Livestock auction house Lodge & Thomas is adding to its pedigree by launching a fine art auction room in Truro.

Well known for its livestock market and estate agency, the firm already offers existing antiques and general furniture sales.

Now, however, the firm will hold monthly catalogued auctions of antiques and fine art, as well as general furnishings, in a purpose built sale room that has been recently built.

The auctions will be overseen by newly recruited auctioneer Carl Nielsen, an experienced fine art valuer. Graduating from Falmouth College of Arts in 2003 with a BA Honours degree in fine art, he has more than eight years’ experience working in auction rooms in the south west, including Bonhams in Bath and The Penzance Auction Rooms.

Carl said he was “excited about the opportunities” that lay ahead, adding: “I hope to help create a sale room to service the whole of Cornwall to the highest standards, embracing new technologies including online sales, to enhance the buying and selling experience for our clients.”

Andrew Body, a partner in Lodge & Thomas, said Carl brought with him a “wealth of experience”.

Valuations can be arranged with Carl Nielsen by appointment in the sale room or at the Lemon Street Office, with home visits possible for furniture or large collections of items.