News

What a way to make a first impression! Leighton Hall Auctions descended on the Staffordshire County Show on Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th May for our very first time as exhibitors, and what a two days it turned out to be.

Bathed in glorious sunshine, the entire Leighton Hall team set up camp to chat with familiar faces, welcome potential new clients, and give showgoers a real taste of the world of auctions. We brought along a carefully chosen selection of items that represent the eclectic and exciting range of pieces that pass through our rooms, none more popular than Bertie, our magnificent highland cow taxidermy head, who turned out to be quite the celebrity.

The set-up process - getting Bertie in place

Have a Go at the Gavel

We brought our rostrum and gavel along so visitors could step up and channel their inner auctioneer - and the results were spectacular. Plenty of enthusiastic "Going… going… GONE!" moments rang out across the showground, with confidence levels ranging from tentative to full-on television presenter.

The rostrum - ready for action

Sophie's Valuation Station

Our very own Sophie Chapman was kept wonderfully busy at the valuation station, where visitors could bring photos of their jewellery and other treasured items to find out what they might be worth. It's always a joy to see people's reactions when they discover a family heirloom might be hiding a surprise.

The Valuation Station - with scratch-built Land Rover on display

Basic, Better, Best - The Big Competition

We ran what turned out to be one of the most talked-about activities on the showground: our Basic, Better, Best competition. We may have borrowed the concept from a rather well-known antiques programme that airs on a Sunday evening - no names, no lawsuits - but the idea was simple: could visitors correctly identify which of three jugs was worth £7, £70, or £700?

The competition proved hugely popular, and we're thrilled to announce the lucky winner is Lucas Freeth, who will be enjoying a very well-deserved afternoon tea for two at the wonderful Denstone Hall Farm Shop.

Can you guess which is which?

If you want to find out the answers and an explanation as to why each jug is basic, better, or best, you can watch Toby talk through them on our Facebook page by clicking here.

Speaking of Denstone Hall  don't miss our upcoming Valuation Day there on Wednesday 11th June, 10am–4pm, with the brilliant Kate Bliss and Sophie Chapman on hand to value your treasures. It promises to be a fantastic day, so do come along!

And the Award Goes to…

Now for the big news. We are absolutely thrilled - and genuinely a little surprised - to announce that we were awarded Second Place for Best Dressed Trade Stand (Non-Retail) at the Staffordshire County Show. For a first-time exhibitor, this is a tremendous honour and we are over the moon. The whole team put so much love into creating a stand that truly represented who we are, and to be recognised in this way means the world to us.

The team photo

We'll Be Back!

We will absolutely be returning to the Staffordshire County Show next year - with more fantastic auction finds, a brand new competition, and plenty of friendly auction expertise to share. Watch this space.

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by to chat, have a go at the gavel, test their eye on our jugs, or simply say hello. You made it a truly brilliant two days. We can't wait to see you again next year.

Here's a few more pics from the show: