Antiques Roadshow UK Season 44 Episode 16 Portchester 1

Antiques Roadshow UK season 44, episode 16 titled Portchester 1 takes us on a journey to Portchester Castle, where Fiona Bruce and the expert appraisers are on hand to uncover the hidden treasures of the local residents. The episode starts with Fiona Bruce introducing us to Portchester Castle, a Roman fort which later became a Norman castle and one of the best-preserved Roman forts in Northern Europe.

The show features several fascinating objects, each with its own unique history. The first item that we see on the show is a set of three watercolours of Wimbledon Common, which were painted by John Serres. Serres was a famous painter, and his work is highly sought after by collectors. The owner inherited the paintings from her grandfather, who was an art collector. The appraiser, Rupert Maas, examines the paintings and reveals their true value.

Next up, we see a rare collection of Canadian first edition books which were owned by the great-grandfather of the owner. The expert appraiser, Justin Croft, explains the history of Canadian publishing and highlights the cultural significance of the books.

One of the most unusual items on the show is a handmade automaton, which was created in the 1930s by a watchmaker. The automaton is made of wood and metal and can perform several complex movements, such as waving its arms, walking, and talking. The owner inherited the automaton from her grandfather, who was a collector of mechanical objects. The appraiser, John Benjamin, examines the automaton and reveals its true value.

Another fascinating object on display is a French cameo glass vase, which was created by Emile Galle in the late 19th century. Galle was one of the most famous glassmakers of his time, and his work is highly sought after by collectors. The owner inherited the vase from her grandmother, who was an art collector. The expert appraiser, Lars Tharp, examines the vase and reveals its true value.

The show also features an interesting collection of medals and badges, which were owned by the grandfather of the owner. The grandfather served in the Royal Navy during the World War II, and his collection includes medals, badges, and other commemorative items. The expert appraiser, Mark Hill, examines the collection and reveals its historical significance.

One of the most exciting moments on the show is when Fiona Bruce discovers a hidden compartment in a wooden box owned by one of the guests. The compartment contains several personal letters written by a soldier during World War I. The letters offer a unique glimpse into the soldier's life and the hardships he faced during the war. The expert appraiser, Judith Miller, examines the letters and reveals their historical significance.

Overall, Antiques Roadshow UK season 44, episode 16 titled Portchester 1 is a fascinating journey into the world of antiques and collectibles. The show offers a unique glimpse into the lives of people who own these treasures and the stories behind them. The expert appraisers provide valuable insights into the history and cultural significance of each object, making the show a must-watch for antique enthusiasts and history lovers.