Fine Art, Power Tools, and Pokémon: Welcome to Whittaker and Biggs

We have been at the heart of the Cheshire auction scene since 1930, but we certainly are not stuck in the past. 

Operating under the Rostons Group, Whittaker and Biggs is a modern auction house built for the way people buy and sell today. We combine nearly a century of heritage with a fast-paced, global digital reach.

We Sell the 1790s and the 1990s

Why limit an auction to just antiques? We pride ourselves on being one of the United Kingdom's most diverse auctions. 

Our fortnightly auctions feature between 1000 and 1,500 lots, ranging from Georgian silver and fine jewellery to vintage Star Wars figures, high-end power tools, and the latest electronics.

Whether it is a rare oil painting or a mint-condition Pokémon Charizard trading card, we have the specialist knowledge to catalogue it, and the global platform to sell it.

The Specialist Team

Our expertise is anchored by four industry leaders who ensure every item, regardless of its era, is valued and catalogued with precision:

James Broad (Associate Director): A lead auctioneer and a familiar face on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, The Travelling Auctioneers and The Bidding Room. While James is a specialist in twentieth-century design, he is equally known for his passion for antique oddities, the rare, the weird, and the wonderful. Beyond the rostrum, he personally leads our professional services, undertaking all in house valuations, offsite valuations and probate valuations to ensure The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors-level accuracy for His Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

David Wedgbury: Our authority on the 'technical and the tuneful.' If it is a vintage Leica camera or a rare musical instrument, David ensures it reaches the right collectors. Oh, and he also has a vast knowledge on fine wines and spirits - no comment. 

Neil Manley: The specialist behind our booming media and nostalgia departments. Neil handles everything from vinyl records and Hi-Fi systems to the rapidly growing markets for comics and retro gaming.

Curtis Farrall: Our expert eye for the 'Fine and the Functional.' Curtis leads our departments in fine furniture, period antiques, jewellery and silver.

The Engine Room: The Team That Packs a Punch

A great auction house is only as good as the team behind the rostrum. We are a tight-knit crew of ten who make the magic happen every fortnight.

Becky (Office Manager): The heartbeat of Whittaker and Biggs. Becky is the first point of contact for our clients, managing the chaos of a 1,500 lot sale with total professional ease. Whether you are a buyer or a vendor, you are in safe hands. 

Sam: Our financial anchor. Sam ensures the numbers add up and, most importantly, makes sure our vendors and staff get paid on time, every time.

Shaun: Our trainee valuer. A keen student of the trade, Shaun is the next generation of valuers, working across every department to soak up knowledge.

Jake: Our resident powerhouse. While Jake can famously lift a sofa with one hand, he has an unexpected passion for the finer things, with a keen eye for the intricacies of gold and silver and the photography skills to match it. 

Harvey: Following in his father Neil’s footsteps, Harvey is our sporting memorabilia expert. He is also the reason our furniture looks so good online, his photography brings our catalogue to life.

JT: Our automobilia enthusiast. You will find JT on the road daily, expertly packing and collecting items from homes across the region with a specialist's care.

Josh: With a background in joinery, Josh is a versatile asset both in the saleroom and on the road. Whether he is managing logistics on the van or applying his craftsman’s eye to our auction displays, he ensures every consignment is treated with the care it deserves.

Professional Services Backed by Rostons

By joining forces with Rostons, we have expanded our ability to provide a seamless, 'one-stop-shop' for our clients. We do not just sell items; we manage assets.

Expert Probate Valuations: Personally undertaken by James Broad, we provide accurate, professional valuations for His Majesty's Revenue and Customs, delivered with the discretion and empathy required during sensitive times.

Complete House Clearances: We provide a professional, efficient service for full estates. We pride ourselves on our ability to spot the hidden gems, that others might overlook, ensuring they are salvaged for auction rather than lost.

Global Bidding: Every auction is streamed live via our website and easyliveAuction.com meaning your items are seen by thousands of bidders across the globe, not just those in the room.

Join the Action

Whether you are a seasoned collector, an executor seeking professional advice, or you have a garage full of modern tools and nineties technology to clear, Whittaker and Biggs offers the expertise and the energy to deliver the best possible result.