Careers Spotlight: Alan Crowe-White, Local Auctioneer and Valuer

For our first Careers Spotlight, we’re excited to feature Alan Crowe-White, an experienced Auctioneer and Valuer at Ibbett Mosely, Chartered Surveyors.

With over 40 years in the field, Alan shared his journey into the auction world, revealing how he discovered a rewarding career path in a field he hadn’t originally intended to pursue.

From the Royal Marines to the Auction House

Alan’s career began with a different vision altogether: he initially planned to follow in his father’s footsteps and join the Royal Marines, which he did after completing his CSEs and O Levels. However, after realizing that the military wasn’t the right fit for him, he found himself at a crossroads. During this period, he took up a temporary job as a porter in a small auction house in his hometown of Hythe, Kent.

What began as a short-term job soon ignited a lasting interest. Alan became fascinated with cataloguing antiques and preparing items for auction. Over time, he developed skills in valuing and cataloguing fine art and antiques, eventually advancing to roles as an Auctioneer and Valuer. From there, he decided to pursue auctioneering as a career.

40 Years in the Auction Business

Now a Partner at Ibbett Mosely in Sevenoaks, Alan leads the Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers Department. His role includes appraising items for auction, valuing estates for inheritance and insurance purposes, and even selling property by auction. Working with a team of talented staff, Alan manages both traditional in-person auctions from the rostrum and online auctions, allowing him to connect with buyers around the world.

Alan’s workday is anything but ordinary. "A typical day might involve visiting clients in their homes, working with solicitors, or meeting other professionals to value items for upcoming auctions,” he says. “I’m not tied to an office, which provides plenty of variety, and you never know who you’re going to meet or what you’re going to find.” Alan often travels up to 30,000 miles a year for his job, a reminder that being an auctioneer often requires life on the road.

Advice for Aspiring Auctioneers

Alan encourages young people interested in the field to explore the career opportunities in auctioneering. “It’s a very interesting career path to follow,” he says. Aspiring auctioneers can pursue qualifications through the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers (NAVA) to build professional skills. Working in an auction house provides opportunities to meet people from all walks of life, collaborate with professionals, and—who knows—perhaps even become a TV antiques expert!

Contact Alan Crowe-White

To learn more about a career in auctioneering or to seek Alan’s expertise in valuations and auctions, you can reach him at Ibbett Mosely’s Sevenoaks office:

Phone: (01732) 456731 or 07976 393461
Email: alanwhite@ibbettmosely.co.uk

We thank Alan for sharing his story and insights into the world of auctioneering. His journey demonstrates the power of curiosity and the rewards of pursuing a career you truly enjoy. Stay tuned for more inspiring profiles in our Careers Spotlight series!