It is an opportunity for anyone with collectables of any kind to come along and discuss them with experts in their field – for valuation purposes, or merely to try and find out more about them.

John Marrin will be on hand to discuss books and manuscripts, along with Andrew McCoull of Anderson & Garland, auctioneers and valuers from Newcastle who is happy to discuss a wide range of collectables to suit.
However, this year the organisers are particularly pleased to welcome master glass artist Craig Colquhoun who is willing to help people with their enquiries about any glass ware. He is also intending to do some glass blowing demonstrations during the course of the day.

As well as being very knowledgeable about the history of glass itself, Craig achieved international fame by re-creating the Kentucky Derby in glass, which is run every year at Churchill Downs.

This was complete with 20 horses, and over 5000 individually fashioned spectators; this enormous piece measures over 30 feet in length and took many years to complete.

His British client list includes HRH Princess Michael of Kent, Lord Ridley, British Gas, Gateshead Council, Newcastle Falcons RUFC, Northumbria Water, Newcastle United FC, Newcastle Racecourse and Northern Rock Bank, and he has committed to creating pieces on Sunday to allow people to understand more about the world of glass art and indeed the history of art.

The experts will also offer very informal short presentations at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm in their chosen fields. Whether the interest is in a collectable item of your own, simply to learn more about a specific field of Antiques, or to watch an internationally-renowned artist at work, this day promises to be one to remember.

Visitors can also view the photographic portrait of Kathryn Tickell which is on loan from the National Portrait Gallery for one more week.

You can find out more about Craig on his web site, http://www.thehouseofc.com/gallery.html or you can contact him further on (07950) 830975 or craig.colquhoun@sky.com.