The familiar face of Sunday evening TV for many, Susan Rumfitt of the BBC Antiques Roadshow will be bringing her expertise to North Yorkshire this month.
For nearly two decades viewers saw her on screen evaluating fine gems, historical heirlooms, and notable pieces like a gold bracelet belonging to Queen Victoria. Now she’s turning all of that experience into a trio of entertaining and informative talks at Ampleforth Abbey.
She said: “I’m really excited to give these Talks at Acquire Ampleforth, bringing to life the magnificent jewellery history of the 20th century. From the elegance of the Edwardian period, where lace work was a fashion must and an influence on other garland styles of jewellery, to the abundance of colour we see post World War II, these talks have something for all tastes."
Susan’s talks take place as follows:
- Friday 18 September, 11am: Edwardian Elegance & Art Deco Freedom with a fascinating talk inspired by Edwardian and Art Deco glitz and glamour.
- Saturday 19 September, 11am: Cocktails and The Fashion Conscious exploring how Dior and Chanel shaped the post-Second World War fashion world.
- Sunday 20 September, 11am: Creative Freedom - A Jewellery Revolution looking at 1960s when jewellery design became creative and fun and how that inspired our contemporary designers.
Alongside her own talks at the three-day jewellery showcase, Acquire at Ampleforth, Susan has also invited fellow BBC Antiques Roadshow expert Steven Moore to join her in-conversation about Steven’s book “The Stuff of History.”
Described as a “curated compendium of curious objects and forgotten people”, Steven's book explores overlooked historical figures and everyday objects. That event takes place on Sunday 20 September at 2pm.
Susan will also take along a couple of experts who are at the top of their field to the three-day event featuring the country’s top jewellers. They are:
- Silversmith Brett Payne who is probably the best contemporary silversmith working in the UK at the moment and one of the organisers of Goldsmiths' North in Sheffield. Visitors also will have the opportunity to see some of his stunning pieces after the talk. Life as a Silversmith in the 21st Century with Brett Payne is on Friday 18 September at 2pm.
- Sarah Leighton: With 30 years' experience as a designer jeweller, as well as running her gemstone business, Sarah will be giving an overview of the gemstone world and answering any audience questions. Based in Birmingham, Sarah runs JQV Gems. Sarah will be showcasing a range of gemstones in some unusual cuts, as well as the calibrated standard cuts types and sizes. The World of Gemstones with Sarah Leighton is on Saturday 19 September at 2pm.
Tickets for the talks can be purchased here, and on the day.
