Over 30 Years Of Auction Expertise
Tailored Talks For Diverse Audiences
Charity Talks Offered Free Of Charge
About Steven B Bruce
I have spent my career working as an Auctioneer and Valuer for several well-known auction houses across the UK, including serving as Founder and Managing Director of a respected Midlands Fine Art Auctioneer. I later operated my own busy saleroom in Warwickshire for 14 years, holding monthly Fine Art, Antiques and Collectables sales of between 800 and 1,500 lots. Through Steven B Bruce & Associates, I now combine this experience with consultancy, agency work, and professional valuations for Probate, Insurance and family division.
Career Highlights And Discoveries
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work on numerous remarkable and historically significant valuations, including insurance services, pre-sale valuations, and deceased estate valuation work. Highlights include undertaking a detailed valuation of the contents of Skibo Castle in Dornoch, Scotland, which was then home to the daughter of Andrew Carnegie. I discovered an 18th-century Italian violin in a semi-detached house in Shirley, which later achieved £23,000 at auction, alongside two further violins, each selling for £8,000. I have also uncovered a Ming Dynasty blue and white dish, achieving £8,800, and contributed to high-profile estate sales involving rare and important collections.
Talks, Roadshows And Fees
I deliver engaging talks and roadshows, drawing on decades of experience in the auction world, filled with real-life experiences, discoveries, and insights from “The Trade”. Groups of up to 60 attendees are charged at £85, with larger groups priced by negotiation. Talks for charities and fundraising events are provided free of charge. I am always open to enquiries and encourage organisers to contact me directly for a tailored quotation, whether for illustrated talks or informal speaking engagements.
Areas Covered, Expenses And Equipment
Through Steven B Bruce & Associates, I operate across the West Midlands and surrounding counties, including Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Leicestershire, and Buckinghamshire. Out-of-area work, such as in Hertfordshire or Surrey, is considered, with fees agreed upon in advance. Mileage is charged at 45p per mile, and I am available at short notice where possible. For talks, a microphone is helpful for non-illustrated sessions, while audio-visual equipment supports USB-based presentations.
Engaging and amusing speaker
Steven Bruce talked to our U3A group in March 2024. His talk was entertaining, engaging and gave us some good tips on the Auction process. Several of our members brought items for Steven to review and we were surprised at some of his findings! Overall, an enjoyable afternoon. We'd recommend Steven as a speaker for your event.