Winton’s belongings are going up for auction
ALMOST 180 of Sir Nicholas Winton’s personal effects, including letters and gifts presented to him by those he saved through the Kindertransport, will go under the hammer next month.
The Swan at Tetsworth is selling the items from the family home in Maidenhead on behalf of the family of Sir Nicholas, who died last year, aged 106.
“In an ideal world, we would have the space to keep everything,” said his son Nick. “But my sister and I don’t have the room. And some people have expressed an interest in having mementos.”
It had been “rather sad” to say goodbye to some of the items which had surrounded him since childhood.
“Father would certainly find it peculiar that peo- Sir Nicholas Winton in his final years ple would pay anything at all for his belongings.” Among the lots are Sir Nicholas’s desk, estimated to fetch up to £2,000, and his Russian silver canteen, valued at £4,000. The collection also features photos and letters involving royals and world leaders including the Queen and Bill Clinton. “It is quite rare to have this sort of seller,” said auctioneer Tom Keane, who is overseeing the sale. “No other humanitarian has ever come on the market with us, so we are excited. “We don’t know how it will get on. We know what the things are worth in normal circumstances, so we have estimated their worth in everyday money. But if they go for more, it is because there i s p r o v e n a n c e attached to his very good name.” Among the items in the auction will be Sir Nicholas Winton’s desk, a photo of him with Bill Clinton and a message of congratulation from the Queen