Private Estates & Collections

Trusted Specialists in Large Collections and Private Estates

Catherine Southon Auctioneers & Valuers is renowned for handling important single-owner collections, private estates, and inherited house contents, across London, Sussex, Kent and the South East. 

From jewellery, watches, antiques, works of art and collectors' items, we work closely with with families, executors, solicitors and private collectors to maximise auction results thorugh expert valuaiton, marketing and carefully curated sales. 

As a proud member of the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers (SOFAA), we uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.

What We Offer

Small Supportive Team

Our small yet dedicated team boasts decades of experience, with extensive knowledge of various art forms, historical periods, and current market trends. We pride ourselves on our in-depth research, accurate valuations and outstanding auction results.

Unlike other major international auctioneers, we are a smaller independent auction house that ensures that you have a single point of contact from the moment you consign items to the moment they are sold.

A Bespoke Service

As an independent company, we are able tailor our service to meet your individual needs. Excellent customer service is our top priority; we discuss all plans with you to ensure they meet your needs and expectations.

International Reach

Catherine Southon boasts a global network of collectors, dealers, interior designers, and institutions. We attract a diverse clientele to drive competition and strong bidding.

Achievements and Results

Property of a Collector, Sussex

In 2024, we were entrusted with the valuation and sale of the contents of a remarkable and eccentric private collector’s home in Sussex. Over a lifetime, the collector had assembled an extraordinary and highly eclectic collection of jewellery, bijouterie, decorative works of art, and unusual objets d’art.

The sale significantly exceeded expectations, ultimately achieving more than double the original pre-sale estimate.

Property of a Gentleman, Notting Hill, W11 London

One of the most fascinating house contents consignments we have handled was discovered within a two-bedroom property in W11, London. Hidden amongst the interiors was an exceptional collection of fine art and decorative antiques.

Our specialists managed the estate with great care, producing a highly successful auction that generated international attention and competitive bidding from buyers across the UK, Europe, Asia, and the United States.

Highlights included signed prints by Dame Paula Rego, which sold collectively for £16,850 (+BP). Other notable results included a rare Persian Qajar polychrome tile which achieved £2,000 (+BP).

Private Collection of Snuff Boxes, Kent

In 2024, we were instructed to sell an important private collection of over 60 Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian snuff boxes from Kent. The collection featured an exceptional range of novelty, gold, silver, enamel, and tortoiseshell examples, assembled over decades by a passionate connoisseur.

Our expert cataloguing and targeted international marketing campaign attracted strong interest from collectors of antique silver, vertu, and luxury objects. Among the standout pieces was a Cartier 18ct gold cigarette case in its original fitted case, which sold for £5,500 (+BP).

Specialist collections such as these consistently attract strong global demand at auction, particularly when fresh to the market and professionally presented.

Private Jewellery Collection of a Lady

We were delighted to present an exceptional private jewellery collection comprising important enamelled, Georgian and Victorian jewellery, and fine pieces by renowned maker Carlo Giuliano.

The sale generated significant excitement amongst private jewellery collectors, dealers, and international buyers, resulting in fierce bidding competition throughout the auction. One of the standout pieces was an exquisite Georgian emerald and diamond ring, which achieved £24,000 (+BP).