Supporting Our Community

At Clevedon Salerooms, supporting local charities and community groups is an integral part of our ethos. We're committed to leveraging our expertise in antiques and auctions to make a positive impact in our community.

Our support takes a practical form: we offer free expert advice on donations and sell items commission-free for registered charities. This approach ensures that charities receive the maximum benefit from their donated items.

Over the years, this commitment has led to some remarkable outcomes. A notable example is the Chinese bamboo brush pot donated to St Peter's Hospice charity shop in Clevedon. This item, crafted between 1662 and 1722 by the celebrated artist Gu Jue, was identified by our team as a rare and valuable piece.

Managing Director, Marc Burridge, oversaw its sale, which resulted in an extraordinary £360,000 being raised for the hospice. While such high-value finds are not everyday occurrences, they highlight the potential impact of donated items when expertly assessed and auctioned.

Other notable items sold on behalf of charities include a rare, limited edition linocut of “Acrobats in Red” by Cyril Edward Power (1872-1951), which fetched £3,500 in one of our Quarterly Specialist Auctions; a Rolex Gentleman's Oyster Perpetual Datejust Chronometer stainless steel wristwatch that raised £3,000, and a bisque head and ball jointed doll by Simon & Halbig which also sold for £3,000.

Additionally, two pages from an autograph book signed by members of the rock group Queen - Freddie Mercury, John Deacon, Brian May, and Roger Taylor - raised a much-appreciated £1,500 for their respective charities.

These success stories are just a few examples of how we contribute to our community. Throughout the year we work with various charities, helping them maximise the value of their donations. From antique furniture to art and vintage jewellery, each item sold contributes to the vital work of local organisations.

 

Local and National Charities We Support

We are proud to support a wide range of charities and community groups that includes local healthcare organisations such as Weston Hospice, St Peter's Hospice and Children’s Hospice South West; animal welfare charities like Bristol D.A.W.G. (Greyhound & Lurcher Rescue); cultural and heritage organizations including The Stradling Collection, Clevedon Pier & Heritage Trust, and National Trust Tyntesfield; and community groups such as Clevedon Light Opera Club & C.L.O.C. Juniors.

Our commitment extends to national charities like Oxfam and M.I.N.D., as well as specialised organisations such as Changing Lives, Break, Revive, and Bibic. We also assist numerous schools and churches in the North Somerset and Bristol area, along with many other worthy causes that contribute to the well-being of our community.

Here's a glimpse into the vital work carried out by some of the charities we support:

	Weston Hospice, provides compassionate end-of-life care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses in Weston-super-Mare and surrounding areas. Their services include specialist inpatient care, community nursing, day hospice facilities, and bereavement support. The hospice team, comprising healthcare professionals and trained volunteers, focuses on enhancing quality of life, managing symptoms, and offering emotional support to patients and their families.
	Bristol D.A.W.G. (Doggy Action Working Group) is a volunteer-run charity dedicated to rescuing and rehoming greyhounds and lurchers in the Bristol area. They rescue dogs from various situations, including those retired from racing or surrendered by owners. The organization provides veterinary care, rehabilitation, and temporary foster homes for these animals. Bristol D.A.W.G. also works to educate the public about the suitability of greyhounds and lurchers as pets, aiming to find loving, permanent homes for these often overlooked breeds.
	Changing Lives is a national charity providing specialist support to vulnerable individuals and families. They address issues such as homelessness, addiction, domestic violence, and long-term unemployment through housing support, recovery programmes, employment training, and counselling. The charity focuses on helping people overcome challenging circumstances, build self-esteem, and develop skills for independent living, ultimately aiming to address the root causes of social exclusion.
	Clevedon Pier and Heritage Trust maintains and preserves Clevedon Pier, a Grade I listed Victorian structure. The trust manages daily operations, conducts restoration projects, and promotes the pier's historical significance. They run educational programmes and events, operate visitor facilities, and work to secure the pier's future, enhancing public appreciation of this important maritime heritage site.
	Clevedon Light Opera Club (CLOC) and CLOC Juniors are local, award winning performing arts groups staging musical theatre productions in Clevedon. CLOC caters to adult performers, while CLOC Juniors focuses on young people. Both groups nurture talent, build confidence, and entertain the community, offering members opportunities to develop singing, acting, and dancing skills while fostering a love for the performing arts.