Meet The Team

Auctioneers & Valuers

James Forster BA Hons ASFAV
Head of Fine Art and Furniture

James is a valuer and Auctioneer with twenty years of experience in both the London and Provincial auction rooms. A generalist with a detailed knowledge of British and European art he has a particular interest in print making and post war British art. Roles have included working for Sotheby's Valuation Department, where he travelled in the UK and Europe cataloguing high value picture collections, and as the principal valuer for Artbanc, a London based American art advisory firm.

Mark Wise BA Hons ASFAV
Consultant & Non-Exec Director

Mark joined Mitchells in 1987 when auction sales of furniture and household effects were held, on an ad hoc basis between livestock sales, in the cattle market itself. Mitchells have always sold antique furniture and effects however Mark concentrated solely on this building Mitchells reputation. Part of the cattle market was converted into a saleroom in the early 90s and a programme of specialist Furniture and Fine art Sales was introduced.

James Moore
Senior Valuer, Country Sports Specialist

James has worked for Mitchells for 25 years. Over that period he has built a very successful country sports department which attracts buyers and vendors on an international basis. Highlights for his department include the selling of a Van Ingen Leopard Head for £2000, John Peel’s hunting horn for £1300 and a watercolour of a stag coming off the hill on a pony by Archibald Thorburn for £1300.

David Brookes ASFAV
South Lakes Representative

David is a highly experienced Auctioneer and Valuer and joined Mitchells in early 2023 from 1818 Auctioneers in Kendal. Working from his home in Windermere, David represents Mitchells in the South Lakes and wider area, providing clients with an on-the-doorstep valuation, probate and consignment service from a more convenient local base. He will also cover the Furness Peninsular, North Lancashire and into the Yorkshire Dales.

James Warwick BA Hons
Saleroom Manager

Graduating from the University of Lancaster with a degree in Politics James joined Mitchells in August 2021. He has a strong customer service background having held management roles in hospitality, retail and leisure and is currently training for his NAVA qualifications as a Valuer and Auctioneer.

Claire Machin BA Hons
Auctioneer & Valuer

She joins us with 15 years experience in the antiques trade having previously run a collectables shop in Maryport and an online ebay business. She left Reading University with a BA in History and enjoys everything vintage, collectable and quirky.

Mark Hodgson BA Hons
Photographer

Graduating from North Staffordshire Polytechnic with a degree in Art. With over 33 years experience in photography, Mark is responsible for Fine Art catalogues and internet.

Phil Crossman BEng Hons
IT Manager

With some 40 years of experience with electronics and computers, Phil is the IT Manager for Mitchells Auctions.

Paula Poulton
Office Manager

Paula is our Office Manager and is the mainstay of the office responsible for catalogue production, IT, accounts and general enquiries.

Paula Reay

Paula has been with Mitchells as a full time member of staff for the last 25 years. Paula provides admin and accounts support to the team. She is responsible for our Homes and Garden and Toy sale catalogue production.

Debbie Rushton

Debbie provides administration support to the team in a variety of roles and is responsible for fine art and sporting sales catalogue production.

Sue Restan
Packing Department and Saleroom Assistant

Sue is part of our postage and packing team. Sue has worked in many industries including hospitality, retail and manufacturing. She is also interested in furniture restoration and all things vintage and retro.

David Lomas

David has worked for Mitchells since 2010. Prior to joining Mitchells he owned and ran an antique shop in Keswick. He has expertise in Collectables and Books.

Jenny West

Jenny works full-time for Mitchells and has done so since leaving school, both in the Saleroom and formerly at the Livestock Mart. Jenny is responsible for displaying the smaller lots to best advantage in the sale ring and assists with viewing during Fine Art Sales.

Nigel Graham

Nigel is our principal van driver and is involved on a daily basis with house clearances. He also works in the saleroom on sale days and during viewing.

John Scott

John helps part time in the saleroom with setting up sales, viewing and enquiries from the general public.

Michael Moore

Michael is an indispensable member of the house clearance team and assists in the saleroom on a part time basis.

David Dunlop

David has joined Mitchells as part of our saleroom staff. He has a wealth of experience in sales and retail, and has a keen interest in restoring classic and mid century furniture.

Meet The Team

Auctioneers & Valuers

Photography

IT

Administration

Postage and Packing Department

The Saleroom