Sound It Out: Record auction in memory of Tom Butchart

Tom Butchart died at his world-famous shop, Sound It Out Records, in June.

The legacy of the owner of a well-known record shop is up for auction following his death.

Tom Butchart, the owner of Stockton's Sound It Out Records, died suddenly in his shop in June.

With his death came the closure of Teesside's last vinyl shop which attracted trade from across the world.

Tom's collection of more than 80,000 records is now being auctioned by Vectis Auctions, with the sale managed by an ex-Sound It Out staff member.

The first of several lots raised £23,500 when it went under the hammer on Wednesday, with hundreds of bidders joining the online auction.

A single Sex Pistols bootleg album sold for £380.

Sound It Out's stock will be auctioned over several sales

Managing the auction is Mel Butler and, for her, it is a mammoth mission that is very close to her heart.

She was employed by Vectis after losing her job at Sound It Out following Mr Butchart's death.

"This auction represents one man's life's work," she said.

"Sound It Out was a great place to work.

"All the staff had a passion for music and our customers had the same passion.

"Tom was more of a friend than a boss and he was so knowledgeable - any customer who asked him for recommendations would walk out with armfuls of records.

"We were all incredibly sad when he passed. He is so missed.

"He created a community and there was nothing else in the North East like Sound It Out."

Tom's wife, Clare Butchart, said the shop was "the beating heart of the local music scene".

She said Sound It Out encompassed her husband's knowledge and passion for music, with its atmosphere a reflection of his "warmth and generous character".

Tom Butchart's independent shop was loved by music fans across the world

The decision to hand stock to Vectis was difficult for Mrs Butchart but made easier by the knowledge Sound It Out staff would be handling the auctions.

She said: "I am immensely proud of Tom and what he achieved.

"His memory will live forever in the hearts of those who knew him and his contribution towards the Teesside music scene and beyond will never be forgotten."