Ep 1. Polesden Lacey

In the first episode of season 36 of Antiques Roadshow UK, the team visits the beautiful estate of Polesden Lacey in Surrey. The show starts with Fiona Bruce welcoming the audience and introducing the beautiful location. The historic estate was once home to famous Edwardian hostess Margaret Greville, who entertained the cream of British society in the early 20th century.

The first item to be evaluated is a fascinating antique silk embroidery that was a wedding gift to the owner's great-great-grandmother in the early 19th century. The expert, a textile specialist and weaver, is intrigued by the subject matter of the embroidery, which depicts a picturesque landscape with mountains, bridges, trees, and animals. The embroidery is in excellent condition, and the expert thinks it may have been made in China or India for the European market. The owner reveals that the embroidery was passed down through the family for generations and was previously hanging on a wall in her grandmother's home. The expert values the embroidery at a high price, leaving the owner pleasantly surprised.

Next up, a man brings in a small wooden box that belonged to his grandfather, a watchmaker. The box was his grandfather's tool kit, and he used it to repair watches in the late 1800s. The box is a rare and valuable piece of history, and the expert is thrilled to see it. She explains that the box's design and contents were typical of watchmakers' tool kits of the time, but the materials used were of high quality. Despite some damage and wear and tear, the box holds great sentimental value and has a value of a few thousand pounds.

In another segment, a woman brings in a rare and beautiful musical automaton. The music box is a large piece, with three singing birds that emerge from a drawer and sing in harmony. The box was a gift to the owner's father, who worked as a diplomat in Switzerland in the 1920s. The expert is fascinated by the rarity of the piece and the exquisite craftsmanship. The expert also remarks on the beautiful bird song, which is reproduced by bellows and tiny pipes inside the music box. The music box is in excellent condition and is valued at a high price, much to the owner's delight.

One of the most interesting items evaluated in this episode is a massive piece of furniture, a Regency library bookcase. The bookcase is an imposing piece of furniture, with intricate carvings and a majestic presence. The expert notes that the bookcase is likely made from expensive wood, such as mahogany or rosewood. The owner reveals that the bookcase has been in her family's home for as long as she can remember, but they are downsizing and need to sell it. The expert values the bookcase at a considerable amount, making it a valuable asset for the owner.

The final item evaluated in this episode is a collection of miniature portraits. The portraits are delicate, exquisite examples of early 19th century miniature portraiture. The expert notes that the portraits are painted on ivory, which was a popular medium for miniature portraits due to its smooth surface and ability to hold fine detail. The owner reveals that the portraits were passed down through her family and have been kept in a display case for years. The expert values the portraits highly, making them a valuable addition to the family's collection.

As always, the show is full of fascinating and valuable items, and the expert evaluations are insightful and informative. The historic location of Polesden Lacey adds to the show's charm, and the beautiful estate's ambiance is a treat for the viewers. Overall, Antiques Roadshow UK season 36 episode 1 is a must-watch for antique enthusiasts and collectors alike.