Ever wondered if that old tea set collecting dust in the attic is worth a bundle?
People can find out about their old treasures on April 17 and 18, when Janet Carlile, a one-woman version of the popular TV series Antiques Roadshow will appraise treasures and trash at the annual Elora spring antique show at the community centre here.
Carlile, certified professional appraiser, has experience gained with major auction houses in Europe and North America. In addition to her appraisal work Carlile also writes and lectures. She wrote a syndicated Antiques column for the Southam Newspaper Group for over four years and has contributed to numerous Canadian magazines. She has appeared as an expert appraiser on the CBC’s Canadian Antiques Roadshow. Carlile has also been a guest on the lunchtime CBC program Ontario Today to answer listeners’ questions about antiques during a radio phone-in show.
“In many cases, people have absolutely no idea of what they have,” said Carlile, a full-time appraiser who has been assessing the value of old goods since the mid-1970s. “I see everything from things that should be sent straight to the dumpster, to rarities that should be in a museum.”
Carlile, from the Ottawa area, has appeared at major antique shows in that region, where her identification clinics have proved to be extremely popular. This will be her first appearance in southwestern Ontario.
Although she has delivered great monetary News for some people, Carlile said that the majority of treasures rate only sentimental value.
She expects to assess 200 items during her two day stop at the Elora show, beginning at 10am on April 17. People may register to have their items evaluated, when they arrive at the show.
The fee is $12 for her opinion and information on the value of each item.
The identification clinic is a new feature at the two-day antique show. This the 19th year for the antique show, features the sale of a wide range of antiques and collectibles, including kitchen goods, vintage clocks and watches, fine art, antiquarian books, and antique furniture. The show runs April 17 from 10am until 5pm and April 18 from 11am to 5pm. Admission is $6 for adults, and children 12 and under get in free.