I am proud to say we have some rather impressive guests here at Hansons and in early March we’re particularly well blessed, writes Charles Hanson.
With us next week is Kate Bliss, a familiar face from TV shows like Bargain Hunt, Flog it! and Secret Dealers.
She will be with us on Thursday, March 1, from 10am-4pm, to offer free jewellery valuations to the people of Derby and beyond.
I have got to know Kate well through our TV work and she supports Hansons as a consultant valuer – one who’s more than happy to sign an autograph or two!
People love to meet Kate, her expertise is exceptional and she’s a joy to have around. She never stops smiling – even if there’s a queue. You can drop by to see her at our saleroom in Heage Lane, Etwall, without an appointment. However, due to her popularity, there may be a wait.
Jewellery is hugely popular at Hansons. Buyers love having the opportunity to obtain vintage or antique gems with history and pedigree. Meanwhile for our sellers, the auction house provides a way to maximise gains from an item they no longer need.
So, do dig out your treasures and bring them along for Kate to value and enter into our jewellery auctions.
Moving to a completely different area of expertise, Chinese art and ceramics expert Lars Tharp will be at Hansons on March 5, from 10am-4pm.
Lars, a familiar face on TV’s Antiques Roadshow, will be carrying out free Asian art valuations at our Etwall saleroom by appointment only. Simply call 01283 733988 or email [email protected] to book a slot.
Lars, a Danish-born British historian, lecturer and broadcaster, specialises in Chinese ceramics and works of art.
It’s hoped the people of Derbyshire can produce some Oriental treasures to impress him -and rival some recent spectacular finds.
For example, last September an ancient Chinese plate discovered in a South Derbyshire kitchen cupboard sold to a Chinese buyer for £230,000.
And, just before Christmas, three small Chinese bowls sold for £62,000 at Hansons. They were bought at Midlands junk shops in the 1950s and 1960s for no more than £1 each.
Lars is an expert in his field and it’s wonderful to have him with us as a guest consultant.
The Chinese market is booming as the country’s growing numbers of wealthy collectors flock to repatriate what they regard as their history and heritage. They are prepared to pay huge prices for the privilege, frequently outbidding western collectors.
Some Chinese buyers tell me they feel their past has been looted from them. By buying back their most celebrated porcelains and works of art, pieces often intended for an emperor, they acquire great kudos.
To make a firm appointment with Lars Tharp on March 5, 10am-4pm, call 01283 733988. No appointment necessary with Kate Bliss on March 1, 10am-4pm. Every Tuesday, Hansons in Heage Lane, Etwall, also offers free jewellery valuations, 9.30am-4.30pm and silver valuations, 10am-4pm. Plus, free general antiques valuations area available at our saleroom on Wednesdays, 5-7pm, Fridays, 10am-4pm, and Saturdays, 9am-noon.
