A NEW auction house is set to open in Farnham – launched by art specialist Buffy Parker and his former colleague at Fernhurst-based John Nicholson’s Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers, Henny Smith.

Farnham Estates Limited, advised by Curchod & Co, has let 5,303 sq ft of retail warehouse space at Hawthorn House, Romans Business Park in East Street, Farnham to Parker Fine Art Auctions. The property has been taken on a ten-year lease at an annual rent of £75,000.

Auctioneer Buffy said: “For auction houses and galleries, the light and atmosphere of a building are essential. Hawthorn House offers Parker Fine Art Auctions these in abundance.”

Fine painting auctions will be held monthly and exhibitions of works by contemporary artists and charity exhibitions will be filling the walls when the auctions aren’t on view.

Partner Henny added: “With around 500 lots in each sale, space was an essential part of finding the perfect venue.

“Hawthorn House is the perfect showcase and has given us the ability to fill the walls with works which will range from 15th-century engravings to contemporary artists’ installations and everything in between.”

The auctioneers added being in central Farnham offered a central location for buyers and vendors throughout the UK – but with auctions being streamed online as well as live, “international buyers will find it helpful with the links to London and elsewhere in the UK”.

The first sale is to be held on September 3, while Parker Fine Art Auctions yesterday opened for valuations and to consigners.