Paul Howard - Head Auctioneer and valuer

Ceramics and Works of Art
Email: admin@shapesauctioneers.co.uk

After 31 years of experience gained with International and national firms , Paul is an acknowledged specialist in the field of Scottish, European and Oriental Ceramics, with specialist interest in Scottish Pottery.  Other interests are hill walking, rugby, cricket and travel.

Hamish Wilson - Auctioneer and valuer

Oriental Works of Art, Carpets and Rugs.

Email: hamish.wilson@shapesauctioneers.co.uk

Professional yachtsman, painter  and soldier were his previous occupations, all before 25 years old. After studying Fine Arts Valuation at Southampton University he joined Gorringes in Lewes, Sussex. The provinces are a domain where there is not much call for specialization. The skill lies in having a genuinely accurate general knowledge. Hamish says, "I specialise in valuing everything!"

Dr Duncan Thomson - Paintings Consultant

Dr Duncan Thomson was Director of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery from 1982 to 1997. He is an acknowledged authority on 17th century British paintings and also on the work of Sir Henry Raeburn. He curated the great Raeburn exhibition held in Edinburgh and London in 1997/98. He has also written on 20th century artists.

Oliver Anderson - South West Scotland Representative

Tel: 01655 750209

Oliver was born in Edinburgh and Educated at Ardvreck, Fettes and Newton Rigg Agricultural College, Penrith. He completed a short service commission with Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders and soldiered with the Ayrshire Yeomanry. Oli has lived for the past 35 years on his farm in Ayrshire with wife Kate and his three children.

Charlotte Canby - Auction Administrator

Email: charlotte@shapesauctioneers.co.uk

Tel: 0131 453 3222

Charlotte joined the team in December 2009, having graduated from the University of Edinburgh where she studied History of Art alongside Geography. Having lived in the Borders for a number of years, she actively enjoys a variety of country pursuits as well as being a keen horserider.  She is now enjoying the world of art and antiques; should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact her.

Alistair Robertson - Aberdeenshire Representative

Tel : 01466 740 331/340

Alastair Robertson is a freelance journalist with a keen interest in furniture, painting and books on shooting and fishing. Born in Glasgow he was forced to migrate to London at the age of three but returned to West Aberdeenshire from where he works for local and national newspaper titles. He was responsible for exposing the theft of fine art and valuables from Airlie Castle, Angus by a former TV Master Chef.  He is married to Kate, an artist. They live with varying number of cats, dogs and children in a former manse. He says: “The fun bit is meeting people.”

Emma Scott - Stirlingshire and Perthshire Representative

Tel: 01786 826931

Emma joined Shapes in 2008, having worked for Sotheby's in Glasgow for 17 years, where she built up a good all round knowledge of the industry and its people.  Emma is married to a surveyor and has two young children.  At weekends they enjoy visiting museums, castles and interesting ruins as a family, as well as adventures on horseback through the woods.  Emma's spare time is involved with developing their home and getting to grips with the garden.

Doug Clapperton - Saleroom Manager

Doug has been working for Shapes since 1996, having previously been a commercial photographer for 30 years.  He now continues to put this expert experience to good use and currently photographs all our items for our monthly sales.  Doug has lived in the Borders for the last 25 years where he enjoys spending time with his grandchildren and participating in country sports with his dogs.