The Original Architectural Antiques Company (OAA), one of the oldest and best established architectural and garden antique companies in the UK, has engaged Wellers Auctioneers to undertake an unreserved auction sale at its unique converted farm premises strategically located on the south side of Cirencester. This business is a proven Mecca for the great and the good of the Cotswolds to find unusual quality pieces for their period homes.
 
John Rawlinson, who took bought the company 25 years ago, has built an international reputation, both within the trade and with private clients, many of whom are major celebrities, as the go-to destination for oak refrectory tables, large limestone troughs, old well heads, stone fireplaces, ancient oak doors and an eclectic mix of statuary and decorative items suitable for both interiors and outside.
 
OAA is about to embark on the next phase of its expansion: refitting and reformatting its showrooms and yard to create an even more pleasurable buying experience. More customer parking is required and easier access for moving the large items in which OAA specialises. As a result, OAA is having a once in a lifetime, unreserved sale to create more space.
 
John has an interesting background. After reading History at Oxford University he spent ten years as an International Banker, both in London and the USA, before retraining as a teacher and becoming Headmaster of a local preparatory school. He then founded an educational agency looking after Russian children attending Independent schools in the UK, co-produced a feature film which had a (pre 007) Daniel Craig and Toni Collette in the cast and was involved in a range of other business start ups before concentrating full time on architectural salvage and reclaimed building materials. Old oak beams are a speciality.
 
In 2005 John was featured in BBC2's series 'The Reclaimers', which brought architectural antiques, salvage and reclamation to a national TV audience. The programme followed John to France where he sourced much of his stock and where he combined his love of history, his ability to speak French and his discerning professional eye.
 
John commented, "This sale represents the culmination of my time in this niche part of the antiques world. The stock coming up for auction is impossible to replace. Once it finds its way into local Cotswold houses or refurbishment projects in London it rarely re-emerges. But I am also excited about what comes next and I am looking forward to filling the yard with new discoveries."
 
The Original Architectural Antiques auction by Wellers will be held on Saturday 12th April at Ermin Farm, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 5PN. For details telephone Wellers on 01483 802280 or OAA on 01285 869222.