The Theodore Bruce name has been synonymous with Australian auctioneering for 135 years.

Formed by the late Theodore Bruce in Adelaide in 1878, today Theodore Bruce Auctions Pty Ltd is a world-renowned fourth generation family auction house.

Theodore Bruce was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, in 1847, and immigrated to Australia with his parents in 1852. He attended school at St Peter’s College, Adelaide, before heading to the bush to work on cattle and sheep stations. However, the world of commerce beckoned, and Theodore returned to Adelaide to work in the National Bank of Adelaide.

img_about02In 1878 Theodore Bruce set up an auctioneering business in partnership with George Aldridge, for many years the Chairman of the Adelaide Stock Exchange. In 1889, he opened offices in the Old Exchange, Pirie Street, and became a member of the Stock Exchange of Adelaide. Theodore Bruce was elected Mayor of the Unley Council in 1898 – at the same time occupying the unique position of being a Councillor in the Adelaide Corporation. He was also selected Mayor of the Queen City of the South in 1904.

James Bruce, born in 1957, is a fourth generation Auctioneer and Valuer. He began working with Theodore Bruce Auctions Pty Ltd in 1977 as a storeman, and worked his way to Auction Manager by 1982. After working in both the United States of America and Great Britain, James returned to Adelaide in 1987, eventually re-joining Theodore Bruce Auctions and becoming Managing Director in 1995.

Today, Theodore Bruce Auctions combines its proud history with the latest technological innovations – including live streaming of auctions and online bidding – to attract bidders from around the world.

The result? A fast, efficient and professional service – and maximised prices for your items as they are sold by public auction.