Meet the Auctioneer: Catherine Southon

Few people understand the theatre of an auction room quite like Catherine Southon.

After beginning her career at Sotheby’s almost 30 years ago, Catherine has become one of the South East’s best-known auctioneers and valuers, appearing for over 20 years on television favourites including Flog It! Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip.

Today, she runs Catherine Southon Auctioneers & Valuers in Chislehurst, Kent, serving clients across the South East from Surrey, Sussex and South East London to Dartford and beyond. From treasured family heirlooms to forgotten collectables, she’s built a career discovering the stories behind the things people ask her to value & auction.

On Thursday 18 September, she’ll swap antiques for bears as she takes the auctioneer’s gavel to the sculptures from ellenor’s We’re Going on a Bear Hunt art trail.

Under the Hammer: Catherine’s Bear Hunt Auction Tips

I’ve never been to an auction before. What’s the first thing I should do?

Catherine: “Do the trail. Research the artists. Find the bear that really speaks to you. But also learn about ellenor, the charity. Learn who you’re supporting.”

Should I decide which bear I want before the auction starts?

Catherine: “Definitely. I’d pick one or two that you really love rather than trying to bid on lots of different bears. Spend some time researching the artists and thinking about which sculpture really connects with you. These are the pieces you should treasure; you are not buying an investment.”

If I can’t make it on the night, can I still bid?

Catherine: “Absolutely. That’s one of the exciting things about this auction. Most charity auctions only have the people in the room bidding. This one also has an online bidding platform, so you’ll be competing with people bidding remotely too. That’s fabulous because it means even more people can support ellenor from across the country, from the comfort of their own home.”

What’s going through your mind while you’re auctioning?

Catherine: “I’m reading the audience all the time.”

“You have to know when to encourage someone to keep bidding and when they’ve genuinely reached their limit. That’s the skill. You want to raise as much money as possible for the charity, but you also want everyone to enjoy themselves and squeeze every last bid!”

Can an auctioneer really tell when someone’s about to bid again?

Catherine: “You do start to read people. There are some bidders I know I can’t push any further because they’ve already decided what they’re prepared to pay. Others are different. You can tell they really want something, so you encourage them just a little bit more. It’s years of experience and learning to read the room.”

Are charity auctions different from a traditional auction?

Catherine: “Very different.”

“Normally people are bidding because they want the object. This is about both. I’d like to think the number one priority is the charity … but the bears are gorgeous too.”

Why do you hope businesses will get involved?

Catherine: “I’d love to see businesses getting behind the auction.”

“I can picture some of these bears outside company headquarters or in reception areas. Long after the trail has finished, they’ll still be raising awareness of ellenor.”

What’s the biggest mistake first-time bidders make?

Catherine: “People often get carried away in the excitement and that’s part of the fun.”

“If you’re buying at a traditional auction, I’d always say know your limit. But charity auctions are different. They’re exciting, they’re competitive and there’s a wonderful atmosphere.”

Finally… what’s your top tip for winning a bear?

Catherine: “Do your homework, choose the bear that really speaks to you, enjoy the evening and remember why you’re there. Every bid will help raise vital funds for ellenor, your local hospice, supporting babies, children, adults and families across North Kent and Bexley. It’s going to be a brilliant night.”

The Bear Hunt Auction takes place on Thursday 1 October 2026, when the sculptures from ellenor’s We’re Going on a Bear Hunt art trail will go under the hammer to raise vital funds for local hospice care.

Every successful bid will help ellenor continue providing vital care and support to local people with life-limiting illness and those who care for them across North Kent and Bexley.

To register to bid, or to find out more, visit https://dartfordbearhunt.co.uk/auction/.