Antiques at the Castle to delight treasure hunters

Thursday, 1 September 2011

Antique enthusiasts will have the chance to find out if they have treasure hiding in their house on Sunday 11 September, at a special 'Antiques Roadshow' style event at Dundas Castle in aid of St Columba's Hospice.

The inaugural 'Antiques at the Castle' event will have experts from Lyon & Turnbull on hand to value antiques and will offer guests a rare opportunity to visit the historic Dundas Castle in South Queensferry. Tours of the castle keep - which dates back to 1416 - will be available for guests to enjoy, as well as music, a plant stall, an art exhibition and cream teas provided by Truly Scrumptious.

Lesley Christie, Director of Fundraising for St Columba's Hospice said:

"If you've always wanted to know the value of your antiques and whether or not that vase gathering dust in your storage cupboard is actually worth a fortune, then don't miss your chance to find out at Antiques at the Castle. It's also a wonderful opportunity to visit the beautiful Dundas Castle, which will provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable day out for antique aficionados and neophytes alike. There'll be music, tours of the grounds and keep, cream teas and a wonderful art and sculpture exhibition, and all proceeds raised will help build our new home for St Columba's Hospice.

"You can bring along as many antiques as you like - or even just photos of your items - to have them valued by experts from Lyon & Turnbull. To save time queuing on the day you can even pre-register your items by getting in touch with St Columba's Hospice. We owe a huge amount of gratitude to both Dundas Castle and Lyon & Turnbull for their support and we look forward to welcoming old friends and new at Antiques at the Castle."

Colin Fraser from Lyon & Turnbull said:

"Antiques are still enjoying a very healthy popularity with people of all ages. There is something very exciting about the prospect that an ordinary looking item that you might have picked up at a car boot sale could actually be worth much more than you think. The history that's attached to items is also very intriguing - uncovering the story that's lurking beneath the surface of an antique is all part of the fun and the appeal."

"This event is a wonderful opportunity to find out what your antiques might be worth and to learn more about the history behind them. If you've ever wondered about an item in your home then bring it along to Antiques at the Castle, and you could not only be boosting your coffers, but you'll be helping St Columba's Hospice too."

Dundas Castle is regarded as one of Scotland's most beautiful and historic castles. Built in 1818 by the renowned Scottish architect, William Burn, the Castle is now the stately home of Sir Jack and Lady Stewart-Clark. The Auld Keep of Dundas Castle was built in 1416 for the purpose of being both a home in times of peace and a fortress in times of war.  

Antiques at the Castle will be held from 12pm to 6pm on Sunday 11 September and all proceeds will go towards helping to build a new St Columba's Hospice. Each item will cost £5 to be valued, or £10 for three items to be valued. Additional items will cost £2 to be valued. Admission is free for people who get items valued and for children, and £5 for all other attendees.

People can pre-register their antiques to save time queuing on the day by contacting Michael from St Columba's Hospice on 0131 551 1381 or sending an email.

To find out more about Antiques at the Castle, please contact St Columba's Hospice on 0131 551 1381.

St Columba's Hospice is an Edinburgh charity that provides free palliative care and support to over 1,000 patients and families each year.

Ends

For further information or to organise a photo or interview opportunity, please contact Isabelle Herlt, PR and Communications Manager, on 0131 551 1381 or by email.

Notes for editors about Antiques at the Castle

• Antiques at the Castle will be held at Dundas Castle, South Queensferry EH30 9SP on Sunday 11 September 2011 from 12pm - 6pm.
• Antique valuations will cost £5 per item, £10 for three times and £2 for additional items. Admission is free for children and for people who get antiques valued and £5 for all other attendees. People are able to bring along as many items as they wish for valuation, and can also bring photographs of items.
• Experts from Lyon & Turnbull will specialise in valuations for silver, jewellery, 20^th century design, decorative arts, Scottish design, Wemyss, Scottish silver, coins, medals, ceramics, glass and paintings.
• People can pre-register their antiques to save time queuing on the day by contacting Michael from St Columba's Hospice on 0131 551 1381 or by email.
• 100% of the proceeds from Antiques at the Castle will go towards the project to rebuild St Columba's Hospice.

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