Gorringe’s at Towner: Valuation Event & Panel Discussions

Founded in 1929 by Roland Gorringe, Gorringe’s is a fourth-generation family business now led by Roland’s great-grandson, Oliver Searle (as Executive Director), and John Holmes (as Managing Director). The company’s very first sale - the contents of Lewes House, home of American collector Edward Warren - included Auguste Rodin’s The Kiss, now recognised as one of the finest examples of modern sculpture and today a highlight of Tate’s collection. For almost a century, Gorringe’s has been a trusted valuer and auctioneer of fine art, antiques and jewellery, serving clients across Sussex, Kent and beyond. Its principal saleroom and gallery is located in Lewes with an additional office in Tunbridge Wells serving customers across Kent. A full-service auction house, Gorringe’s holds around 60 auctions each year, from its flagship monthly Fine Sales to its ever-popular weekly House & Gardens auctions.

Instagram: @gorringesauctioneers
Website: gorringes.co.uk

Join us in Studio 1 on Friday 22 May when specialists from Gorringe’s Auction House will be on hand between 10.00am and 2.00pm to provide free, no obligation valuations.

Visitors are invited to bring along items for assessment including fine art, jewellery, silver, watches, antiques, collectables and more. For large items or collections, photos are welcome.

Whether you have a family heirloom, a recent discovery or an item you have always been curious about, Gorringe’s will provide professional insight into its background and current auction value.

In addition, Gorringe’s will be hosting two panel discussions in the Cinema.

Secrets and Stories of Jewels Under the Hammer
11.00am
Free, booking required
Towner Cinema

Oliver Searle, Gorringe’s Executive Director and Sam Hug, Head of Jewellery, will take an illuminating and entertaining look behind the scenes of the jewellery auction world. Together, they’ll reveal the secrets of how jewels come to auction, what determines their value and how to navigate the buying and selling process with confidence. From myth-busting common misconceptions to sharing insider tips and real-life surprises from the saleroom, this discussion offers a glimpse into what makes jewellery at auction so fascinating.

Collecting – Then and Now
2.00pm
Free, booking required
Towner Cinema

Collecting has always been driven by nostalgia, identity and the thrill of ownership - but the objects, audiences and marketplaces have changed dramatically over the past 40 years. This panel explores the shift from traditional categories like model railways and comics to Pokémon cards, trainers and luxury accessories, and asks what now drives value at auction. Bringing together market insight and real-world examples, we’ll examine which modern collectibles are built to last - and what to watch for next.