Antiques Roadshow UK Season 28 Episode 7 Ipswich
- October 16, 2005
- 53 min
In season 28 episode 7 of Antiques Roadshow UK, the team travels to the historic town of Ipswich in Suffolk. The episode opens with a stunning view of Christchurch Mansion, a 16th-century mansion that now houses a collection of art and artifacts. Host Fiona Bruce welcomes visitors to the show, asking them to bring out their precious treasures and see if they have any hidden value.
The first item brought in is a collection of ceramics, including two plates with a distinctive Oriental design. The owner inherited them from her grandmother, but knows very little about their provenance. Expert Steven Moore is impressed with the quality of the plates and reveals that they were made by the Minton company, one of the most famous pottery manufacturers of the 19th century. The plates are not particularly rare, but they are in excellent condition and could be worth several hundred pounds.
Next up is a rare object from the military world: a silver-plated bugle that belonged to the Royal Essex Regiment. The owner is a retired colonel who served in the army for 35 years, and he is proud to have this piece of history passed down to him from his grandfather, who also served in the regiment. Expert Robert Tilney is impressed with the bugle, which bears the regimental emblem and has intricate etchings on the sides. He explains that bugles were used to give signals and commands on the battlefield, and this one is an excellent example of its kind. Although it's difficult to put a value on such a unique object, the owner is pleased to learn more about its history.
Moving on to the world of art, a couple brings in a painting that they have owned for over 30 years. The painting depicts a row of houses in a Dutch village, and they suspect that it may be the work of a famous artist. Expert Philip Mould examines the painting closely, using a special light to reveal hidden details. He is able to identify the signature of the artist as Pieter Pander, a Dutch painter who is known for his detailed depictions of buildings. The couple is thrilled to learn that their painting is not only genuine, but also worth several thousand pounds.
Another interesting item is a set of vellum documents that date back to the 17th century. The owner inherited them from her grandfather, who worked as a solicitor in Ipswich. Although the documents are in excellent condition, they are difficult to decipher due to their archaic language and script. Expert Paul Murray is able to shed more light on the documents, revealing that they are a set of legal deeds that relate to several properties in the area. He explains that such documents were very valuable in their time, as they provided proof of ownership and transfer of property. Although the value of the documents is difficult to assess, they are a fascinating piece of local history.
Finally, a man brings in a set of silver spoons that have been in his family for generations. The spoons are elaborately decorated with flowers and foliage, and the owner suspects that they may be from the Georgian period. Expert Alison Chapman confirms that the spoons are indeed Georgian, and that they are particularly valuable because of their intricate design. She explains that spoons of this kind were often given as wedding gifts, and that they are highly sought after by collectors. The spoons are worth several hundred pounds, much to the delight of the owner.
As the show comes to a close, Fiona Bruce reflects on the incredible range of objects that have been brought in, each with its own story and significance. From pottery to military objects to art and antiques, the people of Ipswich have brought out their best treasures and shared them with the world.