The Education Committee at the Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars is pursuing its own initiative by way of forging closer relationships between auction houses and local schools. The idea is that a group of students will spend the day at the nominated saleroom where they will hear short presentations on a number of disciplines such as paintings, ceramics, jewellery, silver and 20th century decorative arts given by in-house specialists.
There will be opportunities to handle and attempt to identify the objects they are shown, take part in a valuation quiz and even try their hand at (virtual) auctioneering.
It is hoped that such an event will kindle interest in antiques and fine art in young and receptive minds who would never normally be given the chance of learning about our unique industry at such close quarters.
The first event will be taking place at Canterbury Auction Galleries in September; a number of other prominent salerooms have also expressed an interest in taking part in this initiative which, it is hoped, will gain momentum throughout the country.
For further information on the WCAS Schools Day please contact me at john@johnbenjamin.co.uk
John Benjamin
Aylesbury, Bucks
