Marc Burridge, Managing Director of Clevedon Salerooms, marks an exceptional milestone as this year saw him celebrate 50 years with the business. From his humble beginnings at Bristol's Lalonde's auctioneers in 1969, Marc has become one of the South West's most respected figures in the antiques and fine art sector.
"It was very much a case of starting at the bottom, cleaning the silver and moving furniture," Marc recalls of his early days. "But I was learning on the job as I went along, building the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion."
Marc’s journey with Clevedon Salerooms began in 1974 when he joined as Saleroom Manager. His dedication and expertise led him to acquire the company in 1991, becoming its sole owner in 2003. Under his leadership, the auction house, established in 1860, has strengthened its position as one of the longest-standing auction houses in the South West.
"Joining the firm as an employee and going on to become the owner has been my greatest achievement," reflects Marc. "It's particularly meaningful that we've maintained our status as a family business, with both my wife Marianne and our daughter Zoë serving as directors of the company.’
Throughout his tenure, Marc has overseen numerous significant sales, including the discovery of a Regency drum table that achieved £200,000 at auction in 2006. More recently, during a routine probate valuation in Bristol, his team discovered a Chinese libation cup that sold for £33,000.
"In this business, every day brings the possibility of an extraordinary discovery," Marc notes. "One of our most surprising recent finds was a tribal staff that had been used as a curtain pole in a house near Frome. The owner had no idea of its value, and it went on to sell for £15,500."
The auction house continues to thrive under Marc’s direction, last year orchestrating the successful Barrow Court Sale, which generated national interest for its period oak furniture. This was followed by the Gatcombe Court dispersal, where a significant First World War painting achieved £21,000.
Marc, who still takes to the rostrum for all sales, remains passionate about the industry and the local community. His connection to Bristol spans over seven decades, having moved to Stoke Bishop as a toddler and maintaining strong ties to the region throughout his career. One of his favourite places to spend time in the city is Leigh Woods where he often visits with Marianne and their two whippets, Lulu and Ben.