 In January 2006, Alison
Ross bought Kilshaw's Auctioneers. Alison started at Kilshaw's about eight
years prior to buying the auction and at that time she had attained a
master's degree in History in Art and had many years of teaching and business
experience. As an auctioneer, appraiser and owner, Alison continues the
tradition of honesty and integrity established by the Kilshaw family while
infusing the business with fresh ideas and enthusiasm. Alison was very
pleased that long time staff members remained under her ownership including
auctioneers Jeffrey Dean and Roshan Vickery as well as office manager Melanie
Rozell. Alison insists on continuing education for her staff as well as
herself through auction related courses and seminars. Don Kilshaw continues
to be involved in the business but is enjoying semi-retirement. Through generations of personal attention,
honesty, and knowledge, Kilshaw's Auctioneers has delighted innumerable
patrons with their purchases and sales.
The origins of Kilshaw's Auctioneers can be traced back
6 generations to Kendal, England where William Kilshaw started it all in 1790. During the reign of George III, a
Kilshaw was pairing buyers with sellers of home furnishings, real
estate, farm implements, and cattle. Today, it appears the Kilshaw family
holds the North American record for continuous gavel pounding.
Gradwell Kilshaw with
son Frank |
The Kilshaws have been selling in Canada since 1908 (starting
in Winnipeg). When Gradwell Kilshaw first came west to Victoria, auctions
were held right at the estate with house, property and contents sold to
buyers gathered on the front lawn. In 1949, Gradwell Kilshaw opened the doors at the current
location, 1115 Fort Street, Victoria, BC. Gradwell's son Frank and then his
grandson Don have continued in the family's long, fine tradition.
Auction-wise veterans,
who have attended sales across Canada, say the most unusual part of
Kilshaw's auction policy, is the wide open display of items at the moment of
being sold. Kilshaw's unique custom of having all goods possible pass
directly in front of the auctioneer enable them to do this.
dining tables and bureau drawers are opened wide for the crowd's inspection;
chairs and decorative objects are shown every which way, and any known chips or cracks
are pointed out as a courtesy to the buyer. This, together with the popular Kilshaw's guarantee
on working appliances gives the buyer great confidence.
Don Kilshaw 1979
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Frank Kilshaw
1979 |
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This George I teapot (1714) from the Maltwood Museum sold
for $5,200 in 1967. |
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In 2003 Kilshaw's sold this unframed Percival Rosseau oil on canvas of two setters dated 1918 for $44,000.
Kilshaw's is currently seeking works of American Art for the next Antique and Fine Art Auction |
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In 2008 Kilshaw's sold this Tsar Alexander III signed J.(Johann) Koler for
$80,000. Though research we were able to contact interested parties to
phone bid from all around the world.
Kilshaw's is currently seeking works of
important European Art for the next Antique
and Fine Art Auction |
This fabulous piece was
featured at Kilshaw's in a Antique sale in 2002. The Victorian Hallmarked
Silver table centre, dated 1869/70, Maker George Angell brought $19,500.
It's weight was: 302.86 troy
ounces - 9.42 Kilograms, Height: 131/2", Diameter: 23 1/2"
Kilshaw's is currently seeking antique and sterling silver
for the next Antique and Fine Art Auction
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In 1997 Kilshaw's sold
this Emily Carr oil on paper on board for $55,000. It was one of two
Emily Carr paintings featured in the auction.
The other brought
$40,000.
Kilshaw's is currently seeking works of Canadian Art for the next Antique
and Fine Art Auction |
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