Catherine Southon is a renowned British antiques expert, auctioneer, and television personality best known for her long-standing roles on BBC’s Bargain Hunt, Antiques Road Trip, and Flog It!. As of 2026, she continues to lead her eponymous auction house, Catherine Southon Auctioneers & Valuers, which she established in 2012 in Chislehurst, Kent. With over two decades of experience in the industry—including a formative eight-year tenure at the prestigious Sotheby’s Bond Street—Southon has become one of the UK’s most trusted authorities on fine art, jewelry, and scientific instruments.This guide provides an in-depth look at her professional journey, the operations of her successful auction house, her television legacy, and practical tips for collectors looking to buy or sell under her gavel.
Career Beginnings and Sotheby’s Tenure
Catherine Southon’s path to the rostrum began at the University of Southampton, where she studied Art History. Her interest in the commercial side of art was sparked by a university lecture from Antiques Roadshow expert Hilary Kay, who shared the story of selling one of Jimi Hendrix’s guitars for a record-breaking sum.
Following her Master’s degree, Southon secured an administrative position at Sotheby’s in London. Despite starting with basic tasks like filing and answering phones, her expertise in the Collectors Department allowed her to rise rapidly through the ranks.She eventually became the Head of Scientific Instruments and Maritime Works of Art, where she cataloged prestigious sales, including the world-famous Time Museum collection in New York and London.
Establishing Catherine Southon Auctioneers
In November 2012, after nine years as a freelance valuer and a growing television presence, Catherine took the entrepreneurial leap to open her own firm.Catherine Southon Auctioneers & Valuers was founded to serve the Chislehurst and Bromley area, which at the time lacked a high-quality independent auction house.
Growth and Specializations:
- The Team: Starting as a two-person operation, the firm has grown to a team of over six permanent specialists as of 2026.
- Core Departments: The house is particularly noted for its strength in Fine Jewellery, Silver, Watches, and Coins.
- Auction Frequency: The house typically holds seven major auctions annually, with sales frequently featuring high-profile items like Suffragette medals and Beatles memorabilia.
The auction house is described by Southon as her “baby,” and she remains personally involved in the cataloging and conducting of almost every sale.
Television Career and BBC Legacy
Catherine Southon is a household name in the UK thanks to her nearly 20-year career with the BBC. She joined Flog It! in 2003 before making the move to Bargain Hunt in 2006, where she has remained a staple expert for the Red and Blue teams.
Beyond these flagship shows, Southon has appeared on Antiques Road Trip, Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, and Trade Secrets. Her television style is characterized by a blend of academic rigor—stemming from her Art History background—and a genuine enthusiasm for the “thrill of the hunt,” often driving classic cars across the British countryside in search of hidden treasures.
Practical Information and Planning
2026 Auction Calendar
- Jewellery & Silver: February 11th, May 20th, July 15th, October 7th, November 18th.
- Decorative & Fine Art: March 4th, June 17th, October 28th.
- The Collectors Auction: March 25th, September 9th.
Valuation and Consignment
- Weekly Walk-ins: Walk-in valuations are held every Tuesday and Thursday (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) at the Chislehurst office.
- Valuation Road Trip: Southon hosts regular “Road Trip” events across the South East, including locations like Guildford, Chatham, and Edenbridge.
- Online Valuations: Free digital appraisals can be requested via the official website with clear photographs.
Location and Contact
- Address: Kingsley House, Chislehurst, Kent.
- Accessibility: Easily reachable by train from London Bridge or Charing Cross to Chislehurst Station.
- Fees: Buyer’s premium is typically around 24% plus VAT (check current terms before bidding).
Catherine Southon’s Personal Interests
While Southon keeps her family life private, she is a resident of Kent and a mother of two. She is an avid collector of gavels, including a special one gifted by her mother and another made for her when she qualified as an auctioneer at Sotheby’s in 2003.
In her spare time, she enjoys walking her dog on Keston Common and visiting art galleries like Tate Britain, where she spent much of her time as a student. Her advice to aspiring collectors is simple: “Read as much as you can, handle as many objects as you can, and always listen to those with deeper knowledge.”
The Specialism: Scientific and Maritime Instruments
Catherine Southon’s technical background at Sotheby’s as Head of Scientific Instruments remains the cornerstone of her expertise. In 2026, the market for “Technical Antiques”—including sextants, telescopes, and early timekeeping devices—has seen a resurgence among millennial collectors who value precision engineering and tactile history.
Notable Instrument Sales & Benchmarks:
- The Ramsden Sextant: In a high-profile sale, an 18th-century brass 12-inch sextant by Jesse Ramsden achieved £18,000, showcasing the premium placed on prestigious makers.
- Miniature Globes: A 19th-century terrestrial globe, measuring just 1.25 inches, recently fetched £800, proving that small-scale scientific items are currently trending for home “curiosity cabinets.”
- Maritime Provenance: Items with documented naval history, such as chronometers or maritime charts, often see a 20-30% “provenance premium” in Southon’s Chislehurst rooms.
