Holkham | The Attic Sale was a landmark event, marking the first auction of its kind at Holkham Hall, Norfolk. Under the instruction of Thomas Edward Coke, 8th Earl of Leicester, the auction took place on 11 February 2025, offering over 400 treasures that had long been housed in the storerooms, attics, and cellars of the renowned Palladian estate.
Originally built in the mid-18th century by Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester, Holkham Hall is celebrated for its classical architecture and remarkable art collection. Over generations, successive Earls added their own acquisitions, filling the hall’s hidden spaces with furniture, artwork, and collectables. Carefully curated by the Earl and Countess of Leicester, this sale presented a rare opportunity for these historic pieces to find new homes.
Following an exceptionally busy weekend of viewings, the highly anticipated auction delivered outstanding results. 1,600 registered bidders competed for a chance to own a piece of Holkham’s history, with 160 bidding live in the saleroom at Holkham Hall. Strong global interest saw winning bids placed from 12 countries via absentee, telephone, and online bidding.
The carefully curated selection, chosen by the current Earl and Countess of Leicester, saw several standout performances. A group of Roman carved marble fragments achieved an impressive £49,400, while a pair of William IV mahogany library tables sold for £37,700. Other remarkable results included a George II carved and gilt console table, which soared to £6,500, far exceeding expectations, and two 18th-century Italian school busts, each selling for over £6,000.
With an exceptional 97% sold rate, the auction was a resounding success, highlighting the enduring appeal of Holkham’s remarkable heritage.
The Earl and Countess of Leicester. Image | Grahame Mellanby FRSA
Ahead of the sale, we had the honour of speaking with Thomas Edward Coke, the 8th Earl of Leicester. In this exclusive interview, Lord Leicester delves into the process of curating this extraordinary collection, a treasure trove that spans centuries of history, craftsmanship, and personal legacy. From exploring the rich heritage of Holkham Hall - renowned as one of England’s most iconic stately homes - to sharing his vision for its future, Lord Leicester provides a compelling insight into the art of balancing preservation with progress.
Holkham Hall is acknowledged as one of the great country houses of Britain. And now, over 400 items from its attics and cellars, selected by the Earl and Countess of Leicester, will be offered for sale in a once-in-a-lifetime auction on 11 February 2025.
17 December 2024
Holkham is, without doubt, one of today’s greatest English estates. Encompassing a honey-toned palatial mansion within 25,000 acres of green land, it's also an employer to hundreds of local people and a tourist destination attracting around one million visitors a year. But the Coke family have been at Holkham for over 400 years, and without the actions of multiple generations before, it would not be what it is today.
17 December 2024
