Dartford Bear Hunt Auction
Thank you to everyone who bid on our beautiful Bears!
Final fundraising announcement coming soon
Tiny Bear Auction
Created by Dartford Bear Hunt artists, these mini-figure Bear stand 8cm tall and will make the perfect addition to any work or personal space.
This is your chance to keep a small but impactful piece of the trail with you forever.
These Tiny Bears are only available as part of this timed, online auction. Each Tiny Bear will be sold to whoever is the highest bidder once the relevant lot closes at the specified time on 23 October 2026.
You can place bids at any time online. You can either place your bids as you go along, or alternatively you can enter the maximum amount you would be happy to pay for a lot. Your bid will be automatically administered for you as other bidders bid against you.
From the trail to the auction
After an unforgettable summer across Dartford and Bluewater, the Bears are coming together for one spectacular finale — and it’s time for them to find their forever homes.
The Trail
They’ve been spotted all summer, bringing adventure, creativity and fun to the community.
The Art
Each sculpture has been transformed into a unique work of art by talented artists.
The Auction
Now, our Bears are ready to leave the trail behind and find their forever homes.
Bid for a Bear, support your local hospice
Every bid at the Dartford Bear Hunt Auction will help raise vital funds for ellenor, supporting local people and their families living with life-limiting and life-threatening illness.
Meet the auctioneer
Catherine has worked in the world of antiques for over 25 years. She began her career
working at Sotheby’s Bond Street.
Initially responsible for cataloguing sales in the Collectors Department, Catherine soon
became Head of Scientific Instruments and Maritime Works of Art, cataloguing a
number of prestigious sales including helping with instrument section of The Time
Museum sale in New York and London.
After working at Sotheby’s for 9 years, Catherine subsequently became a freelance
valuer before establishing Catherine Southon Auctioneers and Valuers. From 2003
onwards, Catherine has made regular appearances as an expert and presenter on a
number of TV Antiques programmes. Catherine has also contributed to a number of
books including Judith Millers ‘Dictionary of Art and Antiques’, and is a regular
contributor to Antique Collecting Magazine.
Catherine’s first love is jewellery. She has auctioned a number of exceptional collections
of jewellery including a Private Collection of enamelled jewellery which sold for over
£170,000 plus buyer’s premium. Her personal favourite items include a stunning
diamond riviere necklace which hammered down for £47,000 plus buyer’s premium.
Excellent customer service is extremely important to Catherine, and she takes great
care and pride in ensuring that all customers are happy with the service she provides.
Silverhand Estate – Auction Partner
Established in 2018 in Luddesdown, Kent, Silverhand Estate is home to the UK’s largest organic single vineyard, spanning over 900 acres. As the only UK vineyard with a dedicated Conservation team, it is committed to sustainability and protecting native flora and fauna. The award-winning portfolio includes sparkling wines made via Charmat and Traditional methods, alongside a range of still wines, offering options for every palate and occasion.
In November 2024, Silverhand became the UK’s first carbon-negative vineyard without relying on carbon offsetting – a milestone independently verified by the Farm Carbon Toolkit. This achievement cements the estate’s position at the forefront of sustainable winemaking in Britain.
Auction FAQS
The auction will be held in person and live-streamed online, with the option to bid remotely. If you’re local, we strongly encourage you to join us in person on the night to experience the excitement live. However, if you can’t attend, you can still take part and bid comfortably from home. Please see links at the top of the page to register for both options.
ellenor hospice will be running this event, with the support of Wild in Art.
Bidding starts at £3,000 for a large sculpture and can reach significantly higher values. Every bid makes a difference, all proceeds from the auction will go directly towards supporting ellenor’s local hospice care services.
If you would like to support the hospice by purchasing a Bear but are unable to showcase it yourself please reach out to dartfordbearhunt@ellenor.org to start the conversation. We have many wonderful community areas and charities who would love to house your Bear!
Yes you are allowed to bid on any bear that is in the auction catalogue. Please see link to catalogue above.
Yes there will be two professionally painted Bear Cubs for sale, alongside 3 black cubs linked to an artists commission. This means you will be able to work alongside your artist to create your dream Cub!
Delivery is payable by the successful bidder. We will work with our delivery and logistics partners to provide you with fair quotes.
More FAQs are being added every week, so please check back here for more information. Alternatively email Dartfordbearhunt@ellenor.org with your queries
YOUR DONATIONS CREATE REAL CHANGE
ellenor needs £9.6 million each year to continue caring and supporting thousands of patients and families facing life limiting and life-threatening illness in Kent. We are a charity that relies on the generosity of our local community. Your donation however big or small makes a real difference to patients and their families.
Our Sponsors & Partners
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