Fabulous finds at the Royal Society Arts and Antiques Roadshow

Summary

Silverware, ceramics, toys, furniture, ornaments and paintings, together worth more than $300,000 in real money, and priceless in terms of sentimental value, came through the Royal Society of Tasmania’s Art and Antiques Roadshow on Saturday 10 January at Woolmers Estate.

More than 50 visitors arrived with close to 200 items for the attention of renowned antique expert and valuer Warwick Oakman.

Art exhibition visitors discussing paintings.

the cast bronze box that had warwick stumped — *Left: More than 50 people brought along their family treasures. Right: The cast bronze box that had expert Warwick Oakman stumped.*

Some of the biggest finds of the day were:

A William Piguenit painting, a wise earlier investment by a Tasmanian art collector.
A botanic work by Louisa Anne Meredith, the most important female artist of the 19^th century in Australia, which had passed from great-aunt to grandmother to the current owner.
A scrimshaw (carved whalebone) collection, again a family heirloom, which Warwick described as being of state and national significance.
A model car carved out of Huon pine, which was a potential museum piece.

*Fabulous finds included a scrimshaw collection, naval barometer and Huon pine model car*

People brought things they had inherited, found and bought. These included:

A cheeky Bacchus pottery ornament in a collection of Japanese, English and local Tasmanian ceramics.
An imposing land and sea naval barometer in mahogany with a rope twist case, which belonged to one Captain Charles Browne Hardwicke.
A set of grandfather’s WWI medals in mint condition.

There were curios:

A delicately carved row of elephants, a vintage item which has lost its value as traders turn their back on ivory.
A late-Victorian super-sized silver flagon trophy awarded to the current owner’s grandfather in 1907 thanks to the prowess of his three times prize-winning bull.
A telegram from the Apollo 13 landing on 17 April 1970.
An elegant cast bronze box, which had Warwick stumped.

While some were delighted with their valuation, others walked away disappointed, but no-one went empty-handed. Warwick had good advice for all would-be collectors:

For the visitor with four delightful Capo di Monte Italian figures – they are only worth $150 each in the local market but try selling them online. They are worth more to international buyers.
For the owner of the 1859 copy of a Raphael Cartoon, worth $1500, not millions – write down what you know of the provenance. An item’s story adds to its interest and value, even if it is a tale of deceit.
For the finder of a 1950s Kyoto pottery vase – use Google translate to make sense of the card you found inside and discover the maker.

The Roadshow was part of the Royal Society’s Hidden Treasures Exhibition, which runs at the historic Woolmers Estate, near Longford, from 4 January to 22 February. This extraordinary showcase features rarely seen artworks from the Northern Midlands of the 1850s, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Tasmania’s rich cultural heritage.

There is a $5 entry fee for the exhibition and pre-bookings are through https://www.trybooking.com/DHXOL

There are more special events in the coming weeks:

Sunday, 18 January: Landscape painting demonstration by renowned artist Darren Meader.
Sunday, 25 January: The Life and Works of Louisa Anne Meredith – presented by Dr Anita Hansen, Dr Malcolm Ward, and Mary Koolhof OAM.
Sunday, 1 February: Botanical painting technique demonstration by celebrated Tasmanian artist Lynne Uptin OAM.

Visitors can take home a full-colour illustrated exhibition brochure for $10 and participate in a silent auction for high-quality digital reproductions of the artworks displayed. Merchandise is also be available for sale.

The exhibition runs alongside the Unshackled Exhibition, creating a rich cultural experience for all attendees.