Join us at the Britten Studio & Hoffman Foyer on Wednesday 10 September, where leading specialists from Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers will be offering free auction valuations and sales advice on art, antiques, and the current market.
Experts from Sworders’ Design, Modern and Contemporary Art, Fine Interiors, and Jewellery departments will be on hand to assess your treasures - whether it's a striking piece of 20th-century design, a family heirloom, or a hidden gem you've long wondered about.
This is more than a valuation day - it's a chance to share your stories, explore the history behind your objects, and connect with people who are passionate about beautiful, fascinating things.
Ahead of the event, let’s meet the experts…
Amy Scanlon
Head of Paintings | Modern British Art Specialist
With a degree in History of Art and experience at a leading London dealership, Amy joined Sworders in 2009 and played a pivotal role in establishing the Picture Department. Her passion lies in Modern British Art, and under her leadership, the department now hosts nine major Picture sales annually.
Amy has overseen landmark sales including the £1.4 million Modern & Contemporary Art auction in 2024, and the prestigious collections at North Mymms Park and Boden Hall.
I’d be delighted to meet you at Snape Maltings. This event is the perfect opportunity to bring along your paintings, prints, drawings, or sculpture - especially works connected to the Modern British movement. Artists currently attracting strong interest at auction include David Hockney, Barbara Hepworth, Lucian Freud, Maggi Hambling, Cedric Morris, L.S. Lowry, John Piper, Ken Howard, Mary Potter, Eric Ravilious, and Christopher Wood.
Matthew Yeats
Head of Design | Studio Ceramics & 20th-Century Craft Enthusiast
Matthew joined Sworders as Head of Design in early 2025, bringing with him a wealth of experience from London’s design scene - including roles at a leading Mayfair gallery and as a Design specialist at a prominent central London auction house.
With a sharp eye for Studio Ceramics, Post-War Design, and the rise of the Contemporary Craft movement, Matthew is passionate about helping clients navigate the market with care, insight, and precision. Whether it's a piece of Danish Modern, Art Deco, or a Wedgwood classic, his goal is to ensure each object reaches the right collector - and the right price.
Fluent in French and with academic roots at the University of Edinburgh and École du Louvre in Paris, Matthew is currently completing a PhD at St Andrews, researching the crossover of art, literature, and craft in 19th- and 20th-century France.
I’m excited to see pieces spanning the full spectrum of modern design - from bold ceramics and innovative pieces of furniture to hidden craft gems. I can’t wait to hear the stories behind them.
Valeria Di Cola
Head of Jewellery | Qualified Gemmologist & Valuation Expert
Valeria began her jewellery career in Italy, at the very heart of the fine jewellery manufacturing industry. A qualified gemmologist, she holds certifications from both the Gemmological Association of Australia and Gem-A, with a passion for the stories, science, and global origins of gemstones.
Before joining Sworders in 2023, Valeria gained extensive experience in jewellery buying and asset lending. She’s currently completing her formal training as a registered valuer with the National Association of Jewellers, further sharpening her expertise in identifying, assessing, and valuing both vintage and contemporary pieces.
I’d love to see any standout pieces from your collection - particularly British modern jewellers like Andrew Grima, John Donald, Kutchinsky, and Elizabeth Gage, or Scandinavian designers such as Georg Jensen and Ole Lynggaard. Whether it’s a family heirloom or a design icon, bring it along to Snape - I’ll be happy to advise on value and sale potential.
James Pickup
Director & Auctioneer | Fine Interiors & Single Owner Sales
James Pickup has been a key figure at Sworders for over a decade and now serves as a director of the firm, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a discerning eye for quality. He plays a central role in both the Fine Interiors and Single Owner Sales departments.
Since joining Sworders in 2015, James has led the transformation of the Fine Interiors sale into a design-led, curated auction, renowned for celebrating the interplay between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary decorative arts.
His career in auctioneering began in Oxford in 2011, and he is widely respected for his talent in presentation and storytelling. James produces industry-leading catalogues that capture the provenance and personality of each collection, elevating the client and buyer experience alike.
His flair for discovery is perhaps best exemplified by the rediscovery and sale of a Roman marble bust in 2024, which achieved an outstanding £195,000 including fees.
James has also been instrumental in the success of several notable single owner sales, including the acclaimed Nomadic Collector and Holkham Hall collections. His ability to connect with clients and convey the spirit of a collection has been central to Sworders' reputation as a trusted specialist in high-value, bespoke consignments.
Whether advising on a single heirloom or managing a significant estate, James brings expert insight, integrity, and a genuine passion for the objects he handles.
I would love to see classic country house furnishings, upholstered furniture by the likes of Howard and Sons and George Smith, bronzes, Winsor chairs, Mirrors and of course more Roman marble sculptures!