Trade Intro – Meet Gillian Graham, John Pye Luxury Auction Manager
Gillian Graham, the luxury auction manager at John Pye Luxury and the face behind this relatively new area of their business. Gillian might be new to auctions but she’s is no stranger to jewellery with her 14 years in working in the pawnbroking industry.
We now have the pleasure of finding out a little more about Gillian with a few Q&As, enjoy!
Tell us about you and the work you do?
My role is to manage the John Pye Luxury department, this includes working with talented colleagues who authentic, value, photograph and describe items ready to enter our Watch, Jewellery and Designer wear auctions. A major part of my role is liaising with clients selling their items and customers purchasing items through our auctions and online Shop.
What attracted you to John Pye?
I have known the John Pye establishment for several years through my previous role and have known some of the team for many years. When the opportunity arose to work for the Luxury department, it excited me to except this new challenge and work with an established auction house to continue the development that the team has achieved over the years.
Coming from the pawnbroking background, have you had to learn any new skills?
There are mainly key factors that are transferrable from pawnbroking to auctioneering, although the biggest change was from being a client to now a service supplier, I feel this skill set has supported me to establish myself within the business and department.
What are your current goals?
My current goal is to continue to build on the brand awareness of the John Pye Luxury brand and the products that we can offer both clients and customers.
What are your ambitions for the future, both personally and for the organisation?
My personal ambition is to be the fittest and healthiest I can, however I do love a cake! I started from doing C25K in January this year, which was challenging to start with, but through training and support from my fellow runners and family I have really started to enjoy the buzz of running. I have even set the goal to run a 10K obstacle course with my husband this year.
My ambition for the John Pye Luxury department is to continue to develop the success of the department, through increasing awareness of the beautiful stock that is available through our auctions and online shop.
Are you a tea, coffee or hot chocolate person or are you like many of us and its a glass of wine and feet up?
A cup of tea with my colleagues, but a nice cold glass of juice is preferred.
How do you spend your weekends?
My weekends are about making memories with my family, Saturdays are Mummy and Daughter days, starting with watching her develop her skills at her Silks class followed by a fun packed afternoon, that can be from Trampolining to a Tie-Dye Tea Party. As the sun rises on a Sunday morning, my Cockapoo and I head out for a morning run/walk, there is nothing nicer than living beside the canal where we can stretch our legs for a few miles to start the day. Sundays are family adventure days, from walking the hills in the nearby Peak District to visiting local farms and theme parks.
To find out more about John Pye Luxury and contact Gillian, click here
