HISTORY

Valued Judgement Since 1907

Outhwaite & Litherland first started in the 19th Century as a flower and bulb auctioneers selling boat loads of tulip and other bulbs from Europe on the Quayside. History has been lost on these times, but it was back in 1907 when Thomas Oscar Outhwaite joined Henry Reginald Litherland to start their chattel auction business, first in Harrington Street and then in Castle Street which was later destroyed by bomb damage during the war, moving onto Eberle Street, then Pembroke Place finally moving to today’s present auction rooms in Fontenoy Street. The company has been passed down through each family - passing on a wealth of knowledge and expertise to each generation. Now over a hundred years later Outhwaite and Litherland are the largest independent auctioneers in the North West who still offer that personal, friendly, family service and who now liaise with international authorities and experts to offer links for our clients to a world-wide market. Valuing items for sale by auction is like taking part in the Antiques Roadshow and can be every bit as exciting! We offer a free verbal valuation at our auction centre in Liverpool where our specialists are available anytime during office hours and at our Southport office or we give estimates from photographs and we can also visit clients premises. Our service also cover complete valuations, including our unique ‘fixplan’ valuations for insurance purposes, we can give expert advice on claims after burglary, fire or damage and valuations for probate, family division and capital transfer / inheritance tax.

The Society of Fine Art Auctioneers

Most industries have a professional governing body - an industry kite mark by which all standards are measured. Auctioneering is no exception and The Society of Fine Art Auctioneers is one of the highest affiliations to be associated with. The Society aims to provide guidance to its members to ensure the highest possible standards of practice in all regards and encouragement and reassurance to clients that their best interest will be served by the Society at all times. The membership currently includes three of the major London based firms as well as a significant number of the leading provincial specialist auctioneers. Outhwaite and Litherland are the only locally based members in the area thus underpinning our strong positioning within the region as well as ensuring the highest standards of professional conduct for our clients and their property.