Alan Carr's Ayton Castle unwanted contents go to auction
Hundreds of items from Ayton Castle, purchased by comedian Alan Carr for over £3.25m, will be sold at auction on July 5, 2026. The sale includes more than 90 lots from a 'cement menagerie'—painted concrete sculptures of animals, historical figures, and rural scenes created in the 1960s by a retired joiner for his disabled son. Originally a tourist attraction in Branxton, Northumberland, the collection was moved to the castle in 2021. Auctioneer Jim Railton of Railtons described the works as 'naive art.' Other lots include paintings, furniture, textiles, a 2011 Bentley Mulsanne (estimated £20,000–£30,000), and LNER railway time boards (estimated £10–£15). Viewing is on July 3 and 4; tickets are required. The auction will be held in a marquee on the castle lawn, with around 460 lots total.
Key facts
- Alan Carr bought Ayton Castle for over £3.25m.
- Auction of unwanted contents on July 5, 2026 at Ayton Castle.
- Includes 90+ lots from the Branxton Cement Menagerie.
- Cement menagerie created in 1960s by retired joiner for his disabled son.
- Menagerie moved to Ayton Castle in 2021.
- Other items: paintings, furniture, textiles, Bentley, railway boards.
- Bentley Mulsanne estimated £20,000–£30,000.
- Railway time boards estimated £10–£15.
Entities
Artists
- Alan Carr
Institutions
- Railtons
Locations
- Ayton Castle
- Scottish Borders
- Branxton
- Northumberland