Blackwell Auctions, LLC is a family-operated business owned by Edwin Blackwell Bailey and Shannon Bailey. The name stems from Edwin’s great, great grandfather, Blackwell Bailey. Blackwell Auctions is becoming known for carefully selecting distinctive items for its sales, ranging from fine art, jewelry, militaria, coins and stamps, to furniture, sterling silver and more. Single items, collections and estates are purchased or accepted on consignment.
Edwin Blackwell Bailey, originally from San Antonio, Texas, has made St. Petersburg, Florida his home for last 25 years. A treasure hunter at heart, he has been a collector since the age of five, starting out with baseball cards and stamps. His curiosity for old things grew to include items like fine china, silver, historical ephemera, and artwork, beginning a lifelong hobby that would later become a successful career path. Since 2004, Edwin has worked full time buying and selling art and antiques. He opened Blackwell Auctions in 2015.
Over the last 20 years, Edwin has visited thousands of homes as a trusted buyer. While modest about his expertise, he describes his process as surgical—explaining all options to his clients before either party makes a decision. Edwin understands that it is often difficult to part with personal belongings. He readily shares his knowledge for free and receives gratitude in return for “empowering” people to sell or consign their family heirlooms. His thoughtful approach helps eliminate the doubt about the worth of an item, allowing his clients to move forward and they are often pleasantly surprised.
Shannon Bailey, the Business Manager, handles behind-the-scenes operations and customer relations, ensuring that all aspects of the auction experience run smoothly. Shannon grew up in St. Petersburg and attended Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. When not at the gallery, Shannon generously donates her time and leadership skills as a community volunteer. She serves at BridgePoint Church and with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) at the local, state and national levels. She is the current GFWC Florida Director of Junior Clubs, leading statewide projects related to children’s advocacy, women’s health, literacy, and other programs that positively impact the lives of Floridians. Shannon is also involved with SOZO Children in Uganda and has traveled there twice with the organization.
Logistics Manager Thad Deye produces expert photography of auction items and handles in-house packing and shipping services. Before joining forces with Blackwell Auctions, Thad owned and operated P.k.g.’s in St. Petersburg for over 20 years. His shop was the go-to for all the local auction houses in need of professional packing and shipping. Blackwell’s staff also includes Auction Specialist Janet Williams, who maintains consignor inventory and the gallery’s social media presence. On auction day, a team of well-trained staff, including well-known auctioneer John Noble, comes together to run a smooth sale.
