By Business CNCT
Newcastle-based auction house Anderson & Garland has been acquired by two of its longstanding employees in a management buy-out, marking a new chapter for the 186-year-old business.
Founded in 1840 by William Anderson and George Hedley on Pilgrim Street, the historic firm has built a reputation for specialist valuations and auctions, achieving world-record prices across categories ranging from art to furniture.
The business has been acquired by directors Fred Wyrley-Birch and Alison Orgill, both of whom have worked at Anderson & Garland for nearly 20 years. Former majority shareholder Julian Thomson will remain as chairman, continuing his involvement in the company’s development.
The new owners said they were proud to take responsibility for a business with such a distinguished heritage and exciting growth prospects. Their priorities include preserving the firm’s reputation for expertise and trusted client relationships while investing in its employees, services and future development ahead of its 200th anniversary in 2040.
Anderson & Garland has outlined plans to expand its presence beyond the North East, organise more frequent viewings and client meetings in London, and continue developing its technology and digital services to improve the experience for buyers and sellers.
Orgill, who joined the company in 2009, has overseen finance, staffing, systems and day-to-day operations. She has also become the first female shareholder director in the firm’s history.
She highlighted the importance of teamwork, professional expertise and personal service, describing these qualities as central to the company’s identity and its distinctive Northern approach to business.
Wyrley-Birch began his career at Anderson & Garland as a porter before progressing to become an experienced auctioneer, valuer and FGA-qualified gemmologist.
He said the company had recorded consistent growth in recent years, with particularly strong performances in 2024 and 2025. He attributed this progress to its specialist knowledge, customer service and continued investment in auction presentation and marketing.
These developments have helped the business reach a wider national and international audience, while maintaining its strong connections to the North East. The new owners believe further growth opportunities remain.
The company’s history spans several locations across Newcastle. After its beginnings on Pilgrim Street, a merger with Atkinson and Garland led to the formation of Anderson & Garland and a move to Market Street in 1913. The firm relocated to Marlborough Crescent in the late 1980s before moving to its purpose-built headquarters and salerooms in Westerhope in 2005.
Under its new ownership, Anderson & Garland aims to build on its longstanding heritage while expanding its reach and strengthening its position in the auction and valuation market.
