Ep 12. University of Birmingham

In this episode of Antiques Roadshow UK, the team heads to the historic and beautiful University of Birmingham. The experts are excited to see what treasures the students, staff, and alumni will bring in for evaluation.

The first item to be featured is a stunning handcrafted silver cup, brought in by a proud alumna. The cup is revealed to be an incredible example of Irish silver craftsmanship from the 18th century. As the expert appraises it, the owner beams with pride, knowing she has a valuable piece of history.

Next, a curious item is brought in. It's a metal cylinder, covered in strange symbols and writing. The owner explains that it's a Chinese opium pipe, and the expert unpacks the story behind it. The pipe is revealed to have been brought back from Asia by a British soldier in the mid-1800s, and its intricate design and craftsmanship make it an incredibly valuable and sought-after antique.

One item that causes excitement among the experts is a beautiful porcelain teapot, decorated with vibrant flowers and birds. The owner explains that it's been in her family for generations, but she's never been sure of its value. The expert appraises it to be a rare and exceptional piece of 18th-century Chinese porcelain, and the owner is overjoyed to finally learn the true worth of her family heirloom.

Another intriguing item is a set of antique medical tools, brought in by a retired doctor. The expert explains that the set was used in the early days of medical science and is a fascinating example of how far the field has come in just a few centuries. The owner shares some anecdotes about his early days as a doctor, and the conversation turns to the modern state of medicine and how it's changing.

As usual, the team encounters some quirky and unusual finds, including a collection of bizarre-looking taxidermy insects and a set of antique weighing scales used to measure gold dust in the Gold Rush era of America.

One of the most emotional moments of the episode comes when a young student brings in a painting that's been in her family for generations. The painting depicts an unknown woman, and the owner has always felt a connection to her even though she doesn't know who she is. The expert appraises the painting to be a portrait of an aristocrat from the 18th century, and the owner is moved to tears as she realizes that this woman was likely her ancestor.

By the end of the episode, the experts have evaluated a wide range of fascinating and valuable antiques, from delicate porcelain teapots to mysterious opium pipes to quirky taxidermy collections. Viewers will be left awed by the incredible history and stories behind these treasured items and reminded of the importance of preserving the past.