Lowestoft Porcelain Auctions

05/02/2024

I have an advertisement in February’s Antique Collecting magazine, out today, on page 29.

I’ve been busier than usual at this time of the year and I’ve already got a good many entries for this October’s auction. If you have any china for the sale, please get in touch - I always try to fit in what I possibly can, but I do limit the number of lots to about 100. My commission is 10% of hammer price, plus £2 per item lotting fee. No VAT or other charges.

25/10/2023

Home after a successsful auction, where there was a really fabulous atmosphere. During the view, people were chatting and laughing with each other and it was really good to see so many old friends and make some new ones. At the start, Elizabeth (best auctioneer in the world) asked who was there for the first time and a number of hands went up. But there were also people I hadn’t seen for a few years, some having travelled a long way, as well as loyal regulars.

Lowestoft china brings people together, evidently!

Vendors, I will start paying you tomorrow. Those who left bids, I’ll get in touch and let you know what you have bought. Everyone, thank you (especially Elizabeth, best auctioneer in the world).

23/10/2023

If you would like to leave a bid on anything in the sale, do phone or email (07885773795 or [email protected]). If you've not bought from me in the past, I will need your address and phone number.

If you prefer, I can take phone bids. I have a limited number of people to take those bids, so please book in advance. You will be phoned a couple of minutes before the lot you want to bid for is called and, if you're successful, I will then phone you the next day to arrange for collection or postage (and payment...)

23/10/2023

All the china has been packed up and is locked into the strongroom. I've labelled all the boxes, so if you do need any more information, I can find it - but if you come along to the Hotel Victoria on Lowestoft seafront on Wednesday afternoon, you can see and handle the china yourself.

It has often happened that someone has come in, saying they know nothing about Lowestoft china. They don't say that by the time they leave the salesroom. Not only can they hold and look at every piece of china in the sale (no one minds if you have no intention of buying it!) but all my clients are so generous with their knowledge.

I'm sometimes asked why I carry on with these auctions. Just one a year is not enough to live on, after all. But there are several reasons. The first, of course, is the porcelain itself, which I have loved for over 40 years. There's the tradition of holding a specialist sale in the town where the china was made, 250 years ago. But what draws me back, too, are the people who come along, both buyers and sellers. There is such enthusiasm, wealth of knowledge and friendliness.

17/10/2023

An article on the sale is on the EDP and Lowestoft Journal websites today.

A range of rare and decorative items will go under the hammer in Lowestoft next week as part of a special sale.

13/10/2023

Here are some of the finest pieces in the sale.

13/10/2023

There are some beautiful pieces of Lowestoft china in the next auction, which will be on 25th October at the Hotel Victoria in Lowestoft, as usual. I love the range of teapots in the sale, all different sizes and patterns.

It's particularly interesting to have an inscribed and dated teapot, lot 86, which is pictured here. Tucked inside it is the Gibbs family tree, which I can scan and send to anyone who is interested - of course, it will be given to the buyer of the pot.

13/10/2022

If anyone would like an emailed PDF of the auction catalogue, please message me or send an email to [email protected].

12/10/2022

Very nice piece in the Lowestoft Journal last week, many thanks to Mark, the reporter.

A range of rare and very desirable items will go under the hammer later this month as part of a special sale.

12/10/2022

It's a week until the auction, which will be held at the Hotel Victoria, Lowestoft, as usual. There are 99 lots, plus a few books and there has already been a good deal of interest. If you would like to book a phone bid, please let me know as soon as possible.

There are some outstanding pieces this year, including an inkwell, an egg cup, a ram, a spoon tray and two large shell dishes.

The full catalogue is on the website,

Based in Lowestoft, Suffolk, the Sprakes have been holding auctions of Lowestoft Porcelain for over twenty years