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A TV presenter and antique specialist has chosen Tunbridge Wells as the location for a state-of-the-art regeneration project dedicated to fine art and design.
Eric Knowles, known for hosting Antiques Roadshow, will open the Pantiles Arcade in The Corn Exchange - a historic building on The Lower Walk.
It is undergoing a complete transformation and is set to be a new attraction dedicated to showcasing decorative art and design from the 17th century to the present day.
Mr Knowles, who has been visiting Tunbridge Wells for 30 years, said he chose the location as it is in the cultural heart of the town and felt it was the perfect place for the arcade.
He added: "It's exciting for me because it's only in the last two and a half years I made the quantum leap from being an auctioneer to being a dealer.
"We’re not setting up an antique centre, we are basically selling quality ceramics, glass, silver and Tunbridge Ware and anything from the 17th and 18th century right through to Victorian arts and crafts.
"The Pantiles has always been a go to destination and it's wonderful to be in an area with so much history.
"Tunbridge Wells is such a fabulous place and what we will have is an emporium from the classic to the contemporary."
One of his earliest episodes of Antiques Roadshow was also filmed at the Hotel du Vin 30 years ago.
An official opening date is yet to be confirmed but Mr Knowles says The Pantiles Arcade will be fully operational 'in three or four weeks time' and hopes it will be one of the best stocked galleries in the South of England.
This is Mr Knowles’ first venture into a physical retail outlet, having previously engaged with the public via television, radio, lecturing and through his online outlet, Scottish Antiques.
He is opening the gallery so he, and his team of specialists, can interact with locals and meet clientele face-to-face.
The first event to be hosted at the Pantiles Arcade will be a charity valuation day in aid of The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre on July 4.
A valuation fee of £10 will be charged per appointment which will be going directly to the charity.
With people having clear outs and hours watching Antiques Roadshow over lockdown, Mr Knowles says he hopes the pandemic has given people the chance to refresh their love for antiques.
"Even if you have something you’re not sure about, we're happy to look," he said.
"The money is going to charity so there’s nothing to lose.
"What makes antiques so special is that every time I'm holding my breath because there could be something special so hope springs eternal as well as the medicinal waters here in The Pantiles."
At the event Mr Knowles, who has been hosting Antiques Roadshow for 40 years, will be joined by fellow TV presenters and the glitterati of the art, design, antiques and auction trade, Charles Hanson, Grant Ford, John Benjamin and Loraine Turner.
Other big names in the industry who are already confirmed to be joining The Pantiles Arcade are Wilkinson’s – chandelier specialists and Royal warrant holders, The Design Gallery of Westerham, and Hanson’s Auctioneers.
For more information about the event call 07497 387995 or email events@scottishantiques.com.
