The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is running two very special fundraising events this September in partnership with Duke's Auctioneers of Dorchester.

20^th – 21^st September 2019

Art and Antiques Evening, 20 September, 7pm - 10pm

On Friday 20^th September specialists and experts as seen on Antiques Roadshow will welcome guests to an evening at the museum where Marc Allum will give a ‘Behind the Scenes’ talk, sharing stories and anecdotes from his career and longstanding time on the iconic show. Experts including Lee Young and Lisa Lloyd will share their favourite pieces from the Russell-Cotes collections, and during the evening guests will have an opportunity to bring portable items for valuation. Tickets include drinks, canapés and free valuations, and can be bought on 01202 451820 or russellcotes.com/antiques

Valuation FUNdraiser Day, 21 September, 10am - 4pm

On Saturday 21^st September a whole host of valuers, many of whom are regularly seen on Antiques Roadshow, will be appraising items in gorgeous Russell-Cotes garden. All are welcome to bring along portable items (e.g. jewellery, watches, ceramics, silver) for verbal valuations by experts including Marc Allum, Lee Young, Paul Atterbury, Lisa Lloyd, Judith Miller and Clive Farahar. For larger items such as furniture, cars and sculpture an indicative valuation can be provided based on photographs. The Russell-Cotes is asking for a donation of £5 to have items valued, otherwise all can come along for free to join in the fun, enter the raffle and watch the experts hard at work!

All proceeds support the preservation and display of the Russell-Cotes and its contents

Sarah Newman, Museum Manager of the Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, explained that “Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes gave an incredible gift to the people of Bournemouth and we are committed to preserving it as they intended, maintaining the town’s heritage and displaying fantastic artworks. This does come at a cost, however, and we are so grateful to Duke’s and the experts from Antiques Roadshow who are generously giving their time in the spirit of our founders to help us raise the money necessary for our work.”

Lee Young of Duke’s Auctioneers, said “'We are delighted to be supporting the Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in enabling the diverse and enthralling collection to be enjoyed by all. There will be an exciting element of discovery...be it in hearing behind the scenes tales from the Antiques Roadshow on Friday evening or finding out about your own items that you bring along for appraisal and valuation. Both events promise to be highly entertaining and we look forward to seeing you.”