Name: Rodney Tennant
Title at Tennants: Chairman
Other attributes: Ceramics & glass specialist, General valuer & Auctioneer
Relevant qualifications: Auctioneer of the Year 2002
No. of years at Tennants: All my life!
Previous employment: I spent a few years in the early 1970's at Sotheby's in the ceramic department where I was protege to the legendary A J B Kiddell
Favourite lot ever sold & why: Several years ago a local gentleman from Richmond brought in a few boxes of household items that were to be sold in one of our weekly antique & home furnishing sales. When sorting and lotting the items I discovered a rare Du Paquier Porcelain vase which was wrapped up in newspapers rather inconspicuously. It ended up in one of our Fine Art Catalogue sales, and although was not one of the dearest items we have ever sold, it was certainly one of the greatest surprises for the vendors and they were absolutely thrilled and relieved to have sought our advice.
Career highlight at Tennants/memorable occasion: Many people will remember our first saleroom in Middleham where Tennants operated with my father, Edmund. I have many happy memories of that site, but my career highlight would have to be progressing to the current purpose-built saleroom where we held the first sale in 1991. I am now looking forward to pushing the button on our new development alongside my three daughters, which will ensure the future of Tennants as a family-run business. Exciting time ahead!
Important or exciting collections sold through you and why you've enjoyed it: There is nothing quite like selling the entire untouched contents of a private house. The catalogue sale held for the late Major Hext from Coniston in the Lake District is one such example. These sales reflect the family's history over many generations and always uncover a few star lots or surprises.