Antiques Roadshow UK Season 37 Episode 18 Belton House 2

In the Antiques Roadshow UK season 37 episode 18 titled "Belton House 2", Fiona Bruce and the team head to Belton House in Lincolnshire, a grand estate with a rich history dating back to the 17th century. The episode showcases a variety of fascinating antiques brought in by visitors from the surrounding area, each with their own story to tell.

The show starts with a unique and intricate ivory carving of the Hindu god Vishnu, brought in by a woman who inherited it from her great-grandfather. The appraiser marvels at the intricacy and beauty of the piece, which dates back to the 19th century and is valued at an impressive £10,000.

Next up, a gentleman brings in a large and ornate carved oak bench that has been passed down through his family for generations. The bench is of a grand size and has elaborate carvings of fruit and foliage along the seat and armrests. The expert in furniture is able to date the piece to the late 17th century and suggests that it may have been made for a grand house or church. The bench is valued at an impressive £20,000.

As the show moves on, a woman brings in a striking diamond and ruby ring which belonged to her grandmother. The appraiser explains that the diamonds are of an excellent quality, and the rubies are a very bright and clear red. The ring is valued at £15,000 to £20,000, much to the surprise and delight of its owner.

Another visitor has with her a charming painting of a spaniel, which she believes to have been done by the famous artist George Stubbs. However, the appraiser explains that while the painting is clearly of excellent quality, it appears to have been done by one of Stubbs' many imitators. Despite this, the painting is still highly valued at £10,000 to £15,000.

One of the more unusual items brought in to Belton House is a pair of intricate and delicate glass models of a male and female praying mantis. These tiny and intricate pieces were made by a skilled glassblower in the early 20th century, and are a unique and fascinating example of the art form. The appraiser estimates their value at £5,000 to £7,000.

As the show moves on, a visitor brings in a striking and colourful William De Morgan vase which she inherited from her grandmother. William De Morgan was a well-known and highly respected ceramicist and designer, and his work is highly prized by collectors. The appraiser notes the stunning colours and the intricate design of the vase and values it at £30,000 to £50,000.

Another interesting item brought in is a perfectly preserved Victorian bicycle, complete with wooden wheels and a leather saddle. The bike is estimated to have a value of around £10,000, much to the owner's surprise.

As the show draws to a close, a visitor brings in a curious wooden box which was found amongst a pile of rubbish in a barn. The box has a narrow opening on one side, and the appraiser is astonished to discover that within the box is a complete chess set made of carved ivory. The pieces are intricately carved with a classical theme, and are highly valued as a work of art as well as a functioning game. The appraiser notes that the chess pieces alone are worth around £20,000, making it one of the most valuable items seen on the show today.

With its eclectic mix of items and fascinating stories attached to each, the Belton House episode of Antiques Roadshow UK season 37 proves to be a highly engaging and entertaining watch for anyone interested in antiques, history, and high-end collectibles.