Auctioneer shares deep sadness at the passing of founder – John Pye 1930-2026

It is with great sadness John Pye Auctions Ltd has announced that John Pye passed away on the evening of Monday 10th August, surrounded by his whole family, at the grand age of 95.

John Pye lived a fantastic life full of laughter and hard work. He created a legacy within the family business which will live on forever. He was immensely proud of what John Pye & Sons has become, which is thanks to his determination, vision and contribution of every single one of the extended John Pye family - his colleagues over all the years.

John Pye founded the family business with his wife Ann Pye in 1968 as a partnership named ‘Furniture & General Auctions’ at Nottingham’s old Cattle Market site, with just a horse and cart and lived to see a small business grow into a British industry leading company.

For two decades, the company specialized in managing probate house clearances, cessation of business asset disposals and private chattels.

In 1990, the company was incorporated as ‘John Pye & Sons Limited’ and relocated to larger premises at Banton House, Meadow Lane, near Notts County Football ground to expand its client base in the East Midlands. As the business grew during the 1990’s UK recession period, John Pye & Sons acquired the old Shipstone’s ‘Star’ Brewery site in 1995, providing a huge base to expand from.

Always at the forefront of innovation, John Pye was the first auction house to embrace online auctions in the early 2000s, eventually replacing the traditional sale room auctions and moving 100% online.

Fast forward to 2026 and John Pye Auctions is now the UK’s leading commercial auction house network, fusing traditional auction principles with modern technology.
John Pye was one of six founding members of NAVA, the National Association of Auctioneers and Valuers in 1988, and later elected as Chairman. NAVA now is the largest UK association of auctioneers in the UK, recognised in Government procurement tenders and now part of PropertyMark with over 20,000 members from the property and chattels industry.
Anyone who knew John will remember him as a larger-than-life character, who had a positive and often playful impact on those around him. He was described as a true local legend who will be greatly missed by all.

He is survived by his wife Ann, two sons, granddaughter and grandson, who will continue John’s legacy. For John Pye and its customers, as was John’s way, it will be business as usual for the team as they continue with ambitious plans for the years ahead.
The Pye family would like to thank everyone for their kind words, support and patience at this incredibly sad time.