Alan Carr Retains Unique Concrete Cow Sculpture Amid Castle Auction

Alan Carr is keeping one unwanted – Comedian Alan Carr has decided to retain a distinctive concrete cow sculpture from the collection of Ayton Castle in the Scottish Borders, which is currently undergoing an auction of its unused items. The castle, recently purchased by Carr, saw hundreds of objects—some once cherished by the previous owners and others left behind by Carr himself—put up for sale over the weekend. Among these, the cow stood out as the sole item that did not find a buyer, prompting Carr to keep it as a personal keepsake.

Castle’s Unwanted Treasures Go Under the Hammer

The auction, held at Ayton Castle on Sunday, featured a diverse array of possessions, including vintage furniture, framed artworks, and textiles. Viewers had the opportunity to inspect the items on Friday and Saturday before the final sale. While the event generated significant interest, only one object remained unsold: the cow, which was part of a broader collection of sculptures from the Branxton Cement Menagerie. This collection, originally crafted by a retired joiner in the 1960s, had grown into a cherished display before being relocated to Ayton Castle in 2021.

Auctioneer Jim Railton of Railtons Auctioneers described the process as a “very busy day,” emphasizing the efficiency of the sale. “We managed seven-and-a-half hours of continuous bidding without a single item remaining unsold, which is a strong performance,” he remarked. The Branxton Menagerie’s pieces, including the cow, fetched around £28,000 in total, with individual items achieving notable prices. The highest bid of the day was £24,000 for a five-seater Bentley Mulsanne, showcasing the range of value among the auctioned goods.

The Cow’s Unusual Fate

Though the cow was part of a larger set of sculptures, it had a unique history. Railton noted that its lack of buyers was unexpected, stating, “For some reason, we couldn’t get a bid for it.” This anomaly left Carr in a position to claim the sculpture as a memento, preserving a piece of the Branxton Menagerie’s legacy. The comedian, known for his wit and charm, plans to keep the cow as an ornament or a reminder of the collection’s journey from its origins to its new home.

The Branxton Cement Menagerie, a collection of whimsical sculptures, was initially created to amuse a disabled son. Over time, it evolved into a “much-loved visitor attraction,” with the retired joiner’s dedication resulting in a vast array of animal figures. These pieces, made from cement, were later sold to Carr’s castle, adding a quirky charm to its historic setting. The cow, with its bold and recognizable form, became a symbol of this eclectic mix, yet it managed to avoid the fate of its counterparts.

Auction Success and Financial Impact

Railton expressed satisfaction with the auction’s outcome, highlighting the menagerie’s appeal. “I was quite pleased with the Branxton animals because they were an unknown quantity—no one could predict how they’d perform,” he said. “But they clearly resonated with bidders, and the sale went well.” The overall proceeds from the auction are expected to reach approximately £100,000, which will go to the previous owners who sold the castle to Carr. This sum reflects the combined value of the items, though the cow’s unclaimed status remains a notable exception.

Carr’s acquisition of Ayton Castle marks a new chapter in the building’s history. The £3.25 million property, situated in the scenic Scottish Borders, now holds a mix of historical artifacts and modern additions. The comedian’s decision to retain the cow adds a personal touch, blending his humor with the castle’s eclectic character. While the auction showcased the castle’s contents, it also revealed Carr’s attachment to certain items, perhaps as a nod to the man who originally crafted them.

Reflections on the Sale and Carr’s Legacy

Railton’s remarks underscored the significance of the event, noting that the cow’s unsold status was a minor setback. “Alan Carr, who has bought the castle, is going to keep it as an ornament or a memory of all the animals that were at Branxton and then went to Ayton,” he explained. This sentiment highlights Carr’s desire to maintain a connection to the past, even as he embraces the future of the castle. The cow’s presence in the comedian’s collection will serve as a testament to the journey of these sculptures, from their humble beginnings to their new life in a historic estate.

The auction also drew attention to the broader theme of repurposing and reimagining spaces. Ayton Castle, with its rich history, now hosts a blend of traditional and unconventional items, reflecting Carr’s eclectic taste. The sale of the castle’s contents not only generated funds for the previous owners but also introduced a new narrative to the property. As the cow remains in Carr’s possession, it stands as a symbol of the transition from one era to another, bridging the past and present in a unique way.

For those wondering about the comedian’s choice to buy a castle, the answer lies in his passion for collecting and his appreciation for eclectic spaces. The £3.25 million price tag underscores the property’s value, but Carr’s personal connection to its items adds depth to the acquisition. The cow, in particular, seems to hold a special place in his heart, offering a tangible link to the creativity that once defined the Branxton Menagerie. This decision raises questions about the broader appeal of such acquisitions, but it also speaks to the personal significance of keeping a piece of history.

Auction Insights and Future Prospects

The sale of Ayton Castle’s contents has not only cleared out the previous owners’ possessions but also opened the door for new chapters in its story. Railton’s comments reflect the successful turnover of items, with the Branxton Menagerie’s pieces finding new homes. The comedian’s retention of the cow, however, adds a layer of personal attachment to the event. As the castle moves into its next phase, the cow will remain a quiet reminder of the artistry that once filled its halls.

Carr’s ownership of Ayton Castle raises intriguing questions about the role of personal collections in shaping the character of a historic property. While the auction focused on items no longer needed, the cow’s survival suggests that some objects transcend utility to become meaningful symbols. The sale’s success, combined with Carr’s decision to keep the cow, highlights a balance between letting go and holding on, offering a glimpse into the comedian’s unique perspective on ownership and legacy.

As the castle’s new chapter begins, the auction serves as a microcosm of its transformation. From the bustling activity of the sale to the quiet presence of the unclaimed cow, the event encapsulates the blend of history, creativity, and personal choice that defines Ayton Castle’s new era. For Carr, this acquisition is more than a financial investment—it is a statement of his appreciation for the unconventional and a celebration of the art that once thrived in the Branxton Menagerie.