Ritchies Auctioneers

I think my friends paddle number was an omen???

A very sad, sad, feeling as I walk into the auction rooms tonight at Ritchies, not only because of how it all ended for us....but because: there was no buzz, no smiles, no laughter, they didn't even laugh when the auctioneer attempted a joke about payment at the beginning of the sale....it really was like the visitation for a funeral. Even the baillifs auction staff didn't look happy, well then again, I wouldn't be either sitting behind a large black laquered dining table being used for the absentee desk....

There were the usual faces in the audience bidding away but again it was very somber, even my friend asked "is the usual feeling at an auction?"

These galleries use to be a hum of activity and so many exciting sales took place at Ritchies, the staff and the clients would feed off of the vibe...you felt like you were part of the event...that history was being made...that we were all part of something special...

Now....I'm standing looking into the coffin ready to close the lid.