‘People don’t have room anymore for large dining sets or bedroom suites’
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
In the heart of Richmond, Stephen Barrie continues a family legacy of auctioneering and antiquing that spans more than four decades. With roots in the Eastern Townships, Barrie and his family have built a thriving business in the unique and evolving world of antiques. In a recent interview, Barrie provided an insightful look at the challenges and joys of running an antique auction business, reflecting on the state of the market, local trends, and what it means to keep history alive through treasured pieces.
When Barrie speaks about antiques, it’s with a sense of both nostalgia and expertise. Having spent over 35 years in the antiquing and auctioneering business, Barrie is well-versed in the trade’s nuances. He officially took over his family’s auction business a decade ago, but his involvement started long before that, tagging along to auctions since he was a boy. His parents, Brian and Heather Barrie, began their foray into auctioneering and antiques in the early 1980s, operating primarily out of Richmond and the surrounding Eastern Townships.
“We’ve been in operation since the early ’80s, and my wife and I took over the business from my parents about 10 years ago,” Barrie said, referencing his family’s long history with the trade. “My parents were always passionate about collecting, and it was something they passed down to me.”
The business, now officially under Barrie’s leadership, continues to thrive, even as it adapts to the evolving market. Over the years, it has grown to become an integral part of the local community, offering a window into the past for collectors, history enthusiasts, and those simply in search of unique home décor.
A family tradition with deep roots
Barrie’s parents recently retired from their active role in the business, marking the occasion with a massive auction event held at the end of August. The sale liquidated over 50 years’ worth of antiques and collectibles his parents had amassed, housed primarily in a large three-story barn on their property, which had once belonged to Barrie’s grandparents.
“Over the years, that barn filled up with all kinds of unique pieces, especially advertising signage, tins, and general store merchandise,” Barrie shared. “My dad was really into advertising, so a lot of the collection focused on that.”
The collection, sold off in a two-day auction event, was a mix of rare finds and cherished pieces, marking the end of an era for the senior Barries. However, Stephen and his wife remain committed to keeping the family business alive, regularly holding auctions in the region.
“We advertise in The Sherbrooke Record regularly and still host both live and online auctions,” Barrie said. “We focus mainly on Canadiana and Quebecois antiques, which are always in demand.”
The legacy of the Barrie family’s auction house is deeply intertwined with the local culture of the Eastern Townships, known for its rich history and heritage. As Barrie continues to operate the business, he recognizes that their role in preserving this history goes beyond merely selling items—it’s about storytelling. Each item has its own history, and through the auctioning process, those stories get passed on to new owners who appreciate their cultural and historical significance.
