Celebrity auctioneer and BBC Bargain Hunter Thomas Forrester will be hosting a terrific fundraiser at the Corn Exchange for their Old Library campaign this autumn.
On Wednesday, September 11 (7pm) the antiques expert will be talking about his work as an auctioneer and his time on TV with Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip, highlighting heartwarming tales of his foray into antiques and how he landed a spot on the beloved British show.
As well as his time on Bargain Hunt, Thomas’ long list of achievements includes being director of Special Auction Services in Newbury.
Guests can expect him to lend his valuable insight into the antiques market, sharing a look into what is currently selling and what is struggling. He will also delve into personal stories from his time working in antiques, including fascinating and one-of-a-kind items he has sold, as well as things he couldn’t shift!
All proceeds will be going towards the reopening of the historic Old Library in Newbury which will be a permanent home for the Corn Exchange’s creative participation work. This much-loved building will provide opportunities for all to take part in creative activities, benefiting more and more local people with the positive impact that engagement in the arts has. £2.6 million is needed to fulfil the Corn Exchange’s plans to open the Old Library in early 2025.
Guests can also get actively involved in the evening, with the chance to bring along a small antique or collectable. Audience members who have brought items will be drawn at random to go on stage and tell the audience what their item is and why they bought it, before Thomas provides a live valuation.
@newburytoday asked Thomas more about the event:
It’s terrific you are supporting the Old Library Campaign with this event, Thomas. Why did you want to be involved?
I hold people who want to perform whether it be music, dance or reciting poetry in high regard and believe that arts and culture should be open to all and having this space it will provide the perfect opportunity for this.
How important do you think grass roots arts and creativity are to wellbeing?
When I was younger, I certainly looked forward to my creative classes at school and I always felt better when producing something in art, sculpture or working collaboratively in a play. Arts and creativity give everybody a sense of achievement and wellbeing which you cannot replicate in any other way.
What gems are you hoping will come up for auction? What would be a good money-spinner?
Any item with a great story is a gem! People can bring anything they want to be valued – and I look forward to seeing many interesting pieces. If one of the lost Fabergé Eggs turn up it would definitely be a money spinner.
You are going to chat to the audience about your career in antiques – without any spoilers for the night, can you give us an amusing anecdote as a taster?
There was a time when I turned up to a house to do a valuation and they had the TV on – they were watching me on Bargain Hunt at the same time. It was the infamous black cat episode which I’ll probably mention on the night…
And you are doing a live valuation. Do you enjoy doing them – how do you let people down gently when they believe they have a treasure, that isn’t? Has anyone taken it badly?
It’s like Christmas every day, you don’t know what is going to happen. I love them.
The worst thing about valuations is bubble wrap and sellotape.
Usually people accept the valuations with good grace, but there have been times when I have been called things that are not printable.
What lot has given you most joy and what’s the most valuable you’ve brought the hammer down on?
I have been lucky enough to sell items for many millions of pounds and dollars around the world, but for me the Paul Daniels’ wig bought me the most joy as it was iconic, a memory of my childhood and working with the lovely Debbie McGee was an absolute dream.
£2.6m is needed to fulfil the Corn Exchange’s plans to open the Old Library in early 2025, £1 million of which has been funded by Greenham Trust, for the acquisition of the building, repairs, and conservation.
Support has also been provided by Adrian Swire Charitable Trust, Backstage Trust, Eling Estate, Englefield Charitable Trust, Foyle Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, GJ Ward Charitable Trust, Mobbs Memorial Trust, Newbury Town Council, Payne-Gallwey Charitable Trust, Rivar Ltd and The Syder Foundation.
The public phase of the fundraising campaign is in progress to repurpose the interior space, and complete plans to meet the creative wellbeing needs of the Newbury community.
Corn Exchange Newbury & 101 Outdoor Arts director Jessica Jhundoo-Evans said: “We’re really excited about the Old Library becoming the permanent home for our creative participation work. This area of our work provides a lifeline to many local people, with over 27,000 engagements in 2022/23. The Old Library will help us to benefit many more local people with the positive impact that participation with the arts has, increasing engagements to over 40,000 a year.”
Tickets are now on sale. Visit https://cornexchangenew.com/support/oldlibrary for further information, updates on the campaign and to donate.
