Mr. Ford Goes to Auction: Andrew Ford Celebrates a Milestone

By Gus Mollasis • October 2023

When Andrew Ford of Sarasota Estate Auction starts the bidding at its next two auctions In November, he will mark an incredible milestone in his interesting and fulfilling career.

When you are raised behind an antique shop in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, it should come as no surprise that life leads you to a career of seeking, finding, and selling some of the most interesting works and treasures by some of the art world’s biggest names.

And that’s exactly what the affable and knowledgeable gentleman named Andrew Ford has done for some thirty years—addressing the needs of his clients and customers with confidence and an empathy that tells them “You’ll be taken care of. I got this.”

And while he may accomplish his goal, both he, his wife and co-owner Lathrop Ford, and his staff never take their clients or customers for granted for this simple reason. 

According to Ford, “The most important part of our business is recognizing that these are people’s personal objects, and we are granted the privilege and honor of being that vehicle or vessel which respects the transition of valuables from one good home to the next.”

Home for Andrew Ford, at least his home for the artistic treasures he encounters, is in historic Burns Court. Both his Sarasota Trading and Sarasota Estate Auctionbusinesses are located at 522 South Pineapple, adjacent to Burns Court theater and in front of Owen’s Fish Camp. Ford moved the auction component of the operation to this downtown location three years ago and has also opened two art galleries—Ford Art & Antiques at 510 South Pineapple and Andrew Ford Fine Art located at 502 South Pineapple, exclusively featuring the works of Venezuelan born American artist and sculptor Jorge Blanco.

For Ford, his commitment is not only to his love of art, but it is also to the city of Sarasota. “What’s not to love about Sarasota? The sun, the beaches, the great golf, and tennis,” he says. “But for me and the many who come here from all over the country, it’s the great passion our community has in supporting the arts—all art.”

While art is the name of Ford’s game, make no mistake, the man with the easy smile and piercing blue eyes, who stands six feet four and hovers gently above the enthusiastic crowds who attend his auctions throughout the year, takes his business of art very seriously. And because of that he has had staying power in an industry where the faint of heart fade away and those lacking passion don’t stick around. 

Ford is ready once again to step to the podium for his next Sarasota Estate Auction (Saturday, November 4 & Sunday, November 5), take the gavel in hand, and welcome all those attending either in person, via the phone, or through the online platforms, as he introduces art lovers both down the street and across the pond to a world of artistic treasures that comprise his always riveting auctions.    

“Our November Fine Art auction is a milestone in my auctioneer career as our Saturday November 4 auction will be our 99^th auction, and our Sunday, November 5 auction will be our 100^th auction.” 

Even to Ford, who makes the art of conducting an auction look easy, this is a big deal with many big names to tout and market to the art loving public.

With recent auctions, even while Ford has dropped the gavel selling works by Picasso, Dali, Hockney, Romare Bearden, John Singer Sargent and even a Grandma Moses, he’s not a name dropper in the traditional sense. But even he can’t hide his excitement for the upcoming auction and the temptation to drop a few names.

“We have an exceptional collection featuring Dale Chihuly—four pieces of art glass and three important abstract paintings. Dale Chihuly is one of the big icons in the art glass world,” he says with a smile. “My colleague calls these pieces the Magnificent Seven.” 

“We also have a monumental collage by David Hockney who is truly a British Modern Master. And I’m really excited about a piece called The Four Seasons by Francoise Gilot, the muse and inspiration of none other than Pablo Picasso.”

You can always count on every auction conducted by Andrew Ford and Sarasota Estate Auction to have an eclectic lineup of fine art and antiques. And the next two milestone auctions are no different. Wide ranging. Eclectic. Something for everyone.

In addition to the Chihuly, Hockney, and Gilot pieces, the November auction will feature other fine art as well as an important collection of estate jewelry including fine gold bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and gemstone rings.

The always thoughtful Ford ponders the line he walks, performing as both one of the best auction houses in Florida, personally catering to the needs of the local market, while at the same time being a big global player exposing his client’s treasures to the world market.

“As a result of the global demand for fine art and antiques, we have found that a sale with depth in various disciplines leads to the highest gross.”

Like any successful business owner, Ford monitors and stresses the importance of supply and demand. “Demand for fine art, jewelry and style has never been stronger,” says Ford.

“Our global reach increases with every auction. Clients in Europe, China and Southeast Asia are acquiring new inventory at a staggering rate, and Sarasota continues to be the epicenter of art and culture in the state of Florida.”

Ford’s auctions often include not only fine art, but Asian porcelains, estate jewelry, time pieces, stylish furniture, and high fashion. Each auction has its own unique identity, and the outcome often correlates to the intellect and savvy of the buyers. 

Everyone is invited on November 4 and 5 to 522 South Pineapple Avenue for these two milestone auctions. 

And one thing is for sure. There will be buyers from all over the world.

The couple in Venice with their sights set on a Gilot; the man in Boston seeking a painting from the American school; the porcelain collector in China; the Hockney enthusiast in London, and of course Chihuly fans worldwide. 

Most likely, deep down inside, Andrew Ford can’t help but a feel a bit proud of his milestone accomplishment. Who wouldn’t be? And like any pro, it represents the next exciting time he can perform his highest form of service in his life destiny and represents two more times he has a chance to move special pieces of art from one good home to another. 

Bravo, Mr. Ford!

For more information on the November 4 and 5 auction and other auctions, please call (941) 359-8700 or visit sarasotaestateauction.com.