In 1952, Cavendish's 'Auction No.1' was held in the Midland Railway Institute in Derby, with the Company's founder Geoffrey Manton (who was also owner of the Derby Stamp Shop at that time) on the rostrum. Over the next 30 years Geoff's easy-going and entertaining auction style attracted increasing numbers of devoted buyers and sellers to Cavendish's regular monthly public Stamp Auctions. Sales were held in many different cities, usually in large hotels, and many people still speak of those sales (held in Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield, Derby & elsewhere) with great affection. By 1979, the continuing success of the Cavendish auctions, enabled Geoff Manton to sell the Derby Stamp Shop, in order to concentrate his energies exclusively on the auction business. In 1982 Geoff Manton 'retired', but he continued to work regularly for Cavendish as their Senior Consultant right through the six years of Frank Laycock's ownership of the business, until he in turn sold the Company in 1988 to James Grimwood-Taylor.
'JGT', as he is known to many clients and colleagues (who was born and brought up in Derby), had - by 1988 - gained 10 years of experience as an international expert in Stamps & Postal History, working with a major philatelic firm in London. He was more than happy to take over the company that had been founded by his mentor Geoff Manton. has piloted the company's expansion into overseas markets, where it is now one of the world's leading auction houses. He has been fortunate to gather a team of enthusiastic people around him (mostly keen and expert collectors themselves) to maintain Cavendish's high standards.
