Richard Winterton
Managing Director & Auctioneer
For as long as he can remember, all Richard has every wanted to do is be an auctioneer.
The trade is truly in the blood – the Winterton family name has been synonymous with auctioneering in Staffordshire for seven generations, dating back to 1864.
Richard’s earliest experience of auctions was at the Smithfiled livestock market in Lichfield and he still fondly remembers that agricultural heritage.
“Even when I was at school, I couldn’t wait to come home and get stuck into the family business,” he says.
Richard grew up in this environment, gaining firsthand experience and knowledge from a young age, fuelling a deep understanding of the auction process and all the hard work it entails, from initial valuation to record hammer price and onwards to the winning bidder.
He and wife Janet eventually took over the family business in their own right in 1997, continuing the Winterton legacy and expanding the company’s reach and services.
Richard is a familiar face on television, appearing as an auctioneer on programmes including Bargain Hunt, Antiques Road Trip and Dickinson’s Real Deal.
He’s even appeared – as himself – on Coronation Street.
When not at the rostrum, Richard notches up more than 30,000 miles a year travelling across the county to assess properties and their contents, totalling in excess of 700 home visits throughout 2023.
He is also a big supporter of numerous charities including We Love Lichfield and Burton Albion Community Trust and gives dozens of charity talks and auctions every year, always free of charge.
A memorable highlight was the auction of the March of the Elephants sculpture trail at Lichfield Cathedral in 2024, which raised £125,000 for St Giles Hospice.
Richard’s perfect day would include time with his family, a long walk in the countryside – and a good pub.
