Ep 8. Blackpool

In Antiques Roadshow UK season 23 episode 8, titled "Blackpool," the team of experts head to the seaside town of Blackpool in Lancashire. The episode begins with Fiona Bruce admiring the famous Blackpool Tower, before meeting with the excited crowd outside the Winter Gardens, where the event is held.

As always, people have brought a variety of intriguing items to be appraised, and the experts are eagerly waiting to examine them. The first item we see is a beautiful late-Victorian brooch that has been passed down through several generations of the same family. The brooch is set with a large and intricately carved citrine gemstone and is in excellent condition. The owner has always treasured the piece but is hoping to discover more about its history and value.

Next up is a collection of ephemera that belonged to a man named William Morris, who worked as a stage manager in Blackpool's theatre in the early 1900s. The collection includes his diary, photographs, and even his pocket watch. The owner, who inherited the items from her grandfather, is hoping to find out more about what life was like for her ancestor in the bustling seaside town of Blackpool.

The experts are also intrigued by a stunning oil painting of Blackpool promenade, dating from the 1920s. The artist is not known, but the owner tells the experts that it has been in her family for many years and was originally bought for just a few pounds. The painting captures the life and energy of the promenade perfectly, and the experts are excited to find out more about its provenance.

Another interesting item is a 1930s vacuum cleaner that was once used by the manager of Blackpool's plush Imperial Hotel. The vacuum has a distinctive Art Deco design and is in pristine condition, despite being almost a century old. The owner is curious to know if it has any value as a collectible, as well as finding out more about the luxury hotel it was used in.

Other highlights of the episode include a beautiful diamond and sapphire ring that has been hidden away in a safe deposit box for over 50 years, a pair of 18th-century glass candlesticks that have survived many moves and breakages, and a rare pair of wartime bird brooches made by a German prisoner of war.

As always, the experts provide fascinating insights into the history and value of each item, as well as sharing their own personal knowledge and experiences. The buzzing atmosphere of Blackpool, with its iconic landmarks and rich cultural heritage, provides the perfect backdrop for another exciting episode of Antiques Roadshow UK.