Most people are familiar with the principles of auctions even if they have never been to one. The images in the Special Cattle Auction Album show that for cattle sales there are strong barriers round the perimeter of the ring, which is more a semi circle than a ring, and that the ring is used at full size for cattle. The positioning of the Auctioneer is such that he and the ring in front of him form the natural focal point from every part of the public seating area. An electronic notice board above the Auctioneer’s area signifies the lot being auctioned and relevant details about the breed, weight and seller. The discourses here are several of power relationships and one of gender. Being the focal point and being in an official coat and in control of the microphone emphasises that the Auctioneer is in charge. He controls when ring assistants bring cattle into the ring and let them out of the ring. He conducts the auction process – at a phenomenal pace that could not be captured by still photography. He has power over his assistant, the only female present, who records the sale details when the Auctioneer completes the sale. He does not have power over the price as that power rests with the bidders. Observing the bidders enabled their bidding signals to be identified but the process was so fast that only one bidder could be caught on camera in the act of bidding.
Special Cattle Auction Album
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