If you have ever felt the thrill of discovering a hidden gem or the excitement of a bidding war, you understand the magic of a great auction house. Warren and Wignall stands as a pillar of this exciting world in the United Kingdom. Whether you are looking to buy a piece of history or sell a cherished heirloom, understanding the legacy and expertise of this firm is essential.
Located in the heart of Lancashire, Warren and Wignall has built a reputation that spans decades. They are not just a business; they are a third generation family business that understands the emotional and financial value of the items they handle. From General Antiques to high-value Asian Art, their saleroom at The Mill is a hub of activity for vendors and buyers alike.
A Legacy Established in 1966
The story of Warren and Wignall begins over half a century ago. Established in 1966, this auction house has grown to become the North West’s leading provincial saleroom. Longevity in the auction business requires trust, and for over 50 years, they have provided quality services to a diverse clientele.
Being a third generation family business means that the knowledge of antiques, fine art, and collectibles is passed down and refined. They have weathered changes in the market, shifting from traditional in-room bidding to embracing modern platforms like easyLiveAuction and the-saleroom.com. This blend of traditional values and modern accessibility ensures that Warren and Wignall remains relevant and competitive.
Their expertise is widely recognized, particularly in assisting executors with probate valuations and helping private clients navigate the selling process. When you step into their premises or visit their website, you are engaging with decades of professional experience.
Location and Contact: The Heart of Leyland
Finding Warren and Wignall is the first step to participating in their exciting sales. Their headquarters is situated in a historic and accessible location:
The Mill
Earnshaw Bridge
Leyland Lane
Leyland
Lancashire
PR26 8PH
This location serves as the central point for valuations, drop-offs, and the auctions themselves. For those wishing to get in touch directly regarding a valuation or a specific lot, their contact number is 01772 369884.
The Leyland location is strategic, allowing easy access for people across the North West to transport furniture, interiors, and collections. The atmosphere at The Mill on auction day—or even viewing day—is palpable, filled with the history of thousands of objects passing through its doors.
Comprehensive Auction Services
Warren and Wignall offers a structured calendar of sales designed to cater to different levels of collecting and selling. Their portfolio of auctions ensures that every item, from a general household object to a rare diamond solitaire, finds its appropriate marketplace.
General, Antiques & Interiors
These sales are the bread and butter of the auction world. Held frequently, often on Wednesdays at 9:30am or 10am, these auctions feature a wide array of goods. You might find unique furniture, decorative interiors, ceramics, and everyday collectables. It is the perfect place for homeowners and interior designers to find unique pieces that add character to a home.
Jewellery, Watches, Silver & Coins
For those with a taste for luxury, the Jewellery, Watches, Silver & Coins sales are a highlight. These specialized auctions attract serious attention. Whether it is an 18ct gold ring, a vintage Rolex, or a collection of sovereigns, these items are catalogued with precision. The market for silver and coins remains robust, and Warren and Wignall has the expertise to grade and value these intricate items correctly.
Collectors Sales
The Collectors Sale is where the unusual and the rare come to light. This category covers a vast range of interests, from military medals to vintage toys. It is in these sales that you often see items like the Polar Medal or rare oil on canvas paintings realizing exceptional prices.
Valuation Services
Before an item ever reaches the rostrum, it must be valued. Warren and Wignall provides comprehensive Valuation Services. They are dedicated to providing quality advice to executors, helping to clear estates with sensitivity and professionalism. They also offer Postage & Packing services, making it easier for international buyers to bid with confidence, knowing their items will be shipped safely.
Expertise in Asian Art and Ceramics
One of the standout areas of expertise for Warren and Wignall is Asian Art. The market for Chinese and Japanese works has exploded in recent years, and this auction house has achieved some staggering results.
A prime example of this expertise is a Chinese porcelain baluster vase. Decorated in red and blue underglaze, depicting a dragon amongst clouds and waves, this piece from the 18th/19th century sold for an impressive £13,200.
Even more valuable was a large Chinese immortals vase from the Jiaqing period. This twin-handled vessel, decorated in over enamels, hammered home at £25,000. These results prove that you do not need to go to London to achieve world-class prices for Asian Art; the buyers are watching Warren and Wignall.
Another incredible lot was a Chinese rhinoceros horn libation cup from the 17th/18th century. Finely carved with rats amongst grape vines, this rare artifact sold for £9,600. Handling such sensitive and regulated items requires deep knowledge of current laws and market trends, which the team at Leyland clearly possesses.
Fine Art and Jewellery Highlights
Beyond ceramics, the firm has shown remarkable results in fine art and jewellery.
