road on and off for the past 15 years. He initially worked at Lots Road for 5 and a half years, then went and joined an auction house in SW London and after 9 years there he returned to Lots Road and has since worked here for 10 more years. Martin used to be the General Manager, but the pressure of running the auction house and dealing with all of the problems led him to ask for a new job. Martin is now Head of Valuations with Roger appointing a new General Manager, William Shuttleworth. Martin is loving life in his new hassle-free role.

NICK CARTER

Senior Auctioneer and Art & Carpets Valuer.

Nick first started working at Lots Road 20 years ago. He is Lots Road’s Senior Auctioneer and Valuer, specialising in carpets and paintings. Throughout the party season, Nick is often called upon to head up charity auctions. When he is not partying in London, Nick spends his down time at his house in Wales surrounded by his family and a few sheep.

TOM KEVERNE

Modern Sale Manager.

Tom joined Lots Road, initially working as a porter, then he was chosen to work on reception before moving into the modern room as a valuer. Around 8 years ago Tom was made Head of Modern. Lots Road is the only job he has ever had and he fully admits to being institutionalised. He is a firm favourite of the staff and gets on with everyone. When he is not checking lots in his office he can be found hanging out in Valuations with the rest of the staff.

ANDY MACKAY

In charge of outside valuations.

Andy has worked at Lots Road for 17 years and is in charge of outside valuations. It is his affable personality that has enabled Andy to garner the trust and respect of wealthy clients who allow him into their homes to value their collections. He has flourished in the environment of the Auction House and is equally at ease with the white van dealers through to the multimillionaire customers. Andy is also responsible for some of the most unusual lots including the taxidermy department with everything and anything from beavers to zebras. He has long harboured a dream of buying a Thames barge, which he would sail around the UK collecting items and then use it as a floating auction house. He would call his Barge “Setting Sale”.

MEG RANDELL

Smalls valuer, specialising in handbags.

Meg is in charge of putting on the popular bag and gift sales. At 25, Meg is one of the youngest valuers at Lots Road, but she doesn’t bow to pressure and always stands her ground, even to Roger. Before joining Lots Road Meg studied History of Art in Birmingham and has worked in two auction houses around the country. Meg is always happy to lend a hand with any department that is struggling and this has put her on great terms with the new general manager William.

RILEY CHAMBERS

Antiques Porter.

Riley is a full time porter in the antiques department. Riley started working at Lots Road over a year and a half ago and now has a full time position. Before the auction house, Riley studied fine art at Camberwell College of Arts. Now a retired painter, in his spare time he is following his passion of restoring furniture and hopes to expand his business soon.  

JASON FRENCH

Carpet Valuer.

Jason works with Nick Carter in the carpet department and has been at Lots Road for nearly two years. Before working as a carpet man, Jason studied at the University of Exeter and graduated with a degree in politics. Jason and Riley Chambers, the antiques porter, are the practical jokers at Lots Road. They can often be found riding carpets down the stairs, impersonating other members of staff and winding up Nick and Martin.