Antiques Roadshow guest barely holds back tears after hearing value of sentimental item
ONE GUEST on Antiques Roadshow barely held back tears after hearing the value of a sentimental item.
Fiona Bruce and her BBC team of experts travelled up to Scotland to pay a visit to the V&A museum in Dundee.
Art and furniture specialist Lee Young was on hand, and he was left impressed by one particular item.
One man brought an intricate Japanese vase to be appraised by the dealer on the hit BBC One show on a repeated episode.
Speaking about how he came by the huge item, the guest explained: “I inherited it from someone who’s very dear to me, and he passed away about 10 years ago.
“It means a lot to me. He was adamant that I should have it.”
The contributor also recalled how he used to admire the item when his friend was still alive.
He said: “When I worked for him, I always admired it, and he asked, ‘Well what do you want when I pass away? Do you want the mirror in the hall or the vase?’
“I said, ‘I just don’t want you to die, I’m not going to tell you’.”
Lee was touched by the story as he responded: “Well, it’s a very, very nice gift in sad circumstances, but it’s a very nice gift.
“This is a type of ware called Satsuma ware, from Japan.”
The furniture expert explained that the style was first exported to Europe in 1867 – to Paris – when he gave more context about the item.
Lee explained: “We went wild for it to say the least!
“They were decorated with these lovely rich gilts and just very lush, rich decoration. Then actually, what we see here, a popular subject, were processions, and we see a procession here.”
This was before the Antiques Roadshow presenter took note of all the detail, which included the painted figures.
He then went on to point out their importance to the unassuming contributor as he walked him through the content.
Antiques Roadshow presenters through the years
Antiques Roadshow launched all the way back in 1979 and has become a staple BBC programme. Here is a look at those who have hosted the show over the years.
- Bruce Parker (1979): Journalist and presenter Bruce Parker was the original host of Antiques Roadshow when the programme debuted.
- Angela Rippon (1979): Broadcaster and former newsreader Angela Rippon briefly took up the hosting reins in 1979.
- Arthur Negus (1979-1983): The first long-term presenter, the television personality and antiques expert had a four-year stint with the show. He died in 1985, two years after leaving Antiques Roadshow.
- Hugh Scully (1981-2000): Hugh, a journalist, radio and television presenter, is the longest-serving presenter of Antiques Roadshow. He died in 2015, at the age of 72.
- Michael Aspel (2000-2008): Retired presenter and newsreader Michael Aspel hosted Antiques Roadshow for eight years. He is also known for his work on shows including This Is Your Life and Crackerjack.
- Fiona Bruce (2008 – present): The current host, journalist, newsreader and presenter Fiona joined the BBC show in 2008. She remains the ongoing presenter to this day.
“What I love about it, is its scale I mean it’s just huge. I mean, for a Satsuma vase of this type. I mean often the ones we see are very small ones, very fine,” he exclaimed before he declared that the vase could date back to the end of the 19th century.
After the TV personality revealed that the large vase was made by Ryozan and Kyotio, he then caused shockwaves when he revealed its value.
“It is such an impressive thing. It’s such an impressive size,” he noted.
“I think, if that came onto the market today, that would easily command £3,000 to £5,000.”
The man opposite could not believe his luck as he let out a large sigh amid the visible feelings of shock.
He started to get emotional as he remembered his late boss and friend.
“It’s quite special. That’s very … I get emotional because it reminds me of the man [who gave me the vase],” he claimed as he held back tears.
He added: “To me, that’s the most important thing. But it’s a huge amount of money, it’s quite amazing. Shocking, actually. It’s quite shocking.