Stephanie Connell

Stephanie has worked in the fine art and antiques industry for over 20 years.

She is the former Department Director of Collectors sales at Bonhams Auctioneers. Stephanie was additionally the Head of Bonhams Entertainment Memorabilia department and is a recognised expert in Popular Culture.

Stephanie is an experienced general valuer. She began her career as a Valuer & Auctioneer in the northwest of England. More recently she worked as an Auctioneer & Valuer in the South East. Her specialist areas include 20^th century design, luxury accessories, vintage fashion, commercial art, sporting memorabilia, music and film memorabilia, historic and collector’s items.

Stephanie is focused on current market trends and emerging markets. She has operated her own antique and vintage retail and consultancy business for almost a decade.

Stephanie has an MA in Fine Art Valuation, BA in the History of Art & Design and Diploma in Interior Design.

Learn more about Stephanie:

What do you enjoy most about valuing items, particularly in your specialty (jewellery, art, etc.)?

I enjoy appraising pieces which are part of our shared cultural history. These objects are often unique and yet their importance can be understood by a wide audience, as they relate to are significant societal events.

What’s one piece of advice you would give someone looking to make an investment in an item?

If you are investing I would always advise buying pieces you enjoy or appreciate it their own right. It can be difficult to predict where prices will increase, by acquiring objects you personally value potential changes in the market can have less of an impact. Whatever the field, always buy the best quality example you can afford.

Do you have a dream item that you would love to come across one day?

The vast majority of silent era movies are lost. This is also true for numerous other notable early films and television programmes. Even a more modern series like Doctor Who has a large number of early episodes missing. This makes any new discovery really important and potentially valuable.

I would love to unearth a collection of silent era film to return these treasures to the history of cinema.