A valuation event hosted by antique specialist and tv personality Eric Knowles and friends In aid of the Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre |
As Chairman of The Hoard Limited, Eric Knowles extends a warm welcome to ‘What’s it worth?’ – a valuation event to celebrate opening of The Art Exchange situated on the ground floor of the historic Corn Exchange in Tunbridge Wells. Simply bring along your treasured item to The Corn Exchange and our specialists will let you know its history and value – and if they can’t tell you on the day, they will endeavour to carry out the necessary research and let you know very soon afterwards. Eric and a few of his friends – all TV personalities and antique specialists in their own fields – are all giving up their time to this very special event and will be donating 100% of the £10 valuation fee to The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre, a local charity dedicated to supporting those dealing with cancer, their families, friends and carers. The event takes place on Sunday, 4th July 2021 at The Corn Exchange in Tunbridge Wells. Appointments begin at 12 noon and finish at 5pm. To book one of our ten-minute time slots with the relevant specialist, simply call 07497 387995 or email events@scottishantiques.com and we will ensure you are booked in with the appropriate specialist. On the day, ten minute-time slots are allocated to each specialist, beginning at 12 noon and ending at 5pm. Please ensure that you are on time for your appointment. If you are late, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to fit you in – although we will endeavour to do so where possible. Your £10 donation will include a ten-minute verbal consultation. Valuations given will only be an indication of the item’s origin and worth. Written reports will not be given. If you are thinking of bringing furniture or large, heavy items – please don’t! We are happy to work from detailed images taken from all angles which you can show us on the day, along with the item’s dimensions and we will take it from there. Please remember that items are bought to us at your own risk. We will not be able to take responsibility for your items during your visit. |
Eric Knowles Probably best known for his appearances since 1981 on BBC Televisions ‘Antiques Roadshow’ and during the last five years has become a joint presenter of the ever popular ‘Bargain Hunt’ He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and the University of Central Lancashire whilst holding an MA (Honoris Causa) awarded by Southampton Solent University. Eric also has the Freedom of the City of London. He is the author of nine books covering subjects such as Victoriana, Royal Memorabilia, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Rene Lalique. Eric is a long-time ambassador for the Princes Trust as well as a patron of several Museums and numerous charities. John Benjamin Formerly International Director of Jewellery at Phillips Fine Art Auctioneers John Benjamin established his own independent jewellery valuation and advisory service in 1999. A Freeman of The Goldsmiths’ Company and a Freeman of the City of London John is a Founder Liveryman and Court Assistant of The Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars. He is author of Starting To Collect Antique Jewellery and co-author with Paul Atterbury of The Jewellery And Silver Of H G Murphy. A lecturer, valuer and jewellery historian John has been a member of the team of experts on BBC Television’s Antiques Roadshow since 1991 and is a popular speaker for both The Arts Society and the National Federation of Women’s Institute. Grant Ford Grant Ford is a well-known international fine art specialist, trusted advisor, curator and representative of prestigious art collections. Grant has a substantial international reach, having cultivated strong and trusted relationships with collectors and specialists in many fields, including curators, authors, restorers, framers and valuers. During his career he has travelled extensively visiting clients and exhibitions worldwide. Charles Hanson Charles, owner of Hansons Auctioneers and a familiar face on television, is a man thousands of antiques fans have come to know and love. He regularly appears on TV programmes such as Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip but, though he enjoys the TV work, his first love will always be the saleroom. He thrives on the drama, passion and excitement of an auction. As well as leading sales at his auction centres in Derbyshire, London, Staffordshire and Oxfordshire, he often uses his talents to aid major charity auctions around the UK. Charles’ passion for history and antiques emerged when he was a boy. At the age of eight, he took up metal detecting. One of his earliest finds was a Charles I coin. He still recalls the excitement he felt when he uncovered it. Away from the saleroom, Charles is a passionate supporter of charities. For him, it is an absolute privilege to bring the art of auctioneering to important fundraising events to benefit good causes. Over the years, he has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for countless. Loraine Turner – Silver Specialist Loraine specialises in silver and brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience. In her own words, Loraine explains how she became involved in the silver world and where it’s taken her… Being taught to decipher a hallmark by my father at age 11, my fate was sealed. Intrigued by the punches that identified the town, year and maker – I was hooked. Fascinated by antiques throughout my childhood, the only option was this mystical world. On leaving school – I can still recall the statement I made to my friend, “I’m going to work in antiques!”. I knew my path was set. My first job was working for a dealer on Chancery Lane, my next step was to enter the London silver vaults. This was and is the cut and thrust of silver across the ages. However, having spent 3 years underground like a mole, it was time to emerge from the vaults… my next job, which took me off into new waters, was to run the antiques dept at Fortnum and Mason… oh my what fun (including star gazing at those who entered the shop from time-to-time!) Seven years was long enough, and then the world of silver called and lured me back. This time to Phillips auctioneers in 1989. This was the first auction house I was employed by. I was certainly fortunate to have worked for both Sotheby’s and Bonhams as well… it was during my time at Bonhams that I met Eric… In 1997 I was invited to become a freeman of The Goldsmiths’ company and given freedom of the city of London. My journey over the years in the auction world has been such great fun – along with the pleasure of selling some truly amazing pieces and collections. |
The Hoard Limited – the latest news…
Exciting things are taking place at The Corn Exchange in the historic heart of The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells. This beautiful building – once a hub of commerce and industry in the town, but long-since under-utilised – is again set to spring back to life at the heart of the spa town. Eric Knowles, heads a team of specialists at The Hoard and online dealer scottishantiques.com as they bring together a physical emporium dedicated to decorative art and design from the 17th Century to the present day. With fully furnished room settings, chandeliers above your head in the two and a half storey, central atrium and units around the outside fitted to the highest standard. The recently re-fitted Corn Exchange will show-case everything from furniture and fine art to lighting and chandeliers, Georgian glassware, French & Scandinavian art glass, Continental and British porcelain, to Tunbridge Ware making a return to its source – and so much more! Moving forward, other big names in the industry will be joining The Hoard under the umbrella of ‘The Art Exchange’. Companies such as Wilkinson’s the chandelier specialists and Royal warrant holders, The Design Gallery and Hansons Auctioneers are already set to join the enterprise – a very welcome boost to the local economy. |