All of the lions and cubs being sold at the live auction at the Runnymede on Thames Hotel & Spa on 28th November are now on view at the online auction site at UK Auctioneers.
Each lion has a lot number, with photos and information about its artist and design inspiration, as well as sales price estimates.
If you would like to place a bid online, either before or during the live auction on 28th November, please register with UK Auctioneers as soon as possible and certainly a few days in advance of the auction in case there are any registration hitches.
As you will see, estimates for the cubs start at £300 and the large lions at £800, although we expect them to fetch considerably more.
All of the profits from the Lions of Windsor & Maidenhead 2019 event will be donated to four fantastic charities – Thames Hospice, Lions Club of Windsor, cancer charity Look Good Feel Better and wildlife charity Tusk.
Please see Auction FAQs below.
The magnificent LifeLion with artist MrASingh and West End star David Bradbury with Luna by Rosalind Holmes in the background. MrASingh has created sculptures for a number of popular public art trails. His Jersey Zoo gorilla went for £23,000 and his Isle of Man wallaby sold for £15,000.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
When is the auction?
The auction is taking place on Thursday 28 November 2019. The event will begin with a champagne reception at 7pm, with food and live West End entertainment. The auction starts at 8.30pm and will be screened live online at www.ukauctioneers.com. The auction will finish at approx 10pm.
Where is the auction?
The auction is taking place at The Runnymede on Thames Hotel & Spa, Windsor Road, Egham, TW20 OAG.
There is ample parking and special overnight rates for auction guests.
How do I get there?
It’s an easy 5 mile, approx 12 minute drive from Windsor & Eton Riverside train station and approx 7 minutes from Heathrow.
Nearest train stations are Windsor & Eton Riverside station (SW Railway) or Windsor & Eton Central Station by the Castle (GWR)
There is a taxi rank on Thames Street by Windsor Castle (1 min walk from the train station through the Royal Windsor Shopping Centre) and a rank outside Riverside station.
Taxi companies include Royal Windsor Taxis on 01753 585585 and Castle Executive Cars at 01753 664 023
See the Windsor Visitor Information Centre for further details.
Who is the auctioneer?
The auctioneer for the Lions of Windsor auction is Hugh Creasy, Director of Christie’s.
What is the schedule for the auction event?
The evening starts at 7pm with a champagne reception with a selection of hot savoury dishes. The Windsor Town Crier will call guests through to the Grand Union Suite at 8pm and a live performance by West End start David Albury and Cherelle Williams. Desert, cheeseboard, wine & chocolates on the table. Compere for the night is Tim Brooke-Taylor. Auctioneer Hugh Creasey will start the auction at 8.30pm.
How do I buy tickets to attend the auction?
Tickets are £70 for the evening to include champagne reception, food and entertainment. To purchase your auction ticket, please email auction@lionsofwindsor.org and we will send you the payment details and post your tickets to you. Bidder-only tickets are also available by emailing auction@lionsofwindsor.org or phoning 07720 880088 for details.
Which lions are being sold at auction?
There will be 38 lots that you can bid on during the evening – 30 large lions and 7 cubs. You can see all of the lions and cubs on display on the Lions for Auction page of the website.
The cubs sponsored by schools have been returned to them as a legacy of the project.
If you are interested in bidding for a lion or cub, it is suggested you come along to the auction to see the artwork in person.
Is there an auction catalogue?
Yes, you can view the online auction catalogue here.
If my bid is successful, how do I pay for my lion?
Payment can be made by bank transfer, debit card or, credit card. You will need to pay on the night of the auction.
What are the lions made or and how big are they?
The lions and cubs are hand-made in the UK from a bespoke design created by Bath sculptor Alan Dun and fabricated in the West Country from hollow fibreglass.
The large lions are approx. 180cm long and 60cm wide, weighing approximately 25kgs.
The cubs are approx. 100cm long and 45cm wide, weighing approximately 10kg.
If I buy a lion, how is it delivered?
There will be a transport desk during the night of the auction to organise delivery, with a sliding scale of delivery charges, dependent on distance. All successful online, phone or absentee bidders will be contacted to arrange delivery or collection.
Can I buy a plinth for my lion or cub?
Wooden plinths are available for £25 for a wooden plinth and £150 for a Bath Stone plinth. The lions are secured onto the plinths by bolts which feed up into the lion’s feet, or they can be freestanding.
How do I look after my lion?
We’ll provide you with some basic Lion care guidelines. The lions are coated with a strong anti-graffiti varnish known as Easy On and can be displayed outside or indoors.
Can I check the condition of the auction lots?
Prospective buyers are encouraged to take a closer look at the sculptures during the Roar Goodbye Weekend on 9-10 November or can view them at the charity auction.
Can I come along to see the auction, but not bid?
We would like to encourage bidders to attend the auction to help us raise as much as possible for the event charities. Bidders are encouraged to book their tickets as soon as possible, however last minute bidders. For further details please email auction@lionsofwindsor.org or phone the Lion Team on 07720 880088. The auction will be live-streamed online at at UK Auctioneers.
What is the guide price?
While it is difficult to assess the likely amount that any sculpture may sell for, we expect cubs to raise from £500 upwards and lions from £1,500 upwards. However, prices realised could be higher and some sculptures could sell for considerably more.
Can I bid online?
The online auction is now live at UK Auctioneers, where you can register as an online bidder.
Once you have been approved you can choose to submit your auction bid prior to the auction. Your bid will be included in the live auction on the night. You will be able to continue bidding online at the live auction to increase your bid.
Can I bid over the phone?
Yes, please complete the phone bidder registration form or email auction@lionsofwindsor.org for details.
Will you be accepting proxy bids?
Yes, please complete the absentee bidder registration form or email auction@lionsofwindsor.org for details.
Will you be live streaming the auction?
Yes. We will be live streaming the auction via the UK Auctioneers website so you can join in the excitement from the comfort of your own home. Follow Lions of Windsor social media (@lionsofwindsor) and keep checking the website for details.
Where will the event profits go to?
100% of event profits will be donated to four amazing charities: Thames Hospice, Lions Club of Windsor, cancer charity Look Good Feel Better and wildlife charity Tusk.