Since our humble beginnings in 2001, we have grown to be one of the leading regional auction houses in America.
Founded by Colin Stair, a fourth-generation furniture specialist, we have a team of specialists with over 150 years of combined experience, who provide a high level of expertise and exemplary client service.
Primarily servicing the New York City metro area and tri-state region, we hold live auctions at our gallery in Hudson, NY, twice a month. As one of the first proponents of online auction technology, we’ve balanced the expectations of a modern marketplace with the charm of a traditional auction house. Our use of online bidding platforms allows us to reach over one million buyers worldwide.
Small by Design
STAIR is small by design, allowing for flexibility and personalized service. Our creative business strategy enables us to sell a single item or an entire estate, across a wide range of values. We truly understand the rapidly changing auction market and have the proven ability to respond to your individual needs with integrity.
A Hands-on Approach
Estimating items correctly is so important. We base estimates on past auction records, current market strength, and desirability. Our strategy of conservative estimates, where a market has weakened, helps enhance interest in an item that might be overlooked if estimated too high. Likewise, an ambitious estimate, on an item which merits it, will suggest its importance and increase interest. Ninety-seven percent of property we offer sells first time.
Our hands-on approach to marketing each individual sale begins with communications by our specialists to relevant clients and previous buyers of comparable lots. Through targeted emails and live bidding directly through STAIR, our online presence reaches a network of over one million buyers. Articles by our specialists, highlighting specific works, themes and collecting categories, are published on our website and sent out in our regular email blasts.
Sales are promoted in various publications, including: The New York Times; Antiques Trade Gazette (a London-based weekly publication and website serving the art and antiques community); The Art Newspaper (the journal of record for the visual arts world, covering international news and events); Antiques & The Arts Weekly (the nation’s leading weekly publication on the Antiques and Arts trade) and Maine Antiques Digest (an American trade publication). Of course, we have a full array of social media promotions on our Facebook and Instagram accounts.
We hold extended auction previews at our gallery, located in the heart of the vibrant antiques and shopping district in Hudson, New York. Our expandable footprint of exhibition space is beautifully and thoughtfully customized for each auction. Our proximity to NYC and in-house trucking ensures timely site visits and collections of property.