How to buy antiques, art and objects at auction

Start by checking the online catalogue. If something catches your eye, attend the public exhibition preceding the sale, talk to the experts on hand and decide on your maximum bid. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with the auction process, too. When the auctioneer states the opening price he may have to drop the figure to spur some interest and the figure will then start to rise. The hammer can come down fast after the announcement of an opening bid.  It is preferable to bid in person, but you can submit a written order with maximum price and also bid by telephone and at some houses, online (especially if you want to remain anonymous). Commission rates usually range from 20 to 25%. Auction houses can also advise if you have something to sell, with many providing free evaluations.

Auction houses in Brussels

Cornette de Saint Cyr

The Belgian wing of the French auction house is in a hôtel de maître, close to Avenue Louise. Belgian collectors rejoiced when the business opened last year, initially focusing on 20th-century modern and contemporary art and design. Belgian works also get a look-in.

89 Chaussée de Charleroi
www.cornettedesaintcyr.be

Pierre Bergé & Associés

The leading and successful French auction house swapped its Sablon headquarters for an office in Avenue Louise in in a surprise move last year. Sales now take place at the Cercle de Lorraine, Place Poelaert, six times a year.

479 Avenue Louise

www.pba-auctions.com

Millon & Associés

The French auctioneer has a modern Brussels office headed by a trio of experts in a three-floored building called the FORUM. The calendar is organised around themed auctions which aims to attract collectors on an annual basis.

Place du Grand Sablon
8A Bodenbroek
www.millon-associes.com

Louiza Auktion

The Belgian art auction house (pictured), operating from its Brussels base for more than three years, is reputed for its modern and contemporary works. It holds six major sales a year: modern, design, 19th- and 20th-century paintings and sculpture, photos and comic strips.

6 Place Stéphanie
www.louizaauktion.com

Artcurial

This French company also moved to the Belgian capital last spring. Occupying second position in its home country, behind Sotheby’s but ahead of Christie’s, it continues to develop its international network. Coming up at auction are art, decorative objects, arms, transport, design, comic strip, books and photos

5 Avenue Franklin Roosevelt
www.artcurial.com

Hôtel de Ventes Horta

One of Brussels’ more established auction houses is inside a magnificent Art Deco-style building. Among the items auctioned here are antiques, comic strips, wine, carpets, ceramics, clocks, oil paintings, glass, unique furniture, lighting, prints, books, miniatures, jewellery and other curiosities.

70/74 Avenue de Roodebeek
www.horta.be