19/02/2026 General News
As 2026 begins, there is a significant shift online as younger generations look toward a more sustainable future. The international market remains strong, with antiques and vintage items continuing to grow in popularity. Auction houses are now taking a majority of their sales online. From the outside, as fewer people huddle into an auction room with their tickets in hand, it looks like a struggling industry. However, this is simply not the case. Online sales from various platforms such as HutchinsonScott.co.uk, the-saleroom.com, easyliveauction.com, invaluable.com and liveauctioneers.com are just a handful of online antique platforms that showcase local auction houses to an international market. With the push for antiques as a more “green” and “sustainable” option among younger generations, interest in the international market has skyrocketed, as buyers seek to follow these trends. Tastes and preferences have shifted over time, with more traditional brown furniture struggling at auction and mid-century furniture performing better. The international market is growing, so it's imperative that your antiques have access to these markets. As the online antiques sales have more than doubled since 2021.
CHARLES AND RAY EAMES. A 1970's LEATHER UPHOLSTERED LOUNGE CHAIR AND OTTOMAN. SOLD IN THE AUTUMN FINE INTERIORS AUCTION, OCTOBER 2025, FOR £4,000.
Despite the Brexit related trade challenges with the EU, the UK remains the second largest exporter of art and antiques. Whilst the USA remains the market leader in buying and selling antiques. A region on the rise is Asia, supported by rising wealth and growing interest in the antiques trade. To break into these overseas markets, you need a trustworthy auction house with a reliable connection to the international market. Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers works closely with the international market. With over a third of their customers being international. Worldwide, in-house shipping is a major reason Hutchinson Scott has succeeded overseas. Having this option for international buyers makes the process much easier, as it can be packed and shipped by Hutchinson Scott.
A GENTLEMAN'S 18CT GOLD AND DIAMOND SET PIAGET AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH. SOLD IN THE WINTER FINE INTERIORS AUCTION, JANUARY 2026, FOR £5,200.
MATHIEU BEFORT (BEFORT JEUNE) (1813 - 1880) A FINE 19TH CENTURY PIETRA DURA AND ORMOLU MOUTED EBONISED SIDE CABINET OF LARGE SIZE. SOLD IN THE MAY FINE ART CATALOGUE SALE, MAY 2022, FOR £11,000.
Hutchinson Scott Auctioneers provides quotes for every lot before the auction begins. This helps ensure there are no hidden costs at checkout, whilst also giving the buyer time to plan before purchase. These quotes are offered to over 60 countries. Ranging from lightweight watches such as a gentleman's 18ct gold and diamond set Piaget automatic wristwatch to furniture such as a fine 19th century pietra dura and ormolu mounted ebonised side cabinet. Hutchinson Scott ships with reliable carriers such as Royal Mail, Parcel Force, UPS, and DHL. Whilst also available to use any other shipping companies that the buyer requests. To simplify and reduce costs, Hutchinson Scott offers to consolidate shipments from multiple sales. As well as offering insurance options from £100 to £50,000. Once the funds have arrived, Hutchinson Scott aims to dispatch within 48 hours. It's not just the small, cheaper lots that Hutchinson Scott will ship. Lots such as a fine pair of meji period japanese satsuma vases or more awkward to package lots such as a 19th century Italian carved walnut figural jardiniere stand have been shipped in the past by Hutchinson Scott, and the shipping team will continue to do so. If you are successful in your bid, shipping can be added at checkout. Please contact us regarding insurance.
YABU MEIZAN (1853-1934) A FINE PAIR OF MEIJI PERIOD JAPANESE SATSUMA VASES. SOLD IN THE SPRING FINE INTERIORS AUCTION, APRIL 2024, FOR £10,000.
A 19TH CENTURY ITALIAN CARVED WALNUT FIGURAL JARDINIERE STAND. SOLD IN THE WINTER FINE INTERIORS AUCTION, JANUARY 2026, FOR £140.
Trends have always changed in the antiques industry and are a massive factor in the results you may receive when selling at auction. With a shift toward a different segment of the antiques market, driven by younger buyers, the antique trade continues to grow. Finding an auction house with a strong connection to the international market is more important than ever. To ensure the lot you're trying to sell achieves the best price possible. Oriental ceramics have become extremely popular across Eastern Asia, with many pieces selling at competitive prices in the international market. Now is a better time than ever to sell at auction. The internet has brought more eyes to the antiques trade, with auction houses offering in-house shipping, making it easier than ever to source the antiques you are interested in.
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