AN auction house is offering free valuations at The Bowes Museum.
Based in Bedale, Elstob & Elstob is run by husband and wife team, David and Beth Elstob, who are supported by a team of specialists who have held senior posts at institutions such as Sotheby’s, Bonhams and Doyle in New York.
Free Antiques Roadshow-style valuation days are taking place across the region, giving people the opportunity to learn more about their prized possessions. All manner of contemporary or antique objects are encouraged including silver, ceramics, glassware, pictures, sculpture or other collectables.
The Bowes Museum event will be held on Saturday, February 16, between 10am and 3pm. No appointments are necessary.
Other nearby locations include Richmond’s The Station on February 1.
“One of our motivations for setting up the business was to provide first-rate professional auction and valuation services to people in the region without them having to travel further afield to the larger city-based auction houses,” said Mr Elstob.
Mr Elstob, who is one of only a small number of auctioneers in the country to have achieved the rare distinction of RICS Chartered Arts and Antiques Surveyor accreditation, has previously worked for Addisons auction house, in Barnard Castle
“The valuation days are an extension of this service and we have picked various tourist and community locations across the whole of the North of England to reach as many people as possible.
“These events are always great fun and you never quite know what objects will be brought along,” he added.
While the valuations are free with no obligation, anyone wishing to sell an object may be given the option to sell it at auction. Elstob & Elstob holds four catalogue sales a year from its premises at Bedale Hall.
The next sale will be held on Sunday, March 24, for which consignments are currently invited.
“Many people have things tucked away at home that are actually worth quite a lot of money and even if they are not looking to sell an item, it is always sensible to have a piece valued for insurance purposes. Market trends do vary and an item that wasn’t worth a great deal ten years ago may have rocketed in value today.
“If people do wish to sell then the estimates given at a valuation event are used as a guide price at auction. If the piece doesn’t reach its desired price then it doesn’t have to be sold so there is no risk at all to the seller,” added Mr Elstob.
