June 2002 - Something valuable from the attic ……….?

With the prospect of possibly finding the family heirloom to be valuable, more than 50 members attended the meeting of Andover Women in Business Club on 11 June, when a representative from Sotheby's visited to give valuations and an insight into the world of an international fine art auction house.

The meeting, held at the Keystone Hall, East Street, was also the Club's Jubilee celebration, with the room adorned with royal memorabilia and tables colourfully decorated. Many of the members arrived in red, white and blue to add to the festive atmosphere.

Jeremy Waite, Wessex Regional Valuer for Sotheby's, was, indeed, an entertaining speaker. Confessing to being somewhat overwhelmed by such a large number of women, Jeremy also confessed to finding it sometimes daunting to be faced with such a varied collection of memorabilia and antiques!

Although having a special interest in Ceramics, Jeremy described himself as a general valuer with a little knowledge of a lot of things, rather than a lot of knowledge about one particular speciality. He explained that selling through a large auction house, such as Sotheby's, had the advantage and value of there always being someone with greater and more specific knowledge to call on when necessary.

Confessions from members of the Club made it apparent that some of the items were somewhat less than honestly obtained! Being faced with a collection of 20-year-old milk bottles, decorated with advertising slogans, which clearly state 'Please return to your milkman' and two wooden panels, apparently 'borrowed from the QE2 liner', Jeremy was, tongue-in-cheek, keen to point out that it would not normally be his policy to value such ill-gotten items!

Many of the items of ceramics were, appropriately, commemorative ware, relating to the Queen's coronation and some earlier pieces featuring other royals. An interesting Bakelite ladies powder compact, decorated with a picture of Edward VIII, was valued at £80 - £100.

Jeremy told the group that Commemorative china is one of the biggest areas in the collectable industry, with production blooming during the Victorian era. Many items have been produced in large numbers, and despite being of sentimental value, often have little sale value. Because of the prolific availability of most commemorative ware, condition of the item is a key factor and any damage can render an item virtually worthless.

Amongst the items brought along by the Club's members were pieces of Chinese porcelain, a large Japanese bronze, a collection of old photographs and a visitors book containing beautiful drawings and paintings done by artistic guests with plenty of time to spare during their stay. Many items of fine jewellery were on display, together with old coins and banknotes.

Some of the most interesting items highlighted by Jeremy included a decorative Victorian travelling case, containing glass bottles with silver-plated decorated lids; a fine and very collectable Wemys china jug and several lovely examples of Victorian mourning jewellery.

Rounding off his fascinating talk, Jeremy stressed that "When collecting, only buy because you enjoy the item - not because of its investment value. Take pleasure in owning it." Despite valuing and giving the history of many of the items during his talk, many items could not be discussed generally because of time and members were invited to talk to Jeremy after the dinner to hear more about their individual items.

In addition to the undoubted success of the meeting, members happily paid £1 for each item valued, raising £52 towards the Club's aim to purchase computer equipment for Andover Mencap.