At Windsor Auctions, we’re always looking for new ways to make specialist sales more exciting and accessible – and this year, we’re bringing something totally different to the rostrum: Lego auctions. We actually have one live right now (ending August 3rd from 6.30pm)! To help us promote this new theme of auction, we’re thrilled to welcome Sophie – a TikTok content creator, collector, and all-round Lego enthusiast – as our first-ever brand ambassador for Lego. Sophie will be joining us throughout the year to create content, connect with collectors, and help build excitement in the Lego community – from house clearances and stockroom unboxings to auction-day walkthroughs. How It Started: TikTok, Wine & A Harry Potter Minifigures Sophie’s Lego journey began in the most unexpected way: with a glass of wine, a curious mind, and a husband who couldn’t stop buying sets. “I’d be coming home from work and finding out that he’d bought a brand new Lego set for £180. And I’d be like, I’m sorry, what?!” What started as a mild case of ‘Lego rage’ turned into shared curiosity. “Rather than me getting mad about it, I was like, right, help me understand it. And he basically managed to reel me in with the concept of Harry Potter minifigures.” A few drinks later, the pair had created Sophie’s TikTok account, designed a logo, and set the wheels in motion. Since then, she’s built a growing community of Lego fans, sharing unboxings, collection tips, and dream set hunts. Why Buy Lego at Auction? For many, Lego collecting has always meant eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or retail shops. So, what makes auctions a better alternative? “Ordinarily, I would have said there isn’t really any reason why it’d be better,” Sophie admitted. “But I’ve learned through Harry (Head-auctioneer at Windsor Auctions) that the auction system is quite different to things like eBay.” Sophie shared a real-life example that changed her mind – bidding for a Kwik-E-Mart set on eBay: “My husband and I literally sat there together, and we watched as eBay did the little countdown… and when it hit four seconds, he was outbid by a fiver, and that was it.” With Windsor Auctions, there’s a...
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This July, Windsor Auctions is proud to present a remarkable collection of original watercolours by the late Michael Noakes (1933–2018), one of Britain’s most distinguished portrait and landscape painters. Best known for his portraits of royalty, political leaders, and cultural icons, Noakes captured the likenesses – and more importantly, the character – of some of the most recognisable figures of the 20th and early 21st century. From intimate sittings with Queen Elizabeth II to sketching in the Oval Office with President Clinton, Noakes had a rare gift: his subjects not only sat still for him – they opened up. His brush revealed a quieter truth, one found in the crease of a smile or the weight of a pause. A Life in Portrait Educated at Downside and the Royal Academy Schools, Noakes built a career that brought him into the company of kings, popes, and prime ministers. He was commissioned to paint Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, King Charles III, Princess Anne, Margaret Thatcher, and Pope Benedict XVI – among many others. He painted Sir Alec Guinness and Sir Roger Bannister, Dame Judi Dench and Frank Sinatra (who proudly kept Noakes’ album artwork for Portrait of Sinatra in his personal collection). His portraits hang in the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Collection, the Vatican, and private homes across the globe. Yet for all this prestige, Noakes remained deeply human – a man as intrigued by the rhythms of daily life as by the grandeur of state. A Year with the Queen One of his most extraordinary projects was a year spent following Queen Elizabeth II throughout 1999, capturing her life not through grand oil paintings but through a vivid diary of drawings and watercolours. The project became The Daily Life of the Queen: An Artist’s Diary, a book authored by his wife, Dr. Vivien Noakes, and published with the Queen’s full support. Noakes’ access was unprecedented – and unrestricted. The resulting watercolours are a quiet triumph: private, observational, and personal. They reveal not only the public figure, but the woman behind the crown. The Collection at Auction The upcoming timed auction (16–27 July) presents over 200 of these original watercolours. This is a...
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By Harry Ballin, Head Auctioneer at Windsor Auctions. As an auctioneer at Windsor Auctions, my day-to-day role is as varied as the unique items we bring to auction. Auction day is only one part of the picture – my job involves valuations and appraisals, relationship-building, and engaging with our community to create a rewarding experience for buyers and sellers. Here’s a look into the world of auctioneering, from preparing for sale day to adapting to an ever-evolving industry. A Day in the Life: No Two Days Are Alike People often ask what a “typical day” looks like for an auctioneer. The truth is, there isn’t one! Some days, I’m on the road appraising items from house clearances, and other days I’m running valuation mornings all over the local area. Many days, I’m managing our team, setting up auctions, or visiting clients. Community work is also a big part of what we do at Windsor Auctions. For instance, we frequently visit care homes, like Avery Care Home, to offer valuations for residents and their families – creating opportunities to connect with local collectors and share knowledge. Of course, some days are dedicated entirely to auctioneering. I get on the rostrum, calling out bids and managing the dynamic pace of the sale. These days bring a rush of excitement, as each bid pushes us closer to new ownership for each item, whether it’s a unique antique or a modern collectable. Skills and Qualities That Make an Auctioneer Auctioneering isn’t just about calling out bids; it’s about making every part of the experience lively and engaging. You’ve got to be quick on your feet, confident, and have a good sense of humour. Every auction day is a blend of showmanship and strategy – keeping the energy high while making sure that bids are fairly represented and prices are maximized. Empathy is another important quality. Many clients are going through big life changes, such as managing a loved one’s estate. It’s important to approach these situations with respect, understanding that the items we handle often hold deep sentimental value. Preparing for Auction Day Auction day preparation is about setting the stage for what’s ahead, which...
