Kerry Taylor: Frocks on the block

Noella Mingo visits Kerry Taylor Auctions in Dulwich and discovers an empire of clothes

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could buy beautiful clothes from the likes of Coco Chanel and Valentino for a fraction of the price you’d expect? Or how about on-trend 1950s floral tea dresses and authentic beaded gowns for less than the cost of dinner? Well you can and thanks to Kerry Taylor Auctions, they’re available right here on our doorstep.

Originally from North Wales, Kerry Taylor has called West Dulwich home since 1986 and has run her business from there since 2004. Although she’s a natural auctioneer, Kerry didn’t grow up dreaming of wielding a gavel, in fact her aim was to train as a textile designer. But fate had other ideas, and by mistake she was enrolled on a fine art course instead. With a year to fill until she could start the correct course, Kerry joined Sotheby’s in Chester as a junior receptionist. She loved Sotheby’s and her hard work, dedication and flair were quickly noticed because at 20, she became Sotheby’s youngest auctioneer.

In 1986 Kerry moved to the New Bond Street office where she re-established costume and textile sales and eventually became a director. She went on to work on many landmark sales, including the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s wardrobes at Sotheby’s New York in 1997.

In November 2003 fate once again took a hand in Kerry’s future when Sotheby’s decided to specialise in art and she was made redundant. Redundancy was a huge shock but with two children in local schools Kerry had no time to feel sorry for herself. She says, “It was a case of pull yourself together woman, and fast.” Kerry decided to stick with what she knew best and set up her own auctioneering business, as fashion and textiles had long been her passion and it made sense to specialise in these areas. Kerry explains, “I had started to collect textiles and clothes when I worked in antique shops as a teenager. In fact, I still have a 1930s sequined cape that I bought at 15 with my saved up pocket money. I fell in love with its glamour, uniqueness and quality of workmanship. I feel the same passion for vintage clothes today as I did then.” Her passion has certainly found a niche in the market as Kerry Taylor runs the only auction house in Europe to specialise in fashion and textiles.

Although Kerry Taylor Auctions is based in Martell Road, the early sales were held at her old stomping ground, Sotheby’s. “I started by holding two sales a year using rented space at Sotheby’s and my first was in June 2004. It was just seven months after my redundancy, and I never looked back.”

Kerry's first West Dulwich sale came about by chance after a man clearing a house in Brixton contacted her. The house was crammed with clothes and amongst the moth eaten furs and mouse droppings Kerry found some truly breath-taking pieces, including haute couture by Dior and Worth. Some of the items were so important that they were bought by the Victoria & Albert Museum.

Now, as well as holding headline-grabbing events in central London – such as the recent wardrobe sales of Jerry Hall and Daphne Guinness, Kerry has a ‘mini’ auction in West Dulwich every two months. I went along to check one out. Before the sale began the buyers took their seats, drank tea and chatted amongst themselves. But behind the scenes, Kerry and her team were a hive of activity ensuring that the telephones were set for phone bids and that the laptop was ready for Ebayers. I’m delighted to report that there was nothing intimidating about the sale. The atmosphere was professional but friendly and incredibly exciting, especially when people on the phone and Ebay were bidding against buyers in the room. The final prices were unbelievable – a Chanel couture silk dress sold for just £50! I had my eye on Lot 1014; a black crepe Ossie Clark trouser suit, in the end it sold for £150 – sadly not to me.

Kerry’s next sale is 17 September and it promises to be special. One of the main attractions will be the Sandy Stagg ‘A Life In Vintage’ Collection. For the last 15 years Sandy Stagg has sold lovingly collected clothes at The Antique Clothing Shop in Portobello Road. Before it closed in June, her shop was a magnet for designers and fashionistas alike – John Galliano, Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen have all visited at one time or another. But now this veteran trader is retiring and Kerry will sell her entire collection this month. I’ve been lucky enough to have a preview and agree with Kerry when she says, “the Sandy Stagg collection is very affordable and very accessible. It’s perfect for buy to wear and people will get a lot more for their money here, than they would in a shop”.

All of the Lots can be seen online at www.kerrytaylorauctions.com and will be available to view in person on 15 and 16 September from 9.30am to 5pm.

If you’re interested in fashion, beat a path to Kerry Taylor’s door. The auctions are friendly yet exciting and a wonderful way to pick up unique items at bargain prices.

Kerry Taylor Auctions, Unit C25, Parkhall Trading Estate, 40 Martell Road SE21 8EN; 020 8676 4600