A stunning oil on canvas by Montague Dawson, titled “A Stiff Breeze”, captured the attention of art lovers. Montague Dawson (British, 1890-1973) is a renowned maritime artist. This specific piece, which had provenance linking it to Sotheby’s in the 1960s, sold for a massive £30,500. It demonstrates that high-quality art has a strong secondary market in Lancashire.
In the jewellery section, a diamond solitaire ring featuring an old cut stone weighing approximately 6.35ct achieved £15,800. Despite being colour tinted and having clarity of SI1/SI2, the sheer size and presence of the stone drove the bidding high. This confirms that Warren and Wignall is a trusted venue for selling high-value gems.
Historical Memorabilia: The Polar Heroes
Perhaps one of the most touching and historically significant lots sold recently was the Father and Son Polar Medal Group. This lot belonged to John Joseph Miller and Leslie John Miller, who both served on the RRS Discovery.
The group included the Polar Medal with Antarctic 1929-31 bar and a George VI Polar Medal with Antarctic 1931-35 bar. It is believed they were the only father and son to be awarded this prestigious medal. Accompanied by photographs, newspaper articles, and a membership certificate for the Antarctic Club, this lot sold for £24,500. Such items require careful research and cataloguing to ensure the history is preserved and the value is realized.
Auction Highlights Table
To give you a clearer picture of the caliber of items sold at Warren and Wignall, here is a summary of recent significant sales.
| Lot Description | Category | Era / Date | Sold Price |
| Montague Dawson “A Stiff Breeze” Oil on Canvas | Fine Art | 1890-1973 | £30,500 |
| Chinese Immortals Vase | Asian Art | Jiaqing Period | £25,000 |
| Father and Son Polar Medal Group | Medals / Militaria | 1929-1935 | £24,500 |
| Diamond Solitaire Ring (6.35ct) | Jewellery | Old Cut | £15,800 |
| Chinese Porcelain Baluster Vase | Asian Art | 18th/19th Century | £13,200 |
| Rhinoceros Horn Libation Cup | Asian Art | 17th/18th Century | £9,600 |
The Buying and Selling Process
Participating in an auction at Warren and Wignall is designed to be straightforward, but there are key steps to follow.
For Vendors (Sellers)
If you are looking to sell, the process starts with a valuation. You can bring items to The Mill or arrange a visit. The team will assess your goods, whether it is a single watch or a house full of furniture. Once consigned, your items are photographed and listed in catalogues available online. The global reach of platforms like easyLiveAuction ensures your items are seen by thousands.
For Buyers
Buyers must Register to Bid. You can do this in person or online. It is crucial to read the condition reports, especially for antiques which may show signs of age. On auction day, you can bid in the room, leave a commission bid, or bid live online. Remember to factor in the buyer’s premium and any online fees.
Once you have successfully won a lot, payment is required promptly. For those unable to collect from Leyland, the in-house Postage & Packing service is a lifesaver, ensuring your new collectables arrive safely.
Why Choose Warren and Wignall?
In a digital world, the personal touch of a family business matters more than ever. Warren and Wignall combines the reach of a national auction house with the care of a local firm. Their ability to achieve prices like £30,500 for art and £25,000 for ceramics proves they have the buyers.
Their transparency, history since 1966, and dedication to vendors make them a top choice in the North West. Whether you are clearing a property as an executor or hunting for Silver and Coins as a collector, they provide a professional and secure environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is Warren and Wignall located?
Warren and Wignall is located at The Mill, Earnshaw Bridge, Leyland Lane, Leyland, Lancashire, PR26 8PH. It is easily accessible for anyone in the North West region.
How do I register to bid at Warren and Wignall?
You can Register to Bid by visiting their website or through third-party platforms like the-saleroom.com or easyLiveAuction. You will need to provide identification and contact details before you are approved to bid in the General, Antiques & Interiors or Collectors Sale.
Does Warren and Wignall offer valuation services?
Yes, they offer comprehensive Valuation Services. This includes free verbal valuations at their saleroom and written valuations for probate and insurance purposes for executors and vendors. You can contact them at 01772 369884 to arrange an appointment.
What types of items does Warren and Wignall sell?
They sell a vast range of items including General Antiques, Furniture, Interiors, Jewellery, Watches, Silver, Coins, Asian Art, and Collectables. They hold specialized sales for high-value items and general sales for household goods.
Do they provide shipping or postage for won items?
Yes, Warren and Wignall has a dedicated Postage & Packing department. They can pack and ship many items to buyers worldwide. However, for very large items like furniture, you may need to arrange a courier, though they can often recommend local carriers.