Google Lens x Mark-Francis Vandelli Edit

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With people preferring to search what they see in a visual way, Google Lens allows anyone to get immediate results from an image - detailing information such as value, similar items, use cases or information they may not have known about the object. 

‘Habits are formed at an early age: as a child I would religiously join my parents at auction viewings and galleries, watching them examine Italian old masters, disassemble French commodes and analyse antique jewellery. Their passion came to be my obsession and the thirst to look, learn and collect became unquenchable. 

This collaboration with Google Lens provides an exciting opportunity to share my passion with others, using a formidable tool that can help anyone uncover a masterpiece. I so look forward to seeing what we bring to auction in support of Choose Love, a charity helping refugees in over thirty countries.’

Mark-Francis Vandelli

By using Google Lens across some of his favourite antique stores, Mark-Francis was able to uncover hidden gems which we have authenticated and valued to create the Mark-Francis x Google Lens Edit, a timed auction running until Sunday 5 November.  

The Edit will be available to view at our London Gallery on Saturday 4 November, and all proceeds of the auction will go to Choose Love, who provide humanitarian aid to, and advocacy for, refugees around the world.

'We are thrilled to be part of this fantastic partnership, the ultimate combination of old meets new; long-forgotten treasures being rediscovered with the help of industry-leading AI tech from Google Lens and Sworders' team of expert valuers. 

Over the past three years we have sold over £1 million pounds worth of newly discovered items, witnessing valuable antiques being found in unusual places first-hand, from a Chinese vase bought at a charity shop for £1 selling for £380,000, to a bronze figure of Bodhisattva found languishing in a drawer going on to make £210,000.

We estimate that it could be hundreds of millions of pounds worth of hidden treasures lying dormant in attics and charity shops across the UK, and working with Google Lens, we hope to bring these remarkable stories of discovery to light, encouraging individuals to explore the potential hidden treasure both inside and outside the home.'

Paul Martin, Managing Director

What Treasures Can You Find? 

Google now invite you to take part in a nationwide treasure hunt, with the chance of entering your discovery into auction with no sellers’ costs or fees charged.

By submitting your finds to lensfind@gmail.com, our specialists will authenticate and value up to 10 objects ahead of a timed auction, where you could see your discovered objects turn into pounds.

To take part now and start antiquing, download the interactive Google Lens App from the Google Play or iOS App Store. 

Submissions close Thursday 9 November. 

'It can sometimes be difficult to tell whether an item you’ve discovered in a charity shop or in your grandmother’s attic is valuable, even if you consider yourself an expert. Older items often come with interesting stories, and we may not know anything about its origin or what its use was. Google Lens can help those who are curious about antiques or vintage items to discover their history, their value and even if there is any money to be made. Anyone can download the app and see if what they’re sitting on is a valuable gem or just treasured junk!'

Laurian Clemence, Product Communications Lead at Google

Google Lens X Mark-Francis Vandelli Edit

Thursday 26 October - Sunday 5 November

homesandinteriors@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

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