When did Antiques Roadshow first air on the BBC?
The pilot was filmed in Hereford on the 17th of May 1977 and transmitted after proving successful. The programme then returned as a regular series in 1979 and has been running ever since.
Questions about Antiques Roadshow
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who has hosted Antiques Roadshow over the years?
The show has had five main hosts: Bruce Parker in 1979, Angela Rippon in 1979, Arthur Negus from 1979 to 1983, Hugh Scully from 1981 to 2000, Michael Aspel from 2000 to 2007, and Fiona Bruce from 2008 onwards.
What is the most valuable item ever appraised on Antiques Roadshow UK?
Glassware expert Andy McConnell valued a collection of chandeliers at seven million pounds, their actual insurance value, though these were fixtures of the Bath Assembly Rooms rather than items brought in by a visitor. Among objects genuinely brought in, a Faberge ornament and an Angel of the North maquette by Antony Gormley were each valued at £1 million.
What items from Antiques Roadshow sold for the most money at auction?
A 1932 camera found by Marc Allum realised over $600,000 at auction in 2013. A Christofle et Cie Japonisme jardiniere filmed by Eric Knowles sold for £668,450 including buyer's premium, making it the most expensive item traced from the show to an actual sale.
How many countries have their own version of Antiques Roadshow?
International versions exist across Europe and North America, including in Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, Canada, and the United States. The American version, produced by WGBH for PBS, launched in 1997; the Swedish version, Antikrundan, began in August 1989.
How does Antiques Roadshow decide which items to film?
On an average filming day, around 50 appraisals are considered promising enough to be filmed, of which roughly 20 appear in the final programme. Items are selected not only for value but also for interesting provenance or a connection to the show's location; items related to the Holocaust are featured without valuations.