Woolley and Wallis Salisbury Salerooms LTD

One of the best auction people in the UK. Just great!

A very unpleasant experience. Dealt with dozens of auction houses over the last few years, this experience has been the worst and the only time I have ever left such a negative review.

Large viewing room with many space.

Lovely place for the children to bounce about. We all had so much fun.

My oh my,Months ago I bought a lot containing four items by Richard Batterham from W & W.I did not request a condition report largely because the auction house had identified 8 of the 32 RB lots with damage and it was a spur of the moment purchase whilst I was watching the auction online. I realise that was my mistake BUT the picture in the auction catalogue was taken in the only aspect which disguised the damage on the RB piece which to put it mildly was smashed.I complained but was told the onus was on me under their terms and conditions to satisfy myself of its condition or request a condition report. I should say many months ago I was inexperienced at purchasing from auctions but accept the adage of caveat emptor or ‘buyer beware’ is the overarching principle. My position was that I felt that given the piece was photographed I was deceived into believing that the piece was intact.It wasn’t. To be fair Michael Jeffrey admitted that the piece was broken when he collected it - as I thought it had been damaged in transit. I then thought how could a large and reputable auction house publish a catalogue which did not disclose the true position.I finished up conversing with the Chairman regarding my complaint who offered to sell the lot again but without commission for the sale, which was probably fair!I had threatened to take them to court but reflected and thought better of it.Let sleeping dogs lie I thought.I think I should identify that since that purchase I have bought without any problem whatsoever at auctions the length and breadth of this country and abroad. Perhaps as many as 40-50 different auction houses.No problems - minor issues - slight damage or forgeries but all agreeably rectified.Months pass by and as far as I am concerned the matter is closed.Today I bid for a couple of lots at the Woolley and Wallis auction.I had conversed with good humour with Michael Jeffrey who was extremely helpful in providing photographs and condition reports on probably 5 lots I think.I bought a William Marshall slab vase for £380 and then to make the 8 hour round trip worthwhile I bought another lot for £200.I registered for the auction and provided all the identification required to bid.When my invoice arrived a couple of hours later it only has the secondary lot listed in it.I was shocked - I rang up and the woman said she would go and check the evidence.A few minutes later she came back on the phone and said that I had bid on the piece but hadn’t won it.I explained that when I placed the bid it said I was in the lead and I had made a couple of bids earlier on the same piece.I cannot say I was pleased - had I known I would have bid again and asked to see the evidence that she had checked which I am entitled to see.Then another more severe lady came on the phone Natalie Milsted who is the MD.I remembered her from my previous complaint as she had got involved. When Ms Milsted realised who I was her attitude completely changed. Whether this is right or wrong on my part I like to be fair but I explained that I only bought the second lot because I was going to pick up the WM slab pot and that it was silly to travel over 400 miles to pick up three small pots and given my dissatisfaction with the way the WM lot had been dealt with I was not going to settle the invoice which was not my main reason for bidding there.That seemed to infuriate her and her response was rather like the John Smith’s advert…..’you’re barred’ well banned actually.I have sat on the first issue for some time debating whether to issue a claim in the small claims court - win lose or draw I thought it may be interesting.There was no empathy from this woman.I have asked for a subject access request regarding the data that Woolley and Wallis hold on me - refused!Very occasionally I submit a negative review but this is the worst.I am a very fair person. I saw in the ATG recently the suggestion that there should be an independent ombudsman to review process at auctions 100% right!!I have tried to resolve the situation amicably but…..

Excellent quality antiques. Knowledgeable staff and a friendly atmosphere.

Straight forward to find. Parking difficult. Polite staff

To the lady (member of management) that purposely blocked the exit from Jumpin this afternoon holding up around 20 cars, your irrational behaviour was disgraceful. Whatever issues you may have with your neighbouring company, might I suggest it is settled privately and not by affecting members of the public. We were late for a doctors appointment and I am sure it affected many others also!

Not professional, just rude and I don't know why but not just that, some items might not be true antiques......................