British-born international expert and valuer on antique silver, Jolyon Warwick James, has appeared on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow and been an advisor to museums, auction houses and the Australian Government.
He now lives in Sydney and, on Saturday 20 August, he will be at ADFAS Noosa’s meeting to talk about why people fake silver and what forms of faking there are with illustrations of examples of well-known cases.
Jolyon will speak on how hallmarking prevents fakes and for the members of ADFAS (Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society, Noosa) it will be yet another informative and entertaining talk.
Julia Gamble, is vice chairman and she told Noosa Today that she started attending ADFAS lectures more than 30 years ago in Brisbane and Melbourne before coming to Noosa.
“I loved going. I would just sit there absorbed in the talks on art, silver, photography, famous moments in history and related fine arts topics. “
She said ADFAS was a not- for- profit organisation run entirely by volunteers. There are 36 societies in Australia and Noosa was incorporated in 2010, although for two years before that it had been affiliated to ADFAS Sunshine Coast at Buderim.
“I was a member but it was difficult to attend regularly as it was an evening meeting and I didn’t fancy the drive home at night.
“I resigned and I was approached to start our own society here. It has just blossomed from there. We have 115 members and we have room for a few more. Anyone is welcome. You don’t have to be an expert, few of us are.”
The ADFAS year starts in March and ends in October.
“It is an extraordinary program. Our eight speakers are global professionals in their particular fields and, until the pandemic, they came from UK and American universities, significant art galleries and libraries.
“We have been fortunate in having fabulous Australian speakers this year and last and we are looking forward to welcoming overseas experts again next year.”
As well as promoting enjoyment of the arts, ADFAS members financially assist young local artists through monthly raffle proceeds.
One of them is 17-year-old Alfie Shacklock, a former dance student of the Dance Centre Peregian Springs who is now in his second year at the Royal Ballet School in London.
Another ballet dancer is 12-year-old Yamina Yehoshua, a current student at the Dance Centre. She has been accepted into Level 4 of the Queensland Ballet extension programme, and the third to receive a grant is percussionist Quinn Ramsey (19) who has completed his first year at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.
Julia said the group also intended supporting Sunshine Butterflies at the end of the year with a grant for art equipment for the young people with disabilities.
“It is amazing what the Butterflies do. We have been out to a couple of their workshops. It is a joy to see.”
ADFAS Noosa venue, St Mary’s Church, 17 William Street, Tewantin, 3.45pm for 4pm start followed by drinks and canapes. Visitors are welcome for a $25 fee. Bookings to membershipnoosaadfas@gmail.com
