Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted Auction House for Antiques, Fine Art & Collectibles
Established in 1995, Toovey’s has become a trusted regional centre of excellence for the valuation and sale of antiques, fine art, and collectibles in the South East of England. As a family-owned and operated business, we combine international expertise with the flexibility of a provincial auction house, offering personalized service tailored to private and professional clients. Our team of specialists provides honest advice, detailed condition reports, and strategic marketing to ensure successful outcomes for every client. With monthly catalogue sales across 25 specialist departments, we cater to both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers. Our independence allows us to maintain a client-focused approach, building long-term relationships grounded in transparency and integrity.We host auctions at our Spring Gardens salerooms in Washington, West Sussex, with pre-sale viewings and valuations available by appointment. Our commitment to quality is reflected in record-breaking sales, including a world-record 1.15 million for a Juan Manuel Blanes painting. We also offer professional valuations for insurance, probate, and family division, supported by decades of industry experience. Our dedicated team ensures seamless transactions, from consignment to post-sale settlement within 28 working days. With over 13,000 subscribers to our auction alerts, we maintain a strong connection with collectors worldwide.
Services
Fine Art Auctions
Antique Valuations
Collectibles Sales
Probate Valuations
Insurance Valuations
Family Division Valuations
Capital Gains Valuations
Online Catalogues
Professional Photography
Specialist Marketing
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- Family-owned with 30 years of regional and international expertise
- Monthly specialist auctions across 25 departments
- Free pre-sale valuations with no obligation to consign
- Proven track record achieving world-record prices
- Dedicated team providing transparent, client-focused service
What people say
World-record sales
Honest advice
Seamless transactions
Expert valuations
Strong buyer network
Services
Fine Art Auctions
Specialist monthly auctions for paintings, drawings, and prints. Our experts provide condition reports and market analysis to ensure competitive pricing. Clients benefit from international marketing and a database of 13,000+ collectors.
Antique Valuations
Free pre-sale valuations for furniture, silverware, and decorative arts. Conducted by appointment at our salerooms or on-site. No obligation to consign, with valuations available via email or in-person.
Collectibles Sales
Dedicated sales for niche items including coins, militaria, and tribal art. Monthly catalogues cover 25 departments. Professional photography and online bidding via third-party platforms enhance buyer engagement.
Probate Valuations
Accurate valuations for inheritance tax purposes. Supported by decades of experience working with executors and probate lawyers. Includes recommendations for house clearance and equitable asset distribution.
Insurance Valuations
Detailed assessments for policy compliance. Professional documentation helps recover stolen items and ensures adequate coverage. Valuations priced individually based on collection complexity.
People
Rupert Toovey
Director
With over 30 years in the auction industry, Rupert established Toovey’s in 1995. He specializes in fine art and has overseen record-breaking sales, including a 1.15 million Juan Manuel Blanes painting.
Cathy Roberts
Caf Manager
Former owner of The Old Forge restaurant, Cathy has managed Toovey’s caf since 2022. She creates monthly menus featuring seasonal dishes, pastries, and daily specials for visitors.
Questions
How do I register to bid at Toovey’s auctions?
New customers must register at our saleroom with photo ID and address proof. Telephone and commission bids require advance arrangements.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, cheques (8-day clearance), and major credit/debit cards. Payment must be made by Wednesday following the sale.
Can I get a valuation without selling through you?
Yes, all pre-sale valuations are free with no obligation to consign. We also provide paid valuations for insurance and probate purposes.
How are your buyer’s premiums structured?
A 25% premium plus VAT (30% total) applies to hammer prices. This is charged on each lot purchased during our auctions.
Do you offer shipping services?
We recommend specialist carriers for collection and delivery. Contact our office for approved transport providers in your area.
What are your specialist auction departments?
We have 25 departments including fine art, antiques, collectibles, jewellery, and more. Full details are available in our online catalogue.