Allow me to tell you about my unfortunate experience with John Moran auction house. Back in March 2020 I had won a bid on an item that had passed several times in previous auctions. This item was unusually personal, old, out of fashion and inconspicuous, obviously not highly desirable. My partner and I decided to place a bid on it the third time it came up for bidding since we had already developed an affinity for this items and felt we could provide it a good home. Even though the item wasn't that great to look at, it still had the signature style and visual aura of the 19th century continental school. So we went ahead an purchased for an amount way less that their stipulated estimate. The day after we won the item we received an invoice from Morans stating the hammer price, premium and tax values. In the invoice we were notified of making the payment online within 24 hours. Then there was the typical litany about storage fees, shipment options, etc... Immediately after paying the invoice we communicated to them that we will be picking up the item in person to which they replied to contact a third person and schedule an appointment for pick up. Because of the Covid-19 lockdown it took two weeks to get a response back from whomever was in charge of dispatching the items under such restrictive pickup schedules. By the time we were allowed to make an appointment to pick up the item three weeks have already passed and we were not available during the limited pick up times granted by John Moran. So we managed to hire a third party to pick up the item for us. This guy was an African American working part time as a delivery personnel so he could help himself pay for school at UCLA. A brilliant young man of an impeccable integrity. He arrived at the John Moran's facility in Monrovia, California on a Tuesday of that month around 12:45 PM. Upon his arrival, He was let in the lobby by two men, employees. One of them had a small black dog that was acting shy as if scared. One of the guys asked my lack delivery guy:" what are you here for? My delivery guy answered "to pick up lot number ###" it would had been polite for the employee to have said instead: good afternoon, how can I help you? But now, he wanted to lay out the rules that black people don't belong there. About a minute later a third guy rushed in from the back near the restrooms and murmured to employee number two:" I don't know why this black puppy is scared of him because they kind of look alike..." When the "owner" of the dog heard him say that, he proceeded and handed my delivery guy a dog treat, and to elude the racists comment he said: oh no, the dog is just afraid of masks, so we are teaching him/her to not be afraid of them by feeding him/her a dog treats." That comment not only validated what my black delivery guy heard but also made him feel like in order to be welcome there, he was forced to feed a dog a treat so the dog could be comforted after being visually distressed by a black person's presence. Several minutes passed, a Hispanic guy walked in from the back and retrieved the invoice from my delivery guy and went back in their storage facility and brought in the item. As the item arrived in the lobby in a rugged cart, the same guy who made the racist comment gave a "high five" to the second employee and loudly said: "...I told you only and idiot would buy that crap..." My black delivery guy Wisely ignored this comment since he had no financial nor emotional investment in the transaction. However, the employees' comment was aggressive and below rude. When my delivery guy began to exit the front door with my purchase ,all the employees disappeared and didn't even offer to open the door to secure the item had been safely removed. When the delivery guy arrived and expressed to us what had happened we showed him a current John Moran's catalogue so he can point out to us who made the nasty comments... and there was the picture of Mr. R. We decided to compensate the delivery guy with a well deserving tip and a more deserving apology. Regretfully, we did not file a complaint at the time. We are very disappointed about this incident and wish the older John Moran was still around. He would had been devastated by how his employees treated their fellow human being. Mr. Moran was a man who loved and respected everybody. He always greeted every person with a warm smile and made you feel like a member of his family. We truly hope this unfortunate situation was just a gross misunderstanding. read more

I have bought and sold items through JMA for 20+ years, both art works (photos are a painting I bought at JMA in 2010) but also sold jewelry and couture items from my mother's estate. They are a family business and very pleasant to deal with, very professional. I sold a Guy Wiggins at one of their auctions and it took the buyer (who was in London England) six weeks to pay but JMA kept working it until everyone was happy. The ring (pictured) was interesting because it was supposed to be worth $800 but we got it GIA certified as a natural pearl and suddenly it was worth $8000. I just consigned three paintings for the JMA California paintings sale that will occur in November 2022 and met with Jeff the CEO but also encountered staff members who I have dealt with for years and so was reminded to share my positive experiences on Yelp. When you sell a valuable painting, the buyers really like to see it in person, for a private party like me this is where JMA really shines. read more

My parents have reached out to John Moran Auctioneers for appraisals and selling pieces throughout the years and have had very positive experiences. After witnessing this, I then worked with them on my own paintings that I wished to sell over the last 10 years. They were able to auction them for very fair prices. I was pleased. I was even happy with their customer service regarding a painting, by the same artist, that was just not selling. This painting was a seascape VS a landscape. Because of their honesty, I decided to wait on selling it until the market increases for seascapes to get a better return. The new Monrovia location is beautiful and I love the idea that they can auction there and online. I will definitely attend some auctions in the future! Complimentary wine too! Lol. They have beautiful pieces and now it's displayed to see them before the specific scheduled auction. Overall a win, win, win. You should check them out! read more

I have been absolutely thrilled with every interaction I've had with John Moran Auctioneers in the past year. They appraised my elderly mother's collection of antique European oil paintings and successfully sold every one that I put on consignment. They also several pieces from my own art collection, much to my delight. Morgana Blackwelder was especially helpful - she' knowledgeable, professional, as well as warm and friendly. I loved doing business with her. She knows the art field and she knows her buyers as well. She was very helpful in making suggestions for the pieces that she didn't take on consignment, for which I am very grateful. I can't speak highly enough of John Moran Auctioneers. I have referred a couple friends and will continue to do so in the future. They're terrific! read more

So sad to say but if you are a person of color, RUN THE OTHER WAY. Upon your in person visit, Mr. "R" Vice President goes out of his way to ensure you are not welcome there. I have purchased many items from them, artwork, vintage lamps, furniture, etc...and although their stock is not always honestly described I thought I should give them a chance again Once more. It's very disappointing to not only risk purchasing their "shady described" lots, but also having to risk being discriminated upon by the color of your skin. Adios John Moran. By the way, they should change their name so the integrity, carisma and impecable reputation of the old man remains intact. read more

I am an long time collector so know my way around an auction house. I recently condensed my collection and sold some 550 items through different auction houses that fit the genre and style of pieces that I owned. John Moran helped me source these lots so I would maxamize my returns. I have always wanted to start collecting antique Native American paintings from the 1870 to 1920's. I did my first sales at John Moran's and acquired two (2) Edwin Willard Deming piece's. John Moran has always been there to answer any and all questions and I love working with them on our new collection. read more

went to john moran auctioneers today, pleasantly surprised that john moran himself helped my sister and I. he along with his staff were so thorough and knowledgeable, explained in great detail the items we brought in. we learned a lot, it was a fun experience. He and his staff have such a passion for there profession , they went beyond the call of duty to get all the answers for us. overall I was very impressed with everyone there, how friendly they all were, how smoothly everything runs, no long waits. now the hunt is on for my auction worthy item, I will bring it there. read more

I had several paintings which I hoped to sell, and brought them to John Moran Auctioneers for evaluation. The experience was a new one for me, so I really did not know what to expect. The email communication prior to my visit was excellent, and I found the atmosphere to be very friendly and professional. The representative with whom I met was not only very knowledgeable, but was adept at putting me at ease, and shared some valuable insights in to the art, and the auction process in general. I would highly recommend this business. read more

Everyone I have dealt with at Moran has been very gracious and helpful throughout the process of selling items in my mother's estate. They handled four items for us in a sale; and an important piece of art in an auction. Maranda Moran was very knowledgeable and helpful in discussing pieces throughout my mother's home, even those Moran was not interested in. The two gentlemen who came to pick up the items did so with care and respect. I would recommend them highly. read more

John Moran Auctioneers is a wonderful gem in Los Angeles. I have been following their auctions for several years and have purchased a few items from them over the years. Everyone I've met, be it in person or on the phone have been courteous and knowledgeable. They always provide constructive information on the art works that I am considering. John and Jeff run a wonderful business and I love their new space in Monrovia. Two thumbs up. read more

John Moran auctions were great to work with. We were renovating our office and they auctioned our antique furniture - they made the process really easy from estimate to auction and were also really helpful when one of the pieces did not sell (we were able to donate the one piece to a charity). I highly recommend. read more

This auction house harrasses people with multiple unsolicited texts and phone calls. After multiple attempts to get them to stop, it has persisted foe years. Also, you can get better prices at other auctions, so I wouldn't consign there ever. read more

I bought a few paintings here and was very impressed by the staff quality. This place is very well managed. Unlike most auctions which are basically wholesale type business, with nasty characters, Moran has a retail gallery feel to it. read more

Very cool events with art that you can not find anywhere in the world. There is always someone willing to help educate you here even if you are not bidding or just a guest coming to check out the items on auction. Very pleasant. read more

An awesome experience in selling numerous items. Very trustworthy, treats all pieces with care, always there when they say they will be, and the entire staff are all incredibly friendly and eager to help. The very best. read more

I would highly recommend John Moran to anyone looking for help in selling an antique, art work,etc. They followed everything in their contract to a T and were very responsive to any questions or concerns I had. read more

The grounds around the buildings are beautiful with manicured gardens and a waterfall runs through the property.