James Rylands

James Rylands began his career in the auction industry in 1979 at Sotheby Bearnes in Torquay. He then transitioned to Sotheby’s in Sussex in 1981, where he continued to develop his expertise in antiques and valuations. Over the years, Rylands became known for his comprehensive knowledge of social history, antique items, and contemporary culture. His skills led him to consultation roles with major institutions such as Sotheby’s, where he specialized in areas including garden statuary.

Rylands further extended his professional reach into television, participating in various productions where he shared his knowledge as an expert and valuer. He appeared as ‘Self – Expert’ in ‘The Great Antiques Hunt’ in 1997 and as ‘Self – Valuer’ in the TV series ‘Car Booty’ in 2004. In 2008, he featured as ‘Self’ in an episode of ‘Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is’. These television appearances helped establish him as a recognized figure in the antiques community. His acting credit includes a role as ‘Customs Officer 2’ in ‘The Sea Change’ in 1998.

A significant milestone in Rylands’ career was the co-founding of Summers Place Auctions, where he served as a director. He was actively involved in significant sales, such as discussing a rare Cotswold monogrammed cresting dated 1860 and commenting on a pair of 19th-century braziers. After 44 years in the auction business, including his work with Summers Place Auctions, James Rylands retired in 2023.