The season's best SALES

As autumn arrives, leading regional auction houses are leaping into action, offering a sparkling array of high quality antiques and collectables to furnish our homes and feed our passions

- Caroline Wheater

After the heat and holidays of summer, a breeze of expectation blows through the auction world as the busy autumn season gets underway. All around the country, leading regional auction houses will prepare catalogues, organise previews and answer questions that come from interested parties. Jane Tennant, director of family firm Tennants in Leyburn, Yorkshire, describes the buzz: 'Traditionally, autumn has always been a fantastic time for top tier auctions. Inevitably, people have been away or relaxing with their families over summer, but in September there’s a “back to school”, “back to business” feeling.'

Across the board, the most popular collecting fields will be well represented, from pictures, porcelain and objets d’art to furniture, rugs and jewellery. The emphasis is on quality and craftsmanship, with estimates beginning at £150 and going up to £50,000-plus for the most sought-after pieces. James Nicholson, deputy chairman at Dreweatts, comments: 'Autumn is the most important season, with curated sales held between September and November. Many important pieces are saved by auctioneers and vendors specifically for autumn events.'

At Tennants and Lawrences (to name but two), 'Fine' sales are grouped together over consecutive days, so that buyers interested in home furnishing, decorating and collecting can bid across a variety of fields over a short timescale. Watch out for special talks too, programmed to complement sales. Joy McCall, Lyon & Turnbull's Lalique specialist, has the last word on why autumn is such a special time: 'With Christmas approaching, there’s an eagerness to find the perfect gift. As the days get shorter and colder, there’s also all the more reason to think about what you're surrounding yourself with at home.' If this is how you're feeling, look no further...

Lawrences, Somerset

Olympia Auctions, Jewellery & Watches, 14th October