Alan Carr Keeps One Unwanted Item from His Scottish Castle Auction – See What Was Sold
Alan Carr is keeping one unwanted – Alan Carr, the comedian and former Celebrity Traitors star, has retained one cherished item from his recent Scottish Borders castle auction. The event, held at Ayton Castle, showcased a diverse collection of belongings, yet the concrete cow sculpture from the Branxton Cement Menagerie stood out as the sole piece Carr chose to keep. This unique item, which went unsold, offers a glimpse into the emotional significance of the auction and Carr’s personal connection to the property.
Auction Success and the Cow’s Mystery
The sale of Ayton Castle’s contents was a bustling affair, with over 700 lots offered to bidders. While many items found new homes, the cow sculpture remained in Carr’s possession, sparking intrigue about its appeal. Jim Railton, the auctioneer, noted the event was “a very busy day” and praised the “good record” of only one item left unsold. Yet, the cow’s lack of buyers raised questions about its place in the auction.
Among the highlights of the sale was a five-seater Bentley Mulsanne, which fetched £24,000. The Branxton Cement Menagerie, a collection of quirky sculptures, also drew attention, with several pieces selling for a total of £28,000. The overall proceeds were expected to reach around £100,000, reflecting the market value of the castle’s eclectic inventory. Despite this, the one unwanted sculpture remained untouched, leaving bidders puzzled.
The Branxton Menagerie’s Legacy
The cow was part of a larger group of sculptures created by a retired joiner in the 1960s. Initially crafted to entertain his disabled son, the collection grew into a celebrated art form, becoming a “much-loved visitor attraction” in its time. Relocated to Ayton Castle in 2021, these works were split during the auction, with only the cow remaining in Carr’s collection. Its history and craftsmanship made it a standout, yet it failed to attract buyers.
Several of the Branxton pieces found new owners, demonstrating their cultural value and marketability. However, the one unwanted cow remained a curiosity, with Railton speculating on its reasons for not being claimed. Carr’s decision to keep it underscores the personal sentimental value he attaches to the sculpture, adding a unique story to the auction’s narrative.
Why the Cow Stayed in Carr’s Hands
When asked about the cow’s lack of interest, Railton explained, “For some reason, we couldn’t get a bid for it.” This anomaly highlighted the sculpture’s distinctiveness and the challenge of finding a buyer who appreciated its niche appeal. Carr, who has expressed a fondness for the piece, intends to display it as a tribute to the menagerie’s past. “He’s going to keep the one cow and enjoy it as a memory,” Railton added, emphasizing its emotional weight.
The auction not only marked the transition of ownership but also revealed the castle’s rich history. Items like the cow, with their personal and artistic stories, reminded bidders of the property’s cultural significance. Carr’s acquisition of Ayton Castle for £3.25m has sparked discussions about his ability to manage such a valuable estate, with the auction serving as a test of its marketability.
A Legacy in Concrete
The Branxton Cement Menagerie’s journey to Ayton Castle is as much about creativity as it is about preservation. The joiner’s passion for crafting unique pieces transformed them into a local treasure, blending art with whimsy. Carr’s decision to keep the cow aligns with his interest in unconventional art, offering a personal touch to his new home. While the rest of the menagerie dispersed, this one unwanted item now symbolizes a bridge between past and present.
As the auction concluded, the cow’s fate underscored the blend of sentiment and value in the sale. Carr’s choice to retain it reflects a deeper appreciation for its story, even as the rest of the castle’s contents found new owners. This one unwanted item remains a testament to the unique charm of Ayton Castle and the personal significance of its legacy.