Catherine’s academic rigor ensures that every technical piece is cataloged with precise detail regarding its functionality, maker’s marks, and historical context, a standard she brought from her Sotheby’s days.
Evolution of the Kent Antiques Market 2026
The antiques landscape in Kent has undergone a “Green Revolution” by 2026. Buyers in the South East are increasingly viewing antiques through the lens of the circular economy, opting for high-quality vintage furniture and jewelry over modern mass-produced items to reduce their environmental footprint.
2026 Market Trends in Kent:
- The “Next-Gen” Collector: Digital-savvy buyers in Bromley and Chislehurst are using smartphone apps to bid in real-time, often focusing on “Sustainable Luxury” like vintage Hermes Birkin bags (which can exceed £10,000) and Georgian diamond jewelry.
- Asian Art Surge: With the appointment of specialist Allard van Halm in late 2025, Southon’s house has seen a spike in Chinese hardwood and cloisonné sales, reflecting Kent’s growing status as a hub for international collectors.
- The “Halo Effect”: Record sales, such as the £40,000 John Lennon sunglasses or the £31,000 Banksy prints, have validated regional auction houses as a legitimate asset class for savvy investors.
A Beginner’s Guide to Bidding in 2026
Bidding at an independent house like Catherine Southon’s is far less daunting in 2026 than it was a decade ago. Technology has made the process transparent, though the fundamental “Auction Law” still applies.
How to Bid Successfully:
The Modern Bidding Mix: You can bid In-Person at the Chislehurst saleroom, via Telephone for high-value lots, or Online through platforms like The-Saleroom or Southon’s own digital portal.
The “Paddle” System: For in-person bidding, you must register at the front desk to receive a numbered paddle. A simple raise of the paddle indicates your bid—there is no need for “secret nods” or “coughs.”
Understanding the Hammer: When the hammer falls, a legal contract is formed. In 2026, the Buyer’s Premium (the fee paid to the auction house) typically sits around 24% plus VAT, so always factor this into your maximum budget.
Pro Tip: Always request a “Condition Report” via email 48 hours before the sale. Catherine’s team provides high-resolution photos and detailed notes on any repairs or damage not visible in the standard catalog.
FAQs
What is the “Time Museum Sale” Catherine mentions?
It was a world-famous auction of horological (timekeeping) and scientific instruments at Sotheby’s where Catherine played a lead cataloging role.
How much is a Suffragette medal worth?
Rare examples, such as the silver Hunger Strike Medal sold by Catherine Southon, can reach up to £40,000 due to their extreme historical rarity.
Does Catherine Southon sell contemporary art?
Yes, her house frequently auctions modern works, including Banksy screen prints which have sold for over £30,000.
Can I sell an entire estate through her auction house?
Yes, the firm offers a comprehensive probate and estate valuation service, often handling everything from fine art to general household furniture.
What is the “Golden Ticket” she sold?
A rare Willy Wonka Chocolate Bar film prop from the 1971 movie was sold by Catherine for £13,000, highlighting the “Collectables” department’s strength.
How does “Proxy Bidding” work?
If you cannot attend, you can leave a “maximum bid” with the auctioneer, who will bid on your behalf incrementally up to that amount.
Are online valuations as accurate as in-person?
While helpful for a rough guide, in-person inspections are always more accurate as the expert can check for weight, hallmarks, and restoration.
Who is the newest specialist at the firm?
Allard van Halm joined as the Asian Art Consultant in late 2025 to manage the increasing volume of Chinese and Japanese art.
What is the best way to transport large items to the auction?
Southon Auctioneers can recommend specialist fine art couriers who ensure items are insured and handled professionally during transit.
What happens if my item doesn’t sell?
You can either re-enter it into a future sale with a lower reserve price or collect it from the saleroom within a specified timeframe.
How do I get an item valued by Catherine Southon?
You can attend a walk-in day at her Chislehurst office every Tuesday or Thursday, or visit one of her regional valuation roadshows.
Where is Catherine Southon’s auction house located?
The main office and salesroom are located at Kingsley House in Chislehurst, Kent.
Is Catherine Southon still on Bargain Hunt in 2026?
Yes, she remains a regular expert and presenter on the program, having joined the show in 2006.
What is Catherine Southon’s area of expertise?
While she is a generalist, she is highly specialized in scientific instruments, maritime works of art, and fine jewelry.
What was Catherine Southon’s first job in antiques?
Her first major role was at Sotheby’s Bond Street, where she worked for eight years and became a department head.
How many auctions does her house hold per year?
The firm typically schedules seven major auctions throughout the annual calendar.
Can I bid online at a Catherine Southon auction?
Yes, online bidding is available via the official website and third-party platforms like the-saleroom.com.
What is the highest price she has achieved for an item?
One of her notable records is £40,000 for a Suffragette Hunger Strike Medal sold in her Kent auction room.
Did Catherine Southon study art?
Yes, she holds a BA and a Master’s degree in Art History, which informs her academic approach to valuation.
What advice does she have for new antique buyers?
She recommends buying what you love rather than purely for investment, and always checking the condition reports before bidding.
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