Elizabeth Chilcott appointed to Society of Fine Art Auctioneers

Chilcotts Auctioneers is delighted to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Chilcott to the committee of the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers (SOFAA).

SOFAA is the only professional organization in the UK exclusively representing fine art auctioneers and valuers as a profession. As a member of the committee, Liz will be involved in supporting the industry in a variety of ways, including liaising with Government representatives on relevant policy changes, such as the introduction of new or updated CITES laws that apply to international trade in endangered species and covers items such as ivory.

She said: “The committee undertakes to update members with new information as it becomes available. For example, recently our entire team attended a really useful SOFAA training day focussing on anti-money laundering legislation.

Liz is keen to contribute to a number of particular issues in the sector. “Firstly, helping to remove the mystique that still exists about auctions which can deter potential buyers, and secondly, promoting inclusivity and diversity.”

Liz, who has worked in auctioneering since Chilcotts was founded in 2004, feels there’s a lack of training available to young people interested in a career in auctioneering. “There used to be specialist courses at universities including Southampton and Kingston, but these seem to have disappeared now.

“I believe that the Society is looking to address this issue, which would be a really positive step. It’s so important to encourage the next generation into this fascinating sector.”

Liz first became interested in the auction business when she was very young. “My parents would visit auctions to buy furniture for our home. And when I was at art college, I used to go myself to buy useful treasures such as shoeboxes filled with costume jewellery and vintage clothing.”

She says that when she met her future husband, Duncan Chilcott, who was already involved in the auction business, she would often help him to scribe catalogue descriptions ready for typists to type into catalogues. “It was well before the days of computers and sometimes the deadline was so tight we’d be working into the small hours to get everything ready!”

Liz’s first SOFAA meeting is in September which she says is exciting and slightly daunting at the same time. “But I’m looking forward to being an active, involved committee member.”

Chilcotts, which is located in Honiton High Street, has been a member of SOFAA for 10 years. It is currently the only auction house in East Devon to have this affiliation, having met the rigorous standards which include carrying out due diligence, making appropriate arrangements for protecting clients’ money, providing correct descriptions for lots and committing to promote items on behalf of vendors.