Antiques in the Ballroom

On June 12th, the monthly tea and talk ‘In The Ballroom’ featured antiques expert, Stephen Bruce, who told tales of his fifty years as an auctioneer and valuer. It was a full house, and his anecdotes were hugely enjoyed. 

He brought along a selection of items, some valuable, some merely curious, and he spent some time looking at antiques that members of the audience had brought in, estimating auction values for each one.

A netsuke carved toggle from Japan was worth £300 and a 19th century Japanese vase was valued at £800.

Stephen advised that small items that have some use were the ones that tended to sell at auction. Brown furniture remains completely out of fashion. 

After the talk and valuations, there was the usual tea with a selection of cakes, and Helen’s picture quiz, this time on the subject of history. 

The next edition of ‘In The Ballroom’ will be at 2pm on July 10th, when Mick Byrne and David Bardell will offer a presentation called, ‘A Right Royal Couple’! Numbers are limited, so please reserve your place in advance at the Visitor Information Centre. 01926 492212.