Antiques Roadshow UK Season 35 Episode 10 Wightwick Manor 1
- December 9, 2012
- 59 min
On this episode of Antiques Roadshow UK, the team makes their way to Wightwick Manor in Wolverhampton. Wightwick Manor is a Victorian manor house that was built in the Arts and Crafts style, and is now a National Trust property. As usual, viewers can expect to see some fascinating and valuable items brought in by members of the public, as well as some interesting discussion about the history and significances of these antiques.
One of the first items to be featured on this episode is a bronze sculpture of a dancing girl. It was brought in by a woman who had inherited it from her grandmother, who had purchased it at an auction in the 1920s. The sculpture is by the French artist Louis-Robert Carrier-Belleuse, who was active in the 19th century. The expert appraiser is able to tell the owner that the sculpture is worth a considerable amount, and gives some insight into the artist's background and style.
Another interesting item is a collection of rare books about Percy Bysshe Shelley, the famous Romantic poet. The books were brought in by a man who had inherited them from his great-grandmother, who was herself a collector of Shelley's works. The expert appraiser is able to identify some particularly valuable editions among the collection, and gives some background about Shelley's life and legacy.
Viewers will also see a unique piece of furniture on this episode - a carved oak armchair with an embroidered leather seat. The chair was brought in by a woman who had purchased it at a local auction, and was curious about its origins. The expert appraiser is able to tell her that the chair is likely from the Arts and Crafts period, and gives some information about the techniques used to make the intricate carvings.
One of the more intriguing items is a collection of miniature portraits, painted on ivory, that were brought in by a man who had inherited them from his grandmother. The expert appraiser explains that miniature portraits were a popular form of art in the 18th and 19th centuries, and gives some information about the artists who made them. She is also able to identify some of the people in the portraits, including a member of the royal family.
Another highlight of the episode is a set of silverware that is thought to have belonged to the infamous pirate Blackbeard. The silverware was found on a shipwreck that is believed to have been one of Blackbeard's vessels, and was eventually acquired by a collector who brought it to the Roadshow. The expert appraiser is able to confirm that the silverware is likely from the early 18th century, and while no definitive proof of its connections to Blackbeard can be found, it still holds considerable historical value.
As always, viewers will see a diverse range of items on this episode of Antiques Roadshow UK, from furniture to artwork to historical artifacts. The expert appraisers provide fascinating insights into the history and significance of each piece, and viewers at home can't help but wonder what treasures might be lurking in their own attics and basements.