When the Antiques Roadshow was at Mount Stewart in 2003, there was a great surprise for one of the visitors. The teddy bear that had lain in a bag at the bottom of his wardrobe for 40 years was valued by expert Bunny Campione at £20,000. The owner sold it later that year for over £23,000. The team are hoping that there are going to be many such surprises when it visits again this April.
Some of the UK’s leading antiques and fine arts specialists will be on hand to offer free advice and valuations to visitors, who are invited to raid their attics and bring along their family heirlooms, household treasures and car boot bargains for inspection by the experts.
New Roadshow presenter Fiona Bruce says: “Presenting the Antiques Roadshow is, for me, one of those rare and very lucky coincidences in television when you get to work on a show that you already love to watch.
“Exploring the human story behind every object is what makes Antiques Roadshow so fascinating. And everyone loves the agony and ecstasy of the 'what's it worth?’ moment. The Antiques Roadshow isn't just about antiques – it’s history, beauty and drama all wrapped up in one.”
Executive Producer Simon Shaw says: “The team are all looking forward to visiting Belfast. It’s always exciting to see what will come to light on the day. We regularly see between 1500 and 2000 visitors on the day. Despite the high turnout everyone will get to see an expert.”
People with large pieces of furniture or other big items can send details and photographs of their objects to: Antiques Roadshow, BBC, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LR or e-mail them to: antiques.roadshow@bbc.co.uk
It may be possible to arrange to look at the item in advance and organise transportation to the venue.
The Antiques Roadshow programme’s last visit to Northern Ireland was to Londonderry in 2005.