Valuation Day

Gain insights into your own collection

Do you have a hidden treasure in your collection? Not sure what it’s worth? Not sure how to take care of it? Come and find out with this special free Valuation Day.

Bring a work you can carry and a team of experts led by Merryn Schriever, Director, Bonhams Australia, and valuer of Australian art will provide free conservation and valuation advice for a diverse range of works of art including paintings, prints (works on paper), Chinese art and jewellery.

About the Experts

Merryn Schriever

Merryn Schriever is Director of Bonhams Australia, having joined Bonhams in 2013.

Prior to joining Bonhams, Merryn was a Senior Specialist with Australian auction house Deutscher and Hackett for five years, and previously held a position with the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Business Development and Protocol. Merryn started her career in 2001 with Stills, a prominent contemporary art gallery in Sydney.

Merryn holds a Bachelor in Fine Art degree from the National Art School, Sydney, and post-graduate qualifications in Business Management from the Macquarie Graduate School of Management.

Yvett Klein

Yvett holds a Masters degree in Museum Studies from The University of Sydney (2010), and graduated with her second Masters degree in Contemporary Asian Art also from The University of Sydney in 2012, where she was awarded The Francis Stuart Prize for outstanding research in Asian Art. Yvett joined Bonhams in 2011 as an Asian Art specialist and works closely with Bonhams’ international Asian Art department. Yvett has a special interest in 20th century Chinese paintings.

Fiona Frith

Fiona Frith is a Specialist in the Fine Jewellery department at Bonhams in Sydney. In this position, Fiona works with the global jewellery team to source consignments for the Bonhams salerooms in New York, Hong Kong and London from across Australia. Having commenced her career in the auction market in 1995 with a large Sydney based house, Fiona joined the Bonhams jewellery department in 2011. Fiona holds qualifications in gemmology from the GIA.

Fiona has sourced exceptional jewellery, diamonds and gem stones from private Australian collectors for Bonhams Fine Jewellery auction rooms. In 2017, Fiona identified an important necklace of gold, enamel and demantoid garnets and gems , previously considered lost, which had been commissioned by artist Edward Poynter from jewellers Carlo and Arthur Giuliano in the late 19th century.

Robert Williams

With over 20 years’ experience, auction broker and valuer Robert Williams has established a network of clients, galleries and auction houses in Australia and overseas. Originally from Scotland, Robert spent a number of years in London auctions and galleries before emigrating to Sydney in 2008. He has built a trusted reputation in the Australian auction industry. He most recently held the position of National Head of Decorative Arts & Private Collections with Leonard Joel.

Valuation Day FAQs

How many artworks and what types of artworks can I bring?
The appraiser will allow approximately 15 minutes per person, which is enough for 1-3 artworks. Artworks could include paintings, prints and jewellery.

Do I need to supply the original artwork for the advice day?
Yes, we recommend that you bring along your 1-3 artworks on the day. Please ensure it is securely wrapped or packaged so as to protect it whilst you are visiting us. If it is not possible to bring your artwork on the day, due to the size or fragility, please do take a good quality photo of it and make sure you include any key details such as a signature of the artist, a photo of the back of the artwork, or a receipt of purchase, etc.

Will the appraiser provide me with a written valuation?
The advice you receive on this day will be verbal only, and should be considered a preliminary valuation. It’s a great opportunity to gauge the approximate value of your artworks and to assess the necessity of a written valuation, which is more costly. The appraiser is certified to provide written valuations and you are welcome to enquire with them directly for advice on how to arrange one.

Can more than one person such as a friend or partner participate in the advice day?
Absolutely.