Workshops

The Things We Leave Behind: Stories, Value and Passing On the Things That Matter

AcademyEX, Grafton

Auckland

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21 Sep 2026, 10:00am–12:00pm

Monday, 10:00am to 12:00pm

$55.00 per person

Presenter: Charles Tongue

Title: The Things We Leave Behind: Stories, Value and Passing On the Things That Matter

Abstract: The things we leave behind often carry far more than a monetary value. A painting, photograph, piece of jewellery or collection may hold family history, personal stories and connections that can easily be lost if they aren’t recorded.

Drawing on his experience as a valuation specialist working with estates, collectors and cultural institutions, Charles Tongue will explore how to prepare the possessions that matter to you so they can be properly understood and appreciated by the next generation. He’ll look at provenance, storytelling, valuation and practical ways to identify which items carry financial or emotional significance - as well as those we can give our families permission to simply let go.

Attendees will also be invited to submit details of an item in advance, with selected examples used as case studies during the session. If you’re interested in doing this, please email melissa.fincham@heart.co.nz for more details.

Date:

This workshop will run on Monday 21st September from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.

Venue:

academyEX, 99 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland

About the expert

Charles Tongue

Charles Tongue is an experienced art professional with a career spanning dealer galleries, international art fairs, museum collection management and art valuation. He has worked across both the commercial and cultural sectors, supporting artists, curating public programmes and helping institutions manage and make their collections more accessible.

His work has also included the development of digital collection systems, combining an appreciation of heritage with an interest in how technology can help bring museum collections and their stories to wider audiences.

Today, Charles works as a valuation specialist, advising institutions, estates and private collectors on market value, collection management and the long-term stewardship of art and cultural objects. His broad experience gives him a unique perspective on the stories, significance and value that sit behind the objects people collect, inherit and pass on.

With experience across galleries, museums, collections and valuations, Charles brings both practical expertise and a storyteller’s eye to the objects we live with, collect and eventually pass on.