Arts & Antiques

A great start to the year

Theauctions at Killen’s Mendip Auction Rooms have been refined this year - with only a slight name change to some, to better suit the variety we offer and to help the buyer. For the seller, consigning has not changed – we welcome consignments every weekday from 10am to 3pm as usual, with house visits for larger items and collections possible by prior arrangement.

These tweaks, however, give us the opportunity to channel your consignments even better to target audiences and for buyers to find their desired items – helping us achieve the best possible results for your objects.

The new auctions have already seen a wide range of items reaching high prices even this early in the year, with a vintage pair of child's riding boots reaching the top early on, followed by a collection of vintage work tools.

A blue and white Chinese vase saw incredible interest, both nationally and internationally, and eventually sold for £10,800 –a sign that the market for Chinese art is still buoyant. Gold jewellery and coins continue to sell well, as does silver, and two beautiful pieces of Boucheron jewellery caught the eye midJanuary.

It is always a highlight for the team to be able to offer items of local interest and mid-February was no exception when a local maker's handiwork took one of the top spots with a Stuart Turner casting (unmarked) single cylinder pecker valve gas engine, made by the late TR Acock of Weston-super-Mare.

Although of a child's size, these models are not toys but real engines in miniature - the quality of materials and skilled workmanship certainly deserve their market value.

As always, we look forward to receiving your items at any time of the year - our experts will guide them to the most appropriate auction, with Interiors and Collectables, Fine Arts, Antiques, Silver & Jewellery and Sporting, Fine Wines and Spirits featuring in March.

Contact the team at Killens on 01749 840770 or email enquiries@mendipauctionrooms.co.uk for further assistance

New art classes

TWonew art classes in drawing and sculpture begin soon at The hive in peasedown St John.

The classes are run by local artist, holly Bennett, who draws on her wide experience of creative practice and teaching.

The classes are suitable for all adults and all levels of ability, working at your own pace. everyone is welcome, regardless of experience.

Sculpture classes will run from 1-3pm on Tuesdays, and drawing classes from 1-3pm on Wednesdays. A ReTRoSpeCTIveart exhibition is being held in St Andrew’s Church, Chew Magna in memory of Dr pam harman, who died last summer. It will be held on Saturday, February 26th, 10am–5pm and Sunday, February 27th, 12.30–4pm. Dr harman was for many decades a much loved Gp and lay reader in the Chew valley. She was also a bold and fearless artist and poet, working in a variety of media from watercolour to welding. pam died during the summer of 2021 and numbers able to attend her funeral were limited due to Covid regulations. organisers say this weekend exhibition is an opportunity to celebrate her life and her commitment to the Chew valley community.

The exhibition of over 80 paintings and sculptures will also include live music, poetry, refreshments, a prayer trail and an opportunity to buy many of the works (in aid of church funds). on Sunday, at 11am, there will be a service inspired by pam’s art. entrance is free and all are welcome.

Details: holly@hollybennettsculptor.com 07980 625004

Pam Harman retrospective

Details: cvechurches@gmail.com 01275 331061

Antiques don’t have to be that old

Theworld of antiques never stands still. Many people fall into the trap of thinking that their vintage treasures will be as valuable today (or more valuable) as when they first bought them, but the truth is antiques are as much at the mercy of fashion’s fickle finger as a hemline or hairstyle (for those of you lucky enough to still have hair). over the last decade, “Mid-Century”’ has emerged from nowhere to become the in-thing, with some pieces achieving a level of excitement previously reserved for Chippendale and his ilk, despite being a mere 50 or so years old.

As the name suggests, the Mid-Century style dates from the middle decades of the 20th century, roughly from the mid-1940s to the late 1960s. Rather like Art Deco, the name was coined long after the period in question.

When it first emerged, our parents and grandparents knew it as Contemporary, and it influenced everything from the shape of a sofa or a coffee pot to the pattern on a tablecloth. It was youthful, stylish and bang up to date and that was exactly what people wanted. every style comes with its cultural baggage and Mid-Century speaks of an era of confidence, which looked ahead optimistically to a future of ever-increasing prosperity with more money and time to relax and enjoy life. Mid-century interiors were all about chic style and ease of living and this was also reflected in the furniture. Small wonder it appeals to us so much today.

The philosophy of good design available to all, championed by the great MidCentury designers like Charles eames, was also taken up by manufacturers at the more affordable end of the market. Good quality and well-designed, these pieces can be

picked up at reasonable prices while still ticking all the boxes for style and quality. ercol fits With CHRIS YEO firmly into this category. established in the 1920s by Lucian ercolani, the family-run firm revolutionised the home furniture market in the 1950s. Today their spindly, Scandinavian-inspired designs are back in vogue, leading to some very healthy prices at auction. At Clevedon Salerooms a good-looking “Giraffe” room divider in light elm recently sold for a very respectable £700.

Ercol room divider

Chris Yeo is a valuer at Clevedon Salerooms and regular expert on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow Please visit their website www.clevedonsalerooms.com for more details

Top sixth form education

BOTHKings Sixth (Cheddar) and Nailsea Sixth Form are part of the Wessex Learning Trust and offer leading post-16 provision. Whether you’re looking for A-Levels, vocational courses, or BTECs there’s something for everyone across their sixth form centres.

At their sixth forms, you’ll be able to explore your independence whilst also benefiting from outstanding small group teaching and supportive pastoral care. They focus on you as an individual, and tailor their support to ensure you can flourish in whatever you choose to do.

Throughout your time you will receive exceptional nextstep support. They will help you narrow down your options and focus on what you need to do to get where you want to go – be that university, apprenticeships, or employment.

Both centres boast outstanding prospects and achieve well above the national average of A* to C grades and entries to Russell Group Universities.

Beyond your studies, you’ll also be able to grow through an incredible range of extra-curricular activities, volunteering, and work experience so that you can be your most rounded version of yourself.

Whatever you’re looking for – you can find it at a Wessex Learning Trust Sixth Form. CHILDREN at Bishop Sutton primary school are now better equipped in culinary skills after cookery sessions from Sara Hayes of Live, Learn, Cook, based in Clutton.

Sara has taught food, nutrition, health and hospitality for over 20 years and founded her company in 2016.

She said: “The kids made a soda bread loaf, some cheesy stuffed jacket potatoes and apple crumble. The day was focused on understanding the importance of eating local food where possible and knowing a little more about the delights that are produced locally.”

Head, Dieter Cook, said: “Understanding healthy eating and having a healthy lifestyle is a really important part of children's broader education. The lessons give children some cooking skills, as well as understanding some of the science behind cooking.”

Details: https://www.kowessex.co.uk/menu/sixthform/sixth.php https://www.nailseaschool.com/sixth-form/

Learning cooking skills

College gets planting

FROMECollege’s Eco Club planted 500 trees in and around the old showfield in Frome, making it part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.

It has received a message of thanks: “With your support we are creating a greener UK and a legacy in honour of The Queen’s leadership of the nation, which will benefit future generations.”

Principal, Emma Reynolds, is pictured planting one of the trees.