Fine art team’s mission to discover hidden gems at antiques valuation events

Ever wondered how much a family heirloom is worth or whether items stored away in your loft have any value?

Could a piece of jewellery or silver, an oil or watercolour painting, an example of Asian pottery or an item of militaria that has been in the family for generations, be a hidden gem?
                                                                                                                                    
The answers to all these questions and more will be available when a team of antiques specialists from Halls, a leading regional fine art auction house based in Shrewsbury, hits the road for a series of free antiques valuation days this year.

The specialists will be visiting Pershore, Southport, Montgomery, Shrewsbury, Whitchurch, Weston Park, Oswestry and Kidderminster, with other locations likely to be added during the year.

Gerry Berwyn-Jones, head of fine art and Maryanne Lineker-Mobberley, silver and jewellery specialist, will be providing valuations at Montgomery Town Hall on Thursday, February 2 from 10am to 2pm.

Books, manuscripts and maps will be the focus for specialist Chris Moore at Halls’ headquarters at Battlefield, Shrewsbury on Monday, February 6, Monday, March 6 and Monday, April 3 from 9am to 5pm. 

Stamps specialist Andy Neal will be valuing stamp collections at Halls’ HQ on Thursday, February 9, Thursday, March 9 and Wednesday, April 5 from 9.30am to 4pm.

Halls’ office in Oswestry will be hosting a valuation day with Alexander Clement, senior general valuer and Asian art specialist, on Friday, February 24 from 10am to 2pm.

March will see Maryanne visit Weston Park for silver and jewellery valuations on March 14 from 10am to 1pm and Alexander will be welcoming antiques to value at Halls’ Whitchurch office on March 28 from 10am to 2pm.

Gerry and Alexander will be attending a valuation day at Number 8 Arts Centre 8 High St, Pershore on April 4 from 11am to 3pm, Maryanne and Alexander will return to Montgomery Town Hall on Thursday, April 6, Gerry will be available at Halls’ Kidderminster office on Thursday, April 13 and Alexander will be visiting the company’s Oswestry office on Thursday, April 28, all from 10am to 2pm.

Maryanne and Alexander travel to Meols Hall, Churchtown, Southport to host a valuation event on Tuesday, May 2 from 10am to 2pm.

People who wish to have large antiques valued at any of the events may take along photographs to show the specialists.

A full programme of valuation events is planned across Shropshire, Worcestershire, Mid Wales, Cheshire and Lancashire for the rest of 2023, including some to raise money for local charities.

“We know from past experience that there are treasures just waiting to be identified in the communities that we serve,” said Maryanne. “Receiving an up-to-date valuation of silver, jewellery, pictures and antiques is important for homeowners, as markets fluctuate. 

“Based on what we tell them, they might need to review their home contents insurance cover.”

Anyone with a collection of items, which they are considering selling, is asked to contact Halls on Tel: 01743 450700.