# Amati

> Amati (Amati Instruments Ltd) is a London auction house specialising in violins, violas, cellos and bows. Founded in 2013 by James Buchanan, it holds specialist and affordable online auctions through the year, offers free auction valuations online and at valuation days across the UK, Europe and the United States, and publishes the Makers' Archive, a free reference of stringed-instrument makers and their auction results.

Key facts:

- Office: 10A Chandos Street, London W1G 9DQ, United Kingdom (just off Cavendish Square). Telephone +44 (0)20 7099 7114.
- Member of the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers and Valuers (SOFAA).
- Founder and specialist: James Buchanan, formerly of Christie's.
- Auctions are held online at https://app.amati.com. Past sales and lot results are listed there.
- Prices Amati publishes for sold lots include the buyer's premium (hammer price plus premium, excluding VAT on the premium) unless stated otherwise.
- Auction valuations are free and without obligation.

## Selling and valuations

- [Valuations](https://amati.com/valuations/): How Amati values violins, violas, cellos and bows, free for auction.
- [Free online valuation](https://amati.com/online-valuation): Send photographs for a free auction estimate.
- [Book a valuation day appointment](https://amati.com/book/): Upcoming valuation days by town, with venues and times.
- [Selling at auction](https://amati.com/selling-at-auction/): The steps from valuation to consignment, sale and payment.

## Buying

- [Buying at auction](https://amati.com/buying-at-auction/): Registering, bidding and paying at Amati sales.
- [Auction calendar](https://amati.com/auctions/): Current and upcoming sales.
- [Catalogues](https://amati.com/catalogues/): Downloadable sale catalogues.

## Reference

- [Makers' Archive](https://amati.com/makers-archive/): Biographies of violin, viola, cello and bow makers with their recorded auction results.
- [Browse makers A to Z](https://amati.com/makers-archive/browse/): Every maker in the archive by surname.
- [Blog](https://amati.com/blog/): Guides to valuing, buying and selling stringed instruments, and news from the saleroom.

## About

- [About Amati](https://amati.com/about/): The team, history and credentials.
- [Contact](https://amati.com/contact/): Address, telephone and email.