Specialist Talks

Acquire Talks

Plan your visit around our relaxed and interesting Specialist Talks.

We suggest you arrive an hour early to enjoy the exhibition and then make your way to the second floor lecture theatre for coffee or tea and biscuits.

A glass of sparkling wine will be served at the end of the talk for a period of conversation and a question and answer session. You can then visit the Tea Rooms for lunch or afternoon tea. And complete your visit by a return to our exhibitors to make your purchases or discuss commissioning an individual piece.

1. Friday 18th September at 11am - Susan Rumfitt

BBC Antiques Roadshow jewellery expert, who is based in Harrogate.

'Edwardian Elegance & Art Deco Freedom'

Susan will highlight how diamonds, pearls and platinum dominate the jewellery of the early C20th and how post First World War, a new look that was to become known as the Art Deco style emerged, featuring drama and colour in designs.

2. Friday 18th September at 2pm - Brett Payne

Probably the best contemporary silversmith working in the UK at the moment and one of the organisers of Goldsmiths' North in Sheffield.

' Life as a Silversmith in the 21st Century'

You will have the opportunity to see some of his stunning pieces after the talk.

3. Saturday 19th September at 11am - Susan Rumfitt

BBC Antiques Roadshow jewellery expert, who is based in Harrogate

'Cocktails and The Fashion Concious'

Post Second World War jewellery and fashion was stunning. In this talk Susan will look at how Dior and Chanel shaped the fashion world and how big colourful gems such as aquamarines, citrines and amethysts were used by top jewellers such as Van Cleef & Arpels and Bulgari.

4. Saturday 119th September at 2pm - Sarah Leighton of JQV Gems

based in the Birmingham jewellery quarter selling gems to the trade as well as individual makers

' The World of Gemstones'

With 30 years experience as a designer jeweller as well as running her gemstone business, Sarah will be giving an over view of the Gemstone world and answering all of your questions.

5. Sunday 20th September at 11am - Susan Rumfitt

BBC Antiques Roadshow jewellery expert, who is based in Harrogate

'Creative Freedom - A Jewellery Revolution'

From the 1960's jewellery design became creative and fun. Encouraged by Goldsmith' Hall, designers flourished. The work of Andrew Grima, John Donald and Gerda Flöckinger amongst others, will be discussed by Susan and how they have impacted on our contemporary designers.

6. Sunday 20th September at 2pm - Steven Moore

BBC Antiques Roadshow expert and highly respected figure in the world of antiques, design and luxury.

"The Stuff of History"

A superb chance to hear Steven Moore in conversation with Susan about Steven’s book “The Stuff of History.”

Described as a “Curated compendium of curious object and forgotten people”

Steven will discuss both the process of how the book came about, the perils of the editing process and talk about his life as an expert on the BBC's Antiques Roadshow and Road Trip.

Steven will be able to sign books on the day. Books are available at a discounted price of £15 (RRP £18.99) and can be purchased prior to the event- see the purchase book option at the 'Checkout'.

Limited tickets available in advance from the Ampleforth Abbey website.

Tickets are £ 35 per person per talk or two different Talks for £ 50.

10% discount for Students

Some tickets may be available on the day but we do recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment