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An Auctioneer's Lot
From priceless eighteenth-century dining tables hidden away in decaying farm sheds to tattooed travellers with a penchant for Worcestor china, professional auctioneer Philip Serrell has seen it all. In An Auctioneer's Lot he brings to life a world in which the most valuable antiques frequently turn up in the most unlikely places--and accompanied by the most unlikely people. For over twenty years he has uncovered a huge range of priceless (and occasionally worthless) antiques, and he has met, done business with and befriended people from some odd corners of English life.
Funny, startling and sometimes poignant, these stories of ordinary people with extraordinary possessions are also the perfect inspiration for anyone who's ever wondered whether they might just be sitting on a fortune...
Funny, startling and sometimes poignant, these stories of ordinary people with extraordinary possessions are also the perfect inspiration for anyone who's ever wondered whether they might just be sitting on a fortune...
- GenresNonfictionBiography
310 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2005
14 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Philip Serrell
4 books4 followersPhilip Martyn Serrell is an English auctioneer, antiques expert and television presenter.
Serrell was born in Kidderminster, Worcestershire and attended the Royal Grammar School in Worcester, where he was a schoolmate of the Pakistani cricket captain Imran Khan. Serrell played both cricket and rugby for the school, prior to his attendance at, and graduation from, Loughborough College of Physical Education as a physical education teacher.
Serrell was born in Kidderminster, Worcestershire and attended the Royal Grammar School in Worcester, where he was a schoolmate of the Pakistani cricket captain Imran Khan. Serrell played both cricket and rugby for the school, prior to his attendance at, and graduation from, Loughborough College of Physical Education as a physical education teacher.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 26, 2022
There is a story behind every piece of antiquity. Most often the story is as interesting as the item itself. Mr. Serrell deftly reveals this tit-bit with the dry humour for which the British are known. Even if you have no interest whatsoever in antiques this entertaining book will make you laugh (LOL).
Auctioneer/Antiques Dealer Philip Serrell graduated from Loughborough College of Physical Education, a very far cry from auctioneering. Mr. Serrell illustrates that while a college education is very fine indeed, little can compare to practical experience in the real world. One cannot put a price on lessons learned from experienced elders.
Mr. Serrell’s stories are told with heartfelt fineness & are sure to engage you beyond anything you may expect.
Auctioneer/Antiques Dealer Philip Serrell graduated from Loughborough College of Physical Education, a very far cry from auctioneering. Mr. Serrell illustrates that while a college education is very fine indeed, little can compare to practical experience in the real world. One cannot put a price on lessons learned from experienced elders.
Mr. Serrell’s stories are told with heartfelt fineness & are sure to engage you beyond anything you may expect.
April 5, 2020
Having trained for a career as a teacher, Philip Serrell decided that teaching physical education and geography was not to be his career path. He accordingly began life as an auctioneer's assistant working for Major Ernest Edward Foley Rayer, or, as he was known, The Man with the Tin Leg or sometimes even as EEFR!
Serrell did not begin in the world of antiques, however, as he found himself assisting an agricultural auctioneer. As such he was wandering around sheep pens, in his best suit at one point, an episode that his contemporaries never forgot, and cattle pens, even at one time having to parade with a far from friendly bull named Hector. All these experiences are related with humour and give an excellent introduction into Serrell's move into the world of antiques.
It was a slow process as he began viewing customer's priceless, and sometimes worthless, antiques. He entered The Rat House, a name that speaks for itself, met up with a traveller who had some priceless antiques, discovered a sketch that turned out to be by George Stubbs - and still didn't sell - and found a couple of tables, one that the owner felt was priceless and one that he felt was worthless as it was stored in an outhouse out of the way. It turned out quite the opposite as Serrell revelled in selling the latter for an excellent figure.
All the stories are told with the humour that Philip Serrell exhibits in his television appearances and this makes for a most enjoyable read, which is apparently to be followed by a further volume. Those who read this one will undoubtedly want the follow-up.
Serrell did not begin in the world of antiques, however, as he found himself assisting an agricultural auctioneer. As such he was wandering around sheep pens, in his best suit at one point, an episode that his contemporaries never forgot, and cattle pens, even at one time having to parade with a far from friendly bull named Hector. All these experiences are related with humour and give an excellent introduction into Serrell's move into the world of antiques.
It was a slow process as he began viewing customer's priceless, and sometimes worthless, antiques. He entered The Rat House, a name that speaks for itself, met up with a traveller who had some priceless antiques, discovered a sketch that turned out to be by George Stubbs - and still didn't sell - and found a couple of tables, one that the owner felt was priceless and one that he felt was worthless as it was stored in an outhouse out of the way. It turned out quite the opposite as Serrell revelled in selling the latter for an excellent figure.
All the stories are told with the humour that Philip Serrell exhibits in his television appearances and this makes for a most enjoyable read, which is apparently to be followed by a further volume. Those who read this one will undoubtedly want the follow-up.
October 23, 2022
Fun read if you enjoy behind-the-scenes anecdotes of auctions.
June 23, 2009
This was such an enjoyable read, I can't believe I left it sitting on my to-read shelf for so long! The sometimes astonishing, always amusing situations that Serrell has found himself in as an apprentice auctioneer are portrayed in a really light, fresh written style here. I enjoyed getting a sense of the countryside characters and their quirks. Serrell's writing is an enjoyable pace and very touching.
October 15, 2016
A collection of stories about his career as a trainee in the business and as an auctioneer. This book was a believable, yet amusing, insight into the world of valuing and auctioneering. Very enjoyable.
March 28, 2025
Gentle and easy read with an insight into how auctions work some of which was new to me at least. I’m giving it 3 stars only because early on the book it gave me some belly laughs but they tailed off completely and the tales became more schmaltzy and in one case it was maybe a little over embellished.
The book also seemed to miss a chunk of years from his working life from his first job to running his own business. Perhaps those in between years were a boring slog (all been there) but odd no reference was made.
I was left with a good impression of Philip, a thoroughly nice guy who you’d enjoy having a pint with and I am looking forward to reading his next 2 books.
The story of his first day at work and the image it conjured was hilarious and will stay with me for a long time and especially as his attire he described was exactly the same as mine. Makes me cringe about how you innocently try to make a good impression on your first ever job but thankfully my first day was as far removed from his experience!
The book also seemed to miss a chunk of years from his working life from his first job to running his own business. Perhaps those in between years were a boring slog (all been there) but odd no reference was made.
I was left with a good impression of Philip, a thoroughly nice guy who you’d enjoy having a pint with and I am looking forward to reading his next 2 books.
The story of his first day at work and the image it conjured was hilarious and will stay with me for a long time and especially as his attire he described was exactly the same as mine. Makes me cringe about how you innocently try to make a good impression on your first ever job but thankfully my first day was as far removed from his experience!
January 7, 2018
I really like Phil Serrell on the television and when my husband brought this book home for me, I couldn't wait to read it.
I loved his stories, or 'Lots', and could hear his voice telling the stories as I read them. I was able to visualise each situation as they came along, and some of the sayings Phil came out with(Where there's a Will, there's a relative, for example) were familiar to me, as various family members have said them to me.
If anyone likes watching antiques programmes on TV, and especially Phil Serrell, this book will provide plenty of amusement, sometimes at the author's (intentional) expense.
I loved his stories, or 'Lots', and could hear his voice telling the stories as I read them. I was able to visualise each situation as they came along, and some of the sayings Phil came out with(Where there's a Will, there's a relative, for example) were familiar to me, as various family members have said them to me.
If anyone likes watching antiques programmes on TV, and especially Phil Serrell, this book will provide plenty of amusement, sometimes at the author's (intentional) expense.
July 8, 2020
I read this and "sold to the man with the tin leg". I can only imagine that this is the tip of the iceberg of his experiences as a country auctioneer. Serrell is a great story teller, humorous, interesting narrations and turns of phrase... I read a couple of chapters every breakfast while having coffee and it just makes me feel like life is a series of funny little events and stories. so when we live through life just think this is going to be a funny narrative some day.
January 2, 2021
When Philip Serrell is either an Expert or the Auctioneer on TV's Bargain Hunt he never fails to inject humour into the proceedings. I've just read 'An Auctioneers Lot' and if you feel a bit down or need a pick me up l thoroughly recommend that you give this a read.
Set in the 1970s it's a mixture of delightful descriptive passages and humour about his early days in the antiques trade that will make you glad you read it.
Set in the 1970s it's a mixture of delightful descriptive passages and humour about his early days in the antiques trade that will make you glad you read it.
September 9, 2021
Lovely little book of short stories about the authors years of being an auctioneer, it's a brilliant format and even though each chapter is short you still get to learn so much about this man through out his years. I also love the art of cover and the chapter illustrations... I will definitely be buying this author's other book and would highly recommend this title to anyone who loves short story formatting, as well as, true stories about life. I will definitely reread this again some day
March 14, 2021
I've always enjoyed watching Philip Serrell when he's been on Antiques Roadtrip as he has great sense of humour, and when it comes to buying items for auction, he sees potential where others see scrap.
This book is humorous collection of anecdotes from his life as an auctioneer. It provided many much needed laughs.
This book is humorous collection of anecdotes from his life as an auctioneer. It provided many much needed laughs.
March 15, 2021
Eccentric and amusing auction tales
The well known veteran Worcestershire tv auctioneer recounts extraordinary tales of auction lots and eccentric individuals. A good read, with many overlaps with his other books.
The well known veteran Worcestershire tv auctioneer recounts extraordinary tales of auction lots and eccentric individuals. A good read, with many overlaps with his other books.
July 16, 2021
Written with great warmth by one of the most respected auctioneers in Britain today. Particularly love the fact that Phil Serrell is able to take a joke against himself and has none of the snobbishness associated with many auction houses.
January 16, 2022
Serrell is an excellent writer and keeps the reader's attention. His humor is catchy and some of his experiences are very nearly unbelievable. I am sure the comparison has been made before but some of Serrell's stories are reminiscent of James Herriot's. Great book!
January 16, 2022
Respect
Have long respected this author,for his t v roles and auction supremacy, his authors skills are as good ,if not more enjoyable . I would expect nothing less from the meastro that is Phillip Serrall.
Have long respected this author,for his t v roles and auction supremacy, his authors skills are as good ,if not more enjoyable . I would expect nothing less from the meastro that is Phillip Serrall.
April 29, 2022
some Chapters made me laugh out loud - absolutely brilliant!
I’ve seen Phillip Serrell on various TV Antique programmes and always admired his sarcastic sense of humour. Here it is again on paper, making everyday working situations into an absolute riot.
Make yourself comfortable with a cuppa and here’s a Sunday afternoon read you’ll love.
I’ve seen Phillip Serrell on various TV Antique programmes and always admired his sarcastic sense of humour. Here it is again on paper, making everyday working situations into an absolute riot.
Make yourself comfortable with a cuppa and here’s a Sunday afternoon read you’ll love.
July 2, 2017
A very entertaining read, most enjoyable!
June 2, 2018
A lovely light read. A welcome breath of fresh air after the darkness of the book I'd read before it.
May 16, 2021
Very Funny
An eye opener into the work of an auctioneer and a very funny one at that! I could not wait for the next adventure
An eye opener into the work of an auctioneer and a very funny one at that! I could not wait for the next adventure
August 13, 2021
Funny holiday read
I was really drawn in by this book and his comical escapades. No wonder he comes across so well these days - what a background!
I was really drawn in by this book and his comical escapades. No wonder he comes across so well these days - what a background!
June 27, 2023
A very entertaining series of anecdotes featuring a wide variety of interesting characters. Well worth a read.
November 1, 2023
Just a joy to read.
December 4, 2025
A book of anecdotes. It began to wear thin towards the end.
I had hoped to find out more about the man himself but it didn’t reveal a lot.
I had hoped to find out more about the man himself but it didn’t reveal a lot.
February 19, 2023
Funny but undemanding series of anecdotes about the authors early career. Surprisingly well written. Philip meets a plethora of far fetched characters along the way.
April 6, 2011
“An Auctioneer’s Lot” by Philip Serrell is a likeable, easy to read account of events in the life of a country auctioneer. Philip Serrell - some may have seen him as an “expert” on the English T.V. programme, “Bargain Hunt”- tells us how he began his career as an auctioneer’s assistant. He then continues with some amusing anecdotes taken from his life as an auctioneer. We learn of some of the interesting and eccentric people he has met in his career - and of course, we are also introduced to some of the antique furniture and paintings that he has come across and sold at auction.
This is an ideal book for those who have enjoyed the writing of James Herriotand Gervase Phinn
February 1, 2014
Review: An Auctioneers Lot - Philip Serrell
I approached this book with some trepidation. It seems that every two-bit celebrity wants to write their biography, usually when they have barely started life itself. The story of a Dickinson wannabe did not bode well. My fears were ill placed - this light hearted collection of short stories around Philip's different auctions were an easy and enjoyable read. We learnt nothing of the characters in the book but the Lots were the central characters and were charming and fascinating throughout. I couldn't put it down !
Enjoyable light read great for dipping into but perhaps lacks any real depth of character.
Adam
I approached this book with some trepidation. It seems that every two-bit celebrity wants to write their biography, usually when they have barely started life itself. The story of a Dickinson wannabe did not bode well. My fears were ill placed - this light hearted collection of short stories around Philip's different auctions were an easy and enjoyable read. We learnt nothing of the characters in the book but the Lots were the central characters and were charming and fascinating throughout. I couldn't put it down !
Enjoyable light read great for dipping into but perhaps lacks any real depth of character.
Adam
April 28, 2014
Charming stories and anecdotes of a County Auctioneer. I whizzed through this book as it was made up of short chapters about different characters and their 'valuables' Each chapter different and quite entertaining. I did actually chuckle a couple of times (which is something for me)as the read is funny as well as fascinating. You don't need to know who the author is, I don't! He is supposed to have been on day time TV here in the UK but I don't watch the TV very much anyway.
He has written a sequel, Sold To the Man with the Tin Leg, which is on my Mount TBR (To Be Read) shelves. I will most certainly read this shortly - hoping it's as good a read as this Serrel's first memoirs.
He has written a sequel, Sold To the Man with the Tin Leg, which is on my Mount TBR (To Be Read) shelves. I will most certainly read this shortly - hoping it's as good a read as this Serrel's first memoirs.
November 5, 2012
A sweet and interesting book that recounts humorous experiences in the life of a country dwelling auctioneer.
Written in a similar style to the James Herriot vet books although not quite as consistently funny, I did laugh lots at some of the stories.
I found this book particularly fascinating as I live in the same area that it's based in and I have a passion for antiques & auctions so did thoroughly enjoy it, however I do acknowledge that for someone lacking an interest in these areas it may be a tad dull.
I am looking forward to the sequel - Sold to the man with the tin leg!
Written in a similar style to the James Herriot vet books although not quite as consistently funny, I did laugh lots at some of the stories.
I found this book particularly fascinating as I live in the same area that it's based in and I have a passion for antiques & auctions so did thoroughly enjoy it, however I do acknowledge that for someone lacking an interest in these areas it may be a tad dull.
I am looking forward to the sequel - Sold to the man with the tin leg!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews