News

Leighton Hall Auctions were delighted to welcome collectors, enthusiasts and members of the local community to our very first on-site farmhouse contents auction at Dishfields Farm, Sutton on the Hill on Saturday 4th July.

Working in partnership with Graham Watkins & Co, the day brought together two specialist auctions, with over 400 lots offered across both sales. It proved to be a fantastic showcase of how traditional auctioneering can be successfully combined with the latest technology, creating an accessible and enjoyable experience for bidders wherever they were.

Interest in the sale exceeded all expectations from the very beginning. More than 100 people attended the public viewing day, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the remarkable collection before auction day. On the day itself, over 60 bidders filled the auction room, while more than 200 registered online bidders joined us live through the Leighton Hall Auctions website and other online bidding platforms.

This was our first tailor-made on-site farmhouse auction, with our team creating a bespoke auction experience that blended the atmosphere and excitement of a traditional live sale with the convenience and reach of modern online bidding. The result was lively competition throughout the day and some exceptional prices achieved for the vendors.

Among the highlights were Lot 18, Charles Jones' (1836–1902) striking oil on canvas depicting a mountainous scene with a crow perched on a sheep's back, which achieved £2,700. An early to mid-20th century singing bird automaton with two working singing birds flew to £980, while a beautiful pair of Royal Doulton hand-painted cattle scene vases, signed by Joseph Hancock, realised £850.

One of the day's most talked-about lots was "Roderick", the charming anthropomorphic taxidermy fox dressed as a huntsman, who found a new home for £520. A large 19th-century oil painting of a sheep herding scene sold for £400, and an impressive 19th-century Swiss musical box with six engraved bells completed the top lots at £360.

None of this would have been possible without the generosity and support of those involved. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Tracey and the Chamberlain family for placing their trust in Leighton Hall Auctions to handle the sale of the farmhouse contents. It was a privilege to present such a fascinating and varied collection.

We are also incredibly grateful to the Bale family for hosting and accommodating both auction teams at Dishfields Farm, helping to make the event run so smoothly, and to Graham Watkins & Co for working alongside us to deliver a seamless day of auctions.

This successful sale demonstrates just how effective our bespoke on-site auction service can be. Whether selling the contents of a farmhouse, country house, period property or large private collection, we can bring the auction to you, combining professional valuation, expert cataloguing, high-quality photography, extensive marketing, live room bidding, online bidding and our trusted nationwide postage service.

Every collection is different, which is why we tailor each auction to suit the property, the collection and the vendor's requirements. Our aim is always the same: to maximise exposure, attract the right buyers and achieve the very best possible results.

If you're considering selling the contents of a house, farmhouse or country property, we'd love to hear from you. Our team is always happy to offer friendly, professional advice with no obligation, and help you explore whether an on-site auction could be the right solution.

Following the success of our first farmhouse contents auction, we're excited to offer this service to even more clients across Derbyshire, Staffordshire and the surrounding counties.

TOP LOTS

£2,700 – Lot 18, Charles Jones (1836–1902), oil on canvas depicting a mountainous scene with a crow perched on a sheep's back.

£980 – Lot 12, An early to mid-20th century singing bird automaton with two working singing birds

£850 – Lot 82, A pair of Royal Doulton hand-painted cattle scene vases, signed by Joseph Hancock

£520 – Lot 1, "Roderick", the much-admired anthropomorphic taxidermy fox dressed as a huntsman

£400 – Lot 17, A large 19th-century oil painting depicting a rural sheep herding scene

£360 – Lot 6, A large 19th-century Swiss musical box with six engraved bells

Your Hidden Treasure Could Be Next

Whether it’s a piece of fine jewellery, decorative arts, or an unusual item like this synthesizer, Leighton Hall Auctions in Staffordshire offers a personal yet professional approach to every consignment.

We’re based in Stone, Staffordshire, but our reach is global—and we welcome entries from across the country for our specialist sales.

Thinking of Selling?

If you have something you think might be rare, unusual, or simply beautiful, we’d love to hear from you. Our friendly team offers free, no-obligation valuations and can guide you through the auction process with transparency and care.

📞 Call us on 01785 561799
📧 Email info@leightonhallauctions.com
📍 Or pop in to see us at our saleroom in Stone.