John Pye, Co-Founder of Auction House, Dies at 83
Tributes pour in for the visionary who grew a business from a horse and cart into an industry leader.
John Pye, the co-founder of the auction house John Pye & Sons, has died at the age of 83. Tributes from colleagues and the public have highlighted his determination and vision in transforming the company into a leading British industry firm.
A statement from the company described Pye as a "local legend" with a "larger than life character" who had a "positive and playful impact on those around him." The statement added that he "lived a fantastic life full of laughter and hard work."
John Pye & Sons was founded in 1968 by Pye and his father, starting with just a horse and cart. For its first two decades, the firm specialized in managing probate house clearances, cessation of business asset disposals, and private chattels. In 1990, the company was incorporated and relocated to larger premises to expand its client base in the East Midlands. By 1995, it had acquired the former Shipstone's 'Star' Brewery site to accommodate its growth.
The company transitioned from traditional live auctions to 24-hour timed auctions in 2007. Today, in addition to its head office in Nottingham, John Pye & Sons operates auction hubs across the United Kingdom in Derby, Birmingham, Bo'ness, and Margam, as well as a site in Zaragoza, Spain.
"He was immensely proud of what John Pye & Sons has become, which is thanks to his determination, vision and every single one of the extended John Pye family - his colleagues over all the years," the statement read. "He will be greatly missed by all of us."