Such legacies come with considerable financial burdens attached and on September 25 the Society will be launching a £4.5m campaign to safeguard its future with an auction in their historic London premises at Burlington House.
Donations for the auction - conducted by Jeremy Morrison of Christie's - include antiquities, curiosities and activities, with Laud Veneris, a design by Edward Burne-Jones, among the eye-catching lots.
The evening is also an opportunity to enjoy the unique setting of the Antiquaries' headquarters off the courtyard of the Royal Academy.
Tickets for the event at £50, to include wine, cocktails, canapés and music, can be bought online at www.sal.org.uk/events.
