An auction house in Bath that has been used by thousands of local residents over more than five decades is set to go into liquidation.
Aldridges of Bath Ltd on the Lower Bristol Road | Image © Google Street View / Google 2025
Aldridges of Bath Ltd, based on the Lower Bristol Road, has appointed insolvency practitioner Begbies Traynor to act on its behalf.
On its website, Aldridges says it was “founded in the mid-18th century, originally an equine auctioneers and ‘horse bazaar’ based in London’s Covent Garden until 1940”.
Aldridges of Bath Ltd was established in the 1970s, originally trading from Walcot Street before moving to premises on the Lower Bristol Road.
Begbies Traynor has confirmed that notices will be sent to creditors of the business this week, commencing 8th September.
A spokesperson from the firm said: “We can confirm that we have been engaged by Aldridges of Bath Ltd.
“We are anticipating that notices will be issued to creditors of the company this week. At this current time we are unable to confirm any more details.”
The Echo has been advised that client money was not kept in separate accounts, and any funds owed to customers will form part of the assets in the liquidation proceedings.
We also understand that at least one customer, who sold assets from their late mother’s estate totalling just under £1,400, has not received funds from the sale of goods in various auctions dating back to June.
The customer was advised on 29th August that payment was due to be made, however just one payment of £32 was received on 2nd September. Further requests for information have not been responded to, and the answerphone was no longer accepting messages as it was full.
The Echo has been contacted by multiple customers of Aldridges, many of whom have said that contact including emails and phone calls are ignored, and they are owed substantial funds by the company.
One of them, who has been buying and selling through the firm for more than ten years, said they were ‘disgusted’ by the company’s denial that there was anything wrong.
All of the company’s social media accounts have been deactivated.
The auction house’s website says: “We take pride in providing an honest and friendly service, and make the process of selling & buying antiques at auction as simple as possible.”
