BAMFORDS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Head of Medals, Militaria and Firearms
Adrian joined the company in January 2021 to head our new Medals, Militaria and Firearms Department based at our Derby Office. Having been a passionate lifelong militaria collector, Adrian has 45 years of experience in the field and is Internationally known online for his expertise. His specialist subjects are WW1 and WW2. Adrian runs four specialist auctions per year in March, June, September and December. He is on hand to advise clients in all aspects of their individual requirements - from the sale of single or multiple items, themed collections, downsizing, probate, insurance and other formal valuations. Adrian can be contacted via email : a.stevenson@bamfords-auctions.co.uk or via telephone on 01332 210 000
Chris was born into a family of photographers and his interest in both photography and scientific instruments piqued at an early age through his father's work as official photographer at Rolls Royce.
Chris was given his first camera at the age of seven and quickly learned how to develop and print his own films in his father's home darkroom. Chris has developed his interest over the last 20 years as a specialist valuer heading Bamfords Camera and Scientific Instruments Department.
Colette has over 20 years' experience as a valuer and auctioneer and has been a member of the Bamfords team since its beginning. Colette is pleased to advise upon the appraisal, for auction sale, of numerous artefacts every week.
In house and throughout the Midlands, Colette works closely with local solicitors and members of the public to ensure the successful sale by auction of private antique and specialist niche collections and also the contents of family homes.
As times change in the profession Colette oversees the increasing volume of national and international enquiries via email and online, and is fluent in several languages, bringing a wealth of history and culture in to the Bamfords saleroom.
Ian has over 30 years' experience working in the auction profession, starting as a Saleroom Assistant and quickly advancing to a position as Valuation Assessor whilst working in the North of England, before joining Bamfords as Auctioneer and Valuer in 2013. Ian has acquired a broad knowledge and has specialist interest in jewellery, watches, toys, vinyl records and music memorabilia. Ian has been key to the success of Bamfords ever expanding specialist jewellery sale, vinyl and music memorabilia sales.
James Lewis CEO of Bamfords, is a regular face and voice on television and radio; he is without doubt one of the most recognised faces in the international antiques world.
James has a great knowledge and expertise in fine furniture, sculpture and interiors and heads the Bamfords team. He is in charge of the single owner Country Home and Estate Auctions. He has advised the British Government and helped formulate legislation involving antiques. He has also advised on the history of objects contained at 10 Downing Street.
He is one the leading auctioneers in the UK, has been a winner of UK Auctioneer of the Year and holds a Guinness World Record in auctioneering.
James' second love is Africa. He is a passionate wildlife supporter and a patron of the Born Free foundation alongside Virginia McKenna, Joanna Lumley, Gaby Roslin and Nick Knowles (https://www.bornfree.org.uk/celebrities). He is also a patron of The Gorilla Organisation alongside Stanley Johnson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Gordon Buchanan and Daryl Hannah (https://www.gorillas.org/the-team/) .
Job Titles:
- Advertising and Packaging
Mark joined Bamfords in 2016 to head up the ever-popular Advertising and Packaging Department. Previously employed for over 25 years in the graphic design industry, Mark now combines his skills as a modern graphic designer with his passion for designs of the past. His interest in advertising collectables is virtually lifelong.
Mark's passion for stamps started from a young age when he was given a stamp album for Christmas and a packet of stamps from around the world. These humble beginnings culminated in starting his own philately business specialising in British and Falklands Islands stamps.
With his knowledge and expertise in this field Mark has been involved in cataloguing and researching collections for some of Britain's great houses. Although collections worth thousands of pounds are a pleasure to sell he always finds it exciting to open a schoolboy's album and find that special rare example! One such find was a 1900 Makeking ‘Baden Powell' 3d Blue which sold for over £600.
Mark has been fundamental in ensuring the success of our ever-expanding philately auctions.
Maxwell Craven MBE, FSA, AMA was educated in the West Country and took a degree in History and education at the University of Nottingham followed by further qualifications in Roman history and museum studies at Leicester, embarking on a 25 year career at Derby Museum, for eighteen of them as Keeper of Antiquities.