Alison is a UVic alumna and completed her Master’s degree in History in Art in 1994 with a specialty in Northwest Coast art. She taught History in Art as well as Antique and Collectibles courses at the University of Victoria, Malaspina (now VIU) and Camosun College. Alison started her auction career with Kilshaw’s in 1997. In January of 2006, Alison purchased Kilshaw’s from Don Kilshaw, a seventh generation auctioneer. Since buying the company, Alison has set auction records for the highest priced objects to sell at auction in Victoria and has performed appraisals for the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Royal British Columbia Museum as well as other public and private institutions. In 2016, she undertook moving Kilshaw’s from its home of 67 years to an upscale, downtown location. Alison starred on History Television’s “Pawnathon Canada” and is currently on the executive of the Victoria Arts Council.
Jeffrey Dean has been with Kilshaw’s since 1992. Jeff has a bachelors degree in History from the University of Victoria and is a member of the Canadian Personal Property Appraisers Group. Jeff is always looking forward to discussing the salesroom potential of single items or collections at Kilshaw’s.
Melanie was born and raised in Victoria. Melanie started at Kilshaw’s in 2002, after working for Thrifty Foods and managing other offices. As the Office Manager, Melanie is indispensible to Kilshaw’s staff, buyers and sellers. Melanie particularly enjoys customer service but is also responsible for maintaining the website, the requisite photography and accounting.