Having accompanied her antique dealing mother to auctions during school holidays as a child, and with a passion for paintings, it is no surprise to find Veronique at Dawsons as our Head of Pictures.

Veronique has worked within her chosen specialism for nearly 30 years, firstly with Sotheby’s and latterly with Bonhams as a Director and Head of Pictures at Bonhams Knightsbridge, and she would be delighted to help provide valuations and sales advice in respect of any pictures and paintings you may be considering selling or buying.

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Why are you working within the auction world?

My mother is an antique dealer and I accompanied her to auctions during the school holidays. I loved the atmosphere and sense of expectation that an auction brings.

Within your career to date as an Auctioneer and Valuer, which item would you say is your favourite? Why? Sale price?

There are so many! I always have a favourite picture in every sale. Whilst working with Bonhams, I once found a Montague Dawson under the bed in a bungalow. The couple who owned it were extremely excited at this wonderful discovery and came to the auction to witness what developed into a fierce bidding war! The painting eventually sold for over £50,000 - much to my clients’ delight!

What first attracted you to your speciality?

It’s always been paintings. I never considered anything else.

"I would always advise that you should only buy what you love and are genuinely interested in – that way it will always be a sound investment, no matter the price you pay."

What aspect of your career do you find most satisfying?

You can’t beat the feeling of achieving a spectacular sale result for a vendor. Achieving the highest price for our client(s) is the sole aim of the entire team at Dawsons, from an accurate market valuation, to consigning for sale, to researching thoroughly, to cataloguing, to our in-house marketing team ensuring the widest possible global audience has a chance to bid... it is all about that sale price on auction day!

If money were no object, which item would you most like to buy at auction? Why?

Lady Lilith by Rossetti would do nicely. The Pre-Raphaelites first sparked my interest in paintings as a young girl and I love the subversive and unusual choice of subject for this work. The witch Lilith was Adam’s first wife and is depicted brushing her enchanted hair, making sure it is in tip top condition in case she needs to strangle an unfortunate youth with a single golden strand.

What should a potential collector/buyer look to purchase? Why?

It’s what everyone says so it’s a bit boring, but I would always advise that you should only buy what you love and are genuinely interested in – that way it will always be a sound investment, no matter the price you pay.

What in your opinion are the best items to sell via an auction house?

Auctions are a brilliant way of reaching potential buyers from all over the world and therefore achieving the best possible price for your item, so with that in mind anything goes! It’s a good time to sell works by female artists who have previously undervalued such as Ithell Colquhoun or Dame Laura Knight.

A 16th Century Renaissance Painting

Sold for £255,000

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What are your valuables worth?

Request a complimentary auction estimate from our team of specialists, or contact us to book an appointment. If your item is suitable for auction, we will provide you with a valuation and further details of how to sell with us.

Veronique Scorer