Antiques Roadshow UK Season 31 Episode 12 Bodnant Garden
- November 23, 2008
- 58 min
In Antiques Roadshow UK season 31 episode 12, the team makes a stop at the beautiful Bodnant Garden in Wales. With stunning views of the Welsh countryside as a backdrop, viewers are treated to a diverse array of antiques and collectibles brought in by locals hoping for a valuable appraisal.
The show starts off with a beautiful Georgian silver tea set, brought in by a couple who inherited it from their family. Expert Marc Allum is impressed by the craftsmanship of the set, which features intricate engraving and a beautiful teapot finial. He explains the history of Georgian silver and places the set within its cultural context, finally providing the couple with an estimate of its value.
Next up is a quirky piece of taxidermy, brought in by a young woman who inherited it from her grandfather. The item in question is a preserved pike, mounted on a wooden board along with other fishing memorabilia. The two experts, John Benjamin and Judith Miller, express their admiration for the preservation of such a unique specimen and discuss the rarity of taxidermy in today's society. After much deliberation, they arrive at an estimate for the piece, leaving the owner overjoyed with the value.
The next item is a rare artifact from the age of piracy: a 17th-century flintlock pistol. Found by a diver off the coast of Cornwall, the pistol features intricately carved decorations and comes with a leather holster. The resident arms expert, Bill Harriman, examines the pistol and provides insight into the history of piracy and the importance of weapons in the era. After a thorough examination and historical overview, Harriman estimates the pistol's value and leaves the owner thrilled with his newfound knowledge.
Another fascinating piece is a beautiful ornamental hand-carved walking stick, brought in by a local man who stumbled upon it at a car boot sale. The stick features intricate designs and a silver knob engraved with initials. Expert Huon Mallalieu is equally impressed with the quality of craftsmanship and provides insight into the history of walking sticks as a British tradition. After some research and discussion, Mallalieu makes an estimate for the walking stick, leaving the owner with newfound respect for his unique find.
Lastly, the show features a unique piece of art in the form of a mid-century modern abstract painting. Brought in by a young woman who inherited it from a deceased aunt, the painting is a beautiful representation of the style and features bold, colorful shapes. Art expert Philip Mould provides context for the mid-century modern movement and discusses the significance of the painting within the era. After some contemplation, Mould arrives at an estimate for the painting, leaving the owner with a newfound appreciation for its significance.
Overall, Antiques Roadshow UK season 31 episode 12 offers a diverse range of antiques and collectibles, featuring expert appraisals and historic insights into their respective industries. Bodnant Garden provides a picturesque setting for these fascinating discoveries, and viewers are sure to be amazed by the depth of knowledge and expertise offered by the team.