While no business went untouched by the internet especially because of the sharp drop in discretionary consumer spending, traditional auctioneers and valuers may have benefited through people wishing to gain from their ‘cash in the attic’ while others switched from traditional investments to acquiring antiques and works of fine art.

Christopher Hampton, managing director of Exeter and Honiton based Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood said: “A challenge for one is an opportunity to someone else.  Our level of sales has significantly increased during the recent recession and this is probably down to several factors.

“A good investment in a work of art is likely to be a better prospect than savings, property or pensions right now so those with the spending power have been undeterred from buying fine art. 

“In addition, more objects seem to be coming on to the market and this has generated a great deal of interest to collectors who monitor the internet for availability.”

The firm’s Chairman Richard Bearne, whose grandfather founded the well known auction rooms named after him over 65 years ago, said: “The internet has changed the profile of those bidding for antiques and works of fine art.  

“Whereas trade customers predominated in the sale rooms, live internet bidding has brought an international audience to even modest events. 

“Internet sales will increase in importance but I feel nothing replaces holding, touching and looking at the real thing.  Our service is based on a combination of in-house expertise, in-depth knowledge, effective communications about sales events and previews and above all, top quality personal customer service.“

Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood was formed in January 2009 when Bearnes and Hampton & Littlewood merged to bring together their complementary expertise in the fine art auction and valuation market to form the largest fine art auction house in the South West of England.  They were assisted through the merger process by Francis Clark which has acted for the firm for many years.

The firm specialises in jewellery, pictures, furniture, silver, ceramics and glass, works of art, books and manuscripts, maritime and sporting related items and other collectables.  It knocks down approximately 30,000 items each year equating to around £4.5 million worth of objects under the hammer. The firm employs 25 staff plus consultants.

Christopher Hampton, who specialises in furniture continued: “While we have not been overly affected by economic conditions, the market has changed in recent years with some things in demand and others going out of fashion.  You won’t necessarily get a top price for your Victorian painting right now but gold and silver has increased in value significantly in recent years.

“The emergence of serious private wealth in China has prompted prices in Chinese pieces to rocket.  We recently sold an 18th century Qianlong blue and white wine ewer with a pre-sale estimate of £5,000-8,000 for a staggering £84,000.”

Sharon Austen, Partner at Francis Clark said: “Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood combine the old and the new quite brilliantly.  They stick to traditional values and sale room skills based on vast accumulated knowledge but have embraced the world of cyberspace and are effectively using it to their advantage.

”We were particularly delighted to support the firm through merger and restructuring and I expect their well respected name and reputation as market leaders to lead to further expansion after a period of consolidation.”