Kaja Veilleux: A Dynamic Force in Antiques

Our founder and owner, Kaja Veilleux, has been a dynamic force in the Maine antiques and fine art marketplace for over four decades. He began his career in Skowhegan, engaging in antique buying, selling, and appraisal services. Later, he moved to Newcastle and opened a high-quality antiques and fine art retail store. From his Newcastle base, he also periodically conducted estate auctions.

The Birth of Free Appraisal Day

While in Newcastle, Kaja introduced an innovative service concept: Free Appraisal Day. Each week, people brought their treasured possessions to receive verbal value estimates. This breakthrough idea provided market information on the value of their items, as opposed to relying on valuations given by potential buyers. This concept evolved into our weekly Tuesday Free Appraisal Day and numerous appraisal events each year, conducted as fundraisers for not-for-profit organizations throughout New England.

Establishing Thomaston Place Auction Galleries

In 1995, Kaja purchased the current Thomaston facility and focused on conducting auctions. Thomaston Place Auction Galleries (TPAG) was created, initially offering a variety of auction types, from fully advertised estate sales to locally focused ‘Friday Night’ events.

Strategic Shift and Growth

In 2004, TPAG refocused their business to conduct 4 to 6 gallery auctions each year. This focus included a worldwide marketing campaign for each auction. To accommodate an increase in telephone and absentee bidders, additional resources were added. In 2006, live bidding via the internet was introduced as another option for participating in TPAG auctions.

Continuous Growth and World Record Sales

Since the strategic shift to fewer auctions and enhanced marketing, TPAG has experienced continuous growth in sales revenues and achieved many world record sales prices. The down-home auction style has positively impacted people's perceptions of auctions, demonstrating that they are fun, open to everyone (not just dealers), and a great place to buy and sell items.