Gilding's Auctioneers

05/11/2026

ANTIQUES & COLLECTORS

Tuesday 10th November at 10:00am

Isn't it funny what people once adorned their pottery and prized decorative ornaments with, way back when?

This pearlware jug from the late 18th century seems to celebrate the cruel spectacle of bull-baiting, but is portrayed with something of naive charm in the way it is drawn and painted. The subject probably wouldn't have been everyone's favourite, even then, which makes this jug something of a collector's piece in the 21st century.
Times and attitudes change, thank goodness! You certainly wouldn't see one for sale in John Lewis this coming Christmas.

There are plenty more curios and collectables throughout the sale, and some very affordable furniture and furnishings as well. Take a few moments on a dark autumnal evening and see what catches the eye.

VIEWING: Friday 6th / Monday 9th November, 9am-4:30pm + morning of the auction

ONLINE CATALOGUE: Available now - link in comments

03/11/2026

🎖️Militaria is timelessly collectable, as it offers an unrivalled connection to history's most significant moments of bravery, both on a global scale and within our own families.

Rare medals are often where the big bidding battles are enacted, but collectors have a real appetite for all aspects of the military past including weaponry, uniforms, badges, helmets, documents and much more.

If you have a piece of militaria you’re interested in selling, why not get in touch? Our expert will provide you with a free, no-obligation, confidential valuation and should you wish to proceed, will guide you through the auction process to find your special item a home with a collector who will give it the appreciation it deserves.

02/11/2026

It was standing room only in the saleroom when the lifetime collection of a couple at the forefront of Leicester’s art scene since the 1960s went under the hammer last week.

The success of the Shirley and Douglas Smith collection at auction was a testament to the couple’s discerning eye and the wonderful collection they built up over decades of married life.

Brisk bidding was seen across the board, reflecting the collection’s broad appeal, from significant examples of 20th-century design to paintings by established names and lesser-known local artists.

Fittingly, the first painting the Smiths bought as newlyweds in 1957, Sunflowers at Marignac by John Piper, more than doubled its estimate of £400 to £600 to sell for £1,300. Their eye for design was in demand too, with a mid-century modernist birch dining suite by Alvar Aalto for Finmar Ltd selling for £6,500, one of several pieces exceeding estimates.

An architect by profession, Douglas Smith was an artist in his own right and served 27 years as president of the Leicester Society of Artists. Twenty-eight of his paintings were offered without reserve, with a bidding war breaking out for Welland Viaduct, which sold for £420.

Here at Gildings, we are regularly entrusted with the sale of large private collections of art and other collectables. If you are the custodian of a similar collection you are considering selling, please contact our specialists on 01858 410 414 to discuss a free, no-obligation valuation visit.

24/10/2026

In case you missed it in the Harborough Mail, here’s more on our auction this week

Couple’s lifetime art collection heads to auction in Harborough

22/10/2026

In 1957, newlyweds Shirley and Douglas Smith bought their first artwork together - John Piper's Sunflowers at Marignac. It marked the beginning of a lifetime of collecting at the heart of Leicester's art scene.

Douglas, an architect and president of the Leicester Society of Artists for 27 years, and Shirley, an interior designer, filled the Evington home they built with art and modernist design.

On Tuesday 27 October, their collection comes to auction, with the Piper opening the sale. The collection ranges from significant 20th century design, such as an Alvar Aalto birch dining suite, to surprisingly affordable local art. Douglas's own paintings and over 40 others are offered with no estimates or reserves, with bidding starting at just £10!

The saleroom has been transformed ahead of the sale to reflect Shirley and Douglas’s lifelong passion for art and design so why not drop and view for yourself on Friday 23 October or Monday 26th October between 9:00am – 4:30pm or on the morning of the sale from 9:00am – 11am.

The auction begins at 11am on Tuesday 27 October, online and in our Market Harborough saleroom.

Link to the online catalogue in the comments

20/10/2026

We make it straightforward to sell with us with these easy steps:

✔️ Start with a free valuation - get an online estimate, visit us or book a home appointment.

✔️ Consign your items for our experts to take care of every part of the pre-sale process.

✔️ Sell your items at auction, and receive a detailed results statement and prompt payment, typically within 18 days.

✔️ There are no upfront costs. Fees come from the sale and you benefit from expert advice and a clear, transparent process.

Ready to find out what your items could achieve? Find out more about the selling process and arrange a free no-obligation valuation https://bit.ly/3NJMJh0

16/10/2026

Dam fine dining! 🍽️ ✈️

A menu from an iconic RAF celebration during the dark days of World War II sold for £4,000 this week.

On 22 June 1943, 34 members of 617 Squadron, fresh from successfully completing the legendary ‘Dambusters’ mission, gathered at London's Hungaria restaurant following their decoration earlier that day at Buckingham Palace.

As King George VI was abroad on a morale-boosting trip, the investiture was conducted by Queen Elizabeth, assisted by a 17-year-old Princess Elizabeth - the first time a female member of the Royal Family had conducted a full military investiture.

The menu belonged to Flight Lieutenant Len Sumpter, a distinguished Northamptonshire-born bomb aimer awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal for his precision during the attack on the Eder Dam. Signed by entertainers and RAF figures including Wing Commander Guy Gibson who received the Victoria Cross for leading the raid, it has now found a new home with a private collector.

Do you have a fascinating piece of military history you may be interested in selling? If so, why not arrange a free valuation with our experts to see what it could be worth at auction?

Link to our Valuations page in the Comments

13/10/2026

From a hassle-free online bidding process all the way through to receiving your item safe and sound via our in-house UK shipping service, we aim to make securing your special item a smooth and pleasurable experience from start to finish.

12/10/2026

WE NEED A DRIVER! Like to be behind the wheel and get your hands dirty? We have a full-time job opportunity on our transport team. Visit client homes and collect items of art and furnishings for upcoming sales, whilst playing an essential part of the ever-changing world of the saleroom. Full details are online now:

https://www.gildings.co.uk/job-openings/

09/10/2026

Get-togethers don’t come more exclusive than the June 1943 dinner to celebrate RAF 617 Squadron’s famous Dambusters raid on the German Ruhr Dams. But surely even the distinguished attendees would never have imagined a menu for the event would be estimated at £4,000 to £6,000 at auction in 2026!

Kept by Kettering-born Dambusters bomb aimer Len Sumpter, who was awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal at Buckingham Palace earlier in the day, the menu is signed by RAF figures and entertainers including Guy Gibson, who was decorated with the Victoria Cross for leading the raid.

The menu is titled ‘Damn Busters’ – a printing slip or a bit of wartime wit? No one knows for sure, but what is certain is that this incredibly rare and highly evocative piece of World War II history is sure to ignite a bidding war when it goes under the hammer on Tuesday!

The Antiques & Collectors auction offers over 100 lots of fascinating militaria from throughout history, with the wartime collection of Squadron Leader Donald Falgate also offered in sale with a guide price of £5,000-£6,000.

IN PERSON VIEWING: Friday 9th / Monday 12th October, 9am-4:30pm + morning of the auction