Ceramics Valuation & Education

A Midlands 17th century stately home is offering visitors the chance to get their china and pottery valued by a Sotheby's expert during its Ceramic Study Day.

Sotheby's auctioneer, Andrew Parker will be accompanied by a team of historical and conservationist specialists during the Ceramic Study Day, which takes place at Weston Park in Weston-under-Lizard, near Shifnal, Shropshire, on Wednesday 15th October 2008. During the event, they will explore the origins of ceramics and how best to preserve them, followed by a two course lunch in the Stables Bistro Restaurant.

Weston Park's extensive collection of Oriental and European ceramics provides a fitting backdrop to begin the discussions. Curator, Sophie Heath from the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust's Coalport Museum and Lesley Durbin, conservator at the Jackfield Conservation Studio, will start the day's activities.

"Lesley works closely with English Heritage on its maintenance programme for medieval tiles," explains Weston Park's curator, Gareth Williams.

"She is the conservator of ceramics for Weston Park and many other prominent museums and galleries. Lesley and Sophie will explore the manufacture of porcelain, ways in which to care for it and the influences it has had on the market."

Gareth will provide an exclusive tour of Weston Park's own unique ceramic collection followed by Sotheby’s auctioneer, Andrew Parke's informative discussions revealing how to recognise an antique treasure.

"We are fortunate to have such knowledgeable professionals joining us at Weston Park and welcome visitors to bring their own ceramic heirlooms to be examined by Andrew," says Gareth.

Pre-booking is required. The day will commence at 10am and costs £48.50 per person, which includes the talks, tours, two-course lunch and valuations plus time to explore the estate's Park and Gardens.

A 17th century stately home set amidst 1,000 acres of parkland, Weston Park was the former ancestral home to the Earls of Bradford from 1671 until it was gifted to the nation by the current earl in 1986. It is now held in a trust for the nation by the Weston Park Foundation, a charitable Trust. The primary purpose of the Foundation is to conserve and display Weston Park and its contents for the public benefit and to develop its role as an educational charity.

To book a place, please contact Weston Park on 01952 852100 or email enquiries@weston-park.com.

Web Links

Weston Park: www.weston-park.com

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