Drewery & Wheeldon Auctionsin Gainsborough

To bid in person, simply register at the saleroom prior to the auction by providing your name and address. You'll be issued a numbered bidding card, which must be used when placing bids during the sale. We also recommend collecting a copy of the addendum sheet at registration, which will outline any last-minute lot changes or withdrawals. If you plan to leave a commission or telephone bid instead, advance registration is required, and your details will be securely held in accordance with our privacy policy.

Yes. If you're unable to attend in person, you may submit a commission bid in advance. This allows our auctioneer to bid on your behalf, up to a maximum amount set by you. Commission bids can be left in person at the viewing, or submitted by email using our bidding form. All bids must be received no later than one working day before the sale starts, and must include your full contact details and be confirmed by us. Rest assured, our team will always try to secure the lot for you at the lowest possible price, subject to bidding activity in the room.

Telephone bidding is available for lots estimated at £100 or above, and must be booked at least 24 hours before the sale. Once registered, a member of our team will call you from the saleroom shortly before your chosen lot is offered, allowing you to listen in and bid live over the phone. Telephone bidding is free of charge, but spaces are limited and allocated on a first come, first-served basis. Please note that while we aim to provide a reliable service, we cannot accept liability for any missed calls or technical issues on the day.

Yes, all purchases are subject to a buyers premium of 18% plus VAT, applied to the hammer price. A minimum charge of £1 per lot applies. The buyers premium will be clearly shown on your invoice and is payable on every lot you win. Please take this into consideration when setting your maximum bid, as the premium is in addition to the hammer price and forms part of your total amount payable. If you have any queries about how fees are calculated, our team will be happy to assist in advance of the sale.

We accept a range of payment methods to suit your needs. These include cash up to £9000, debit card, and credit card up to a £500 limit. Cheques are accepted by prior agreement, made payable to Drewery and Wheeldon. Full payment is due before any item can be released, and we kindly ask that all invoices are settled within 48 hours of the sale. Buyers not previously known to us may be asked to provide references or await cleared funds. Any invoices unpaid after 7 days will incur interest, calculated at 5% above base rate.

Yes. Viewing days are held prior to each auction and are open to the public free of charge. This allows you to inspect lots in person and assess condition before placing a bid. While our catalogue descriptions are prepared with care, they do not replace first hand inspection. If you're bidding remotely, we can provide additional photographs or condition reports on request, subject to availability. All lots are sold as seen and returns are not accepted, so we strongly encourage prospective buyers to make full use of the viewing opportunities.

In certain cases, a royalty fee may apply under the Artists Resale Right (Droit de Suite) for qualifying works of art by living artists, where the hammer price exceeds the UK equivalent of €1000. These charges are passed directly to the relevant body and will be clearly listed on your invoice. No handling fee is added. The charge is non-refundable and calculated using the exchange rate on the day of the sale. In addition, all invoices are subject to VAT where applicable, depending on the type of lot and method of sale.

We kindly ask that all purchases are collected promptly following the sale. Buyers attending in person may take small items away immediately, subject to payment. Larger items and furniture must be collected within 7 days unless alternative arrangements have been agreed in advance. Items not collected in time will incur a storage fee of £5 plus VAT per item per day, which must be paid before release. Our team is available during office hours to assist with collections, and can advise on transport if needed.

Yes. Local delivery can often be arranged, and we can obtain quotes for courier delivery nationwide. If you’re not based nearby, we'll be happy to assist with transport options. Delivery is offered as a separate service and quoted based on the size, weight and destination of the item. Insurance can also be arranged where required. All delivery arrangements must be confirmed after payment, and items will not be released until full funds have cleared. Please contact us to discuss options for your purchase.

Winning bidders enter into a legally binding contract to complete their purchase. Invoices must be paid within 48 hours of the sale, and goods should be collected within 7 days. If payment is not received, interest may be charged and legal action may be taken to recover costs. We reserve the right to refuse future bids or withhold items from release if accounts remain unpaid. Buyers are also responsible for their items from the moment the hammer falls, including any damage or loss during storage or collection.