PIANO AUCTIONS LTD
About Our Auctions
All about us
The History of Piano Auctions Ltd
Piano Auctions in Bedford has over 35 years of experience and over 20 years of trading. Our piano auctions have a 98% private vendor sale success rate and we are members of the SOFAA (Society of Fine Art Auctioneers) and MIA professional bodies. With a large global network of buyers and vendors and a collection of over 120 pianos, we are able to give our customers plenty of variety and choice when it comes to finding the best piano for their home.
Over 18 years later we are proud to say we are the world’s largest specialist auctioneers of pianos, with an extensive international client base, having vendors and buyers from Australia, China, Japan, USA, Europe and the UK. Our success is based on our personal and bespoke service catering to the unique needs of all our private buyers and vendors, including solicitors, professional musicians and those in the piano trade.
The Beginning
Piano Auctions Ltd was established when Sean McIlroy and Richard Reason left Bonhams (formerly Philips) to start their own venture. Their inaugural auction took place at Conway Hall, Holborn, in September 2003.
Shanghai Music Fair
Piano Auctions Ltd takes a stand at the Shanghai Music Fair. The Shanghai Music Fair, or Music China, is Asia's largest annual trade fair for musical instruments and accessories, held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre. It features a diverse range of products, from traditional Chinese to Western instruments, and includes educational workshops, industry forums, and live performances. The event is a key platform for networking and discovering industry trends.
Edinburgh Piano Company
The February 2016 auction by Piano Auctions Ltd, featuring pianos from the retiring James Cameron's Edinburgh Piano Company, was a major success, generating around £400,000 in sales with only three pianos unsold. The event drew international interest from bidders in China, America and Europe.
The Colt Collection
The 2018 auction of the Colt Clavier Collection, conducted by Piano Auctions Ltd in association with Canterbury Auction Galleries, featured 114 historic keyboard instruments. Notably, an 1821 Tomkison grand piano sold for £62,000 and a 1738 Mahoon double manual harpsichord fetched £69,000. The total proceeds from this auction reached £678,000, contributing to an overall total of £844,500 raised from the sale of the collection. The decision to auction these items followed the challenges of maintaining the collection after the deaths of its founders, Charles and Barbara Colt.
The Last Auction
Piano Auctions Ltd held its final auction in Central London at Conway Hall, concluding a 16-year run at this iconic venue. This marked the end of an era for the company's auctions in this historic location.
The Global Pandemic
In March 2020, Piano Auctions Ltd was confronted with the reality of the UK's first national lockdown due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. This period of enforced closure, which began on March 23 and saw a gradual easing of restrictions starting in May, compelled the company to undergo a comprehensive modernisation and restructuring. In response, Piano Auctions Ltd transitioned to conducting its auctions exclusively online, adapting to the new limitations imposed by the pandemic.
The Piano Boom
The lockdown in 2020 triggered a significant increase in piano demand across the UK and Europe, an event Paino Auctions Ltd refers to as the "Piano Boom." This phenomenon was largely due to more people seeking musical hobbies while confined at home, leading to a heightened interest in acquiring and playing pianos during the extended periods of isolation.
Retirement
After a career spanning nearly Five decades, Richard Reason retired from his role at Piano Auctions Ltd. He was succeeded by George McIlroy, who took over as director. This leadership transition marked the transformation of Piano Auctions Ltd into a family-run business, ushering in a new era for the company.
Freddie Mercury
Sean McIlroy played a significant role as an advisor to Sotheby's for the auction of Freddie Mercury’s Yamaha G2 piano. This iconic instrument fetched £1.74 million at the sale, highlighting its considerable value and the enduring legacy of Freddie Mercury in the music world.
Europe
Piano Auctions Ltd expanded its operations into Europe by conducting its first auction in the Netherlands. This move marked a significant step in broadening the company's reach within the European market, enhancing its international presence in the world of piano auctions.
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The history of Piano Auctions
- Over 35 years of experience
- Large global network of vendors & buyers
- 98% private vendor sale success rate
- Over 120 pianos every auction
- Over 20 years of trading
- Members of SOFAA and MIA professional bodies