Fans of the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow will have their chance to get their crystal set, grandma’s Royal Daulton collection or that strange old clock appraised at Geelong’s very own Antique Valuation Day this weekend.
The Rotary Club of Geelong, in conjunction with Leonard Joel auction house, will host the fundraising event at the Heights in Newtown on Sunday, February 26 between 10am and 3pm.
Three professional valuers from Leonard Joel will be on hand to provide appraisals throughout the day after examining valuables if portable, or photos and details of large items.
Valuations are $10 per item, with all proceeds going to philanthropic organisation the Geelong Community Foundation.
Event organiser Michele Van Liessum said the Rotary Club was excited to see the event go ahead after a series of cancellations and rescheduling since 2019.
“It’s been a long time coming, but the support from all the Rotary clubs in Geelong has been amazing,” Ms Van Liessum said.
“If it’s successful, we’re hoping it will become an annual event and something that Geelong can look forward to every year.
“The interest has been quite good, we haven’t had one of these days in Geelong for a long time, many years.”
Leonard Joel’s valuers, who are offering their services free of charge for the day, are Head of Private Estates and Valuations David Parsons, Head of Fine Jewels and Timepieces Bethany McGougan and Head of Art Olivia Fuller.
Pop-up food and beverage vans will be on hand, as well as stalls featuring local produce, plants and seedlings.
The grounds and buildings of the National Trust property will be open to all comers for a gold coin donation, with volunteers on hand to talk about the history of the house.
Ms Van Liessum said the Heights provided the perfect venue for the event.
“We thought that somewhere historical would be far better than a hall or conference room,” she said.
“The valuations will be in the grounds, all around the garden, and the house is a lovely backdrop.
“It’ll be a lovely day. Even if you haven’t got an antique you can still come and have a wander and hear the experts talk about the valuables.”