Read MoreAt Windsor Auctions, our priority is to provide clients with the best possible options for selling their items, whether it’s fine art, antiques, collectibles and now, property. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our new partnership with Network Auctions, a leading property auction house with nearly two decades of experience. This collaboration allows us to expand our services by offering a specialist property auction route for clients who may find that selling by private treaty isn’t the right option for them. This service is ideal for clients looking to secure a sale quickly and efficiently and with transparency. About Network Auctions Network Auctions has been a trusted name in property auctions for over 15 years. They partner with high-quality estate agents and auction houses across the UK to provide a seamless route to market for clients. Their expertise lies in offering innovative auction solutions and guiding clients through the entire process, making sure that both buyers and sellers receive outstanding results. Richard Worrall, MNAVA FNAEA and Immediate Past President of the National Association of Valuers and Auctioneers and head of Partner Development at Network Auctions, emphasises the importance of providing clients with multiple sale options. As he puts it: “Our job as property professionals is to offer all methods of sale to clients, whether it’s private treaty, tender process, or auction. It’s about finding the best solution based on their circumstances and property type.” Why Sell Property at Auction? Selling property at auction provides three key benefits: speed, certainty, and transparency. Speed With auction properties marketed for four weeks before the sale and a typical 20 working day completion period, the entire process can be completed in as little as eight weeks. This is significantly faster than the private treaty method. Certainty On the fall of the gavel, the buyer pays a 10% non-refundable deposit, and contracts are exchanged. This eliminates the uncertainty of lengthy negotiations, chain breaks, or buyers withdrawing at the last minute. Transparency Auctions create a level playing field, where all interested parties have the same opportunity to bid. This is particularly important for executors, trustees, and charities, who need to demonstrate impartiality and fairness in their sales. Who Benefits from...
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At Windsor Auctions, we’re always proud to support events that celebrate heritage, community, and craftsmanship. This year, we’re delighted to be helping promote The Royal Windsor Flower Show, taking place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, with our very own Harry Ballin acting as the day’s compère. This one-day event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of gardening, nature, cookery, and traditional crafts – all set in the stunning surroundings of Windsor Great Park. With tickets now on sale (including early bird discounts while they last!), this is a perfect Christmas gift or a promise of summer to look forward to. Here’s everything you need to know about this quintessentially British day out: A Long-Standing Tradition The Royal Windsor Flower Show is a true local institution, with 2025 marking its 118th anniversary. Organised by the Royal Windsor Rose and Horticultural Society, which itself is over 133 years old, the show has a rich and fascinating history. Known locally as the “Rose Show,” it has long enjoyed royal connections, with Queen Victoria famously sending beautiful bouquets of roses to exhibit. As with many traditional events, however, the show faced decline in the 2000s. That all changed thanks to the passion of Andrew Try, now Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, whose grandfather once exhibited at the event. Together with Show Director Alex Denman – previously of the Chelsea Flower Show – they have transformed this local gem into a high-quality horticultural celebration that retains its traditional roots while bringing fresh ideas. Patterns in Nature: The Theme for 2025 Inspired by His Majesty King Charles III’s book ‘Harmony’, this year’s theme, Patterns in Nature, invites visitors to take a closer look at the natural world around them. From the frost of a delicate snowflake to the Fibonacci spiral in a leaf, patterns in nature connect us to the beauty, rhythm, and harmony of our environment. Throughout the show, this theme will come to life in creative and thought-provoking ways, including displays from master gardeners, immersive workshops, and inspiring photography. Visitors will leave with a renewed appreciation for the intricacies of the natural world. What to Expect: Highlights of The Royal Windsor Flower Show The Royal Windsor...
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At Windsor Auctions, we like to promote other businesses that we believe can provide value to our clients. As such, we’re excited to introduce Claire Hughes, the founder of Living Images, a unique business dedicated to preserving family memories in beautiful, bespoke photo albums. Claire offers a personal service, perfect for families wanting to preserve treasured memories uncovered during house clearances. But, don’t take our word for it, as for this blog, we have decided to give the floor to Claire to tell you about her business: Meet Claire Hughes and Living Images I’m Claire Hughes, and I’m the founder of Living Images. Living Images started from a genuine desire to help people preserve their stories. Years ago, I was working as an interior photographer, capturing the charm of a lovely old family home. The couple who lived there were about to downsize after spending over 40 years in the house. As I walked around, I noticed how much life had been lived within that home, from grandchildren’s height marks on the wall to the family dog by the fireplace. The home was special to them, and they wanted to preserve it. So, I offered to photograph their home and put it in a memory book for them to take with them. This first project sparked the idea for Living Images: creating high-quality, beautifully bound memory books that do more than hold pictures; they capture a lifetime of memories in a way that is timeless, tangible, and truly personal. A Unique Approach to Memory Preservation My work is all about crafting bespoke photo albums and memory books with a visual narrative tailored specifically to each family’s story. I offer a range of services, from consolidating multiple photo albums into one carefully curated book to creating condolence books filled with photographs, letters, and mementos that commemorate a loved one’s life. When families find themselves with stacks of photo albums or boxes of loose photographs, I help them condense and organise it all into something manageable, beautiful, and meaningful. For instance, I’ve worked with clients who have decades’ worth of old, bulky leather photo albums. We go through the albums together, selecting the best photos, and then I...
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