Skip To Content



Your privacy is important. Our Cookies Statement explains how we use cookies on this site. You can change their use at any time. You accept them by continuing to use this site. Our Privacy Statement explains how we use and protect your data.

Press Kit

Key Facts about Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood

The purpose of this section of the Press Kit is to provide you with a quick overview of the important aspects of Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood.

  • Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood was formed out of the merger of Bearne's and Hampton & Littlewood on 2nd January 2009.
  • Bearne's was formed in 1945 by Arthur Bearne.
  • Hampton & Littlewood was formed in 2001 by Christopher Hampton, the former regional director of Phillips, and Rachel Littlewood, the former probate manager at Phillips.
  • Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood is the largest fine art auction house and valuation business in the South West of England, covering the counties of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.
  • Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood has specialist departments covering Books and Manuscripts (including photographs), Ceramics and Glass, Silver, Jewellery, Maritime and Sporting, Pictures and Works of Art.
  • The firm employees eighteen (18) full-time staff, who are supported by a variety of part-time staff and specialist consultants.
  • Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood holds fortnightly sales as well as fine and specialist sales periodically.
  • All sales are extensively marketed using both traditional media as well as the latest techniques in emarketing online. All our sales are listed online with many lots illustrated in colour.
  • Major sales have an international reach with Telephone and Live Internet Bidding available.
  • Our fine and specialist sales have fully-illustrated colour catalogues produced to a very high standard. These are distributed in print and electronic form.
  • We make home visits throughout the West Country, including Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. We have representatives based in Dorset and Cornwall.
  • Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood has extensive experience in insurance, probate and auction valuations.