Bishton Hall and Gardens was the venue for this year’s SI Cannock & District Summer Celebration. Soroptimist Jackie Prince organised a fabulous morning in the Orangery when club members and friends enjoyed a morning cream tea and the company of auctioneer and TV personality Charles Hanson.
Charles and his staff were so welcoming and friendly and many club members took along items for Charles to value. As he did this, he demonstrated his amazing knowledge of what seemed to be all areas of antique and vintage items – though he told us that he has many specialists working with him who he will refer to for confirmation or additional information. He told the story of a Chinese vase he was asked to auction many years ago. He correctly told the owner the date and the artist and valued it at £25,000. His specialist examined it and told Charles the only thing wrong was the valuation – apparently the vase had belonged to the Emperor and its value was half a million pounds!!!
He told us that his fondest memory and proudest moment was meeting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in July of last year. She had invited him to auction an item of hers for charity – that item was the handbag used in the famous Paddington sketch!!
No one’s attention wandered as Charles told his stories in his humorous and warm personal style – and those with items to be valued were delighted to learn more about them. As is often the case, it didn’t really matter how valuable they were in pounds – it’s often the sentimental value that is so great.
He urged everyone not to throw things away! Although things that sold for a lot of money 10 or 20 years ago now have little monetary value – this can change. The current market is favouring toys and models from 25 years ago – a plastic Star Wars figure bought in 1998 for 50p recently sold for £9,500!!
Charles Hanson bought Bishton Hall and Gardens four years ago; many events are held there throughout the year and there are lots of plans in the pipeline, information can be found on the website: www.bishtonhall.com. Soroptimists are already planning more visits there – and searching in their attics for hidden treasures!
Photos: 1. Jackie Prince with Charles Hanson
2; Jackie Prince and her team in the Orangery
