Golden Old 'Un (Antiques Road Show)

Member Name: jokoo

Product:	Antiques Road Show
Date:	09/04/04 (201 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Informative Fun, consistent

Disadvantages: A bit repetative

This show is almost an antique in itself, I wonder how much we could get for it? Oops I think I let the cat out of the back too soon, surely that isn?t the only people turn up to it?

The answer has to be yes. I?ve never seen such a shameless show of insincerity, on one show. I don?t believe I have ever seen one person say, no don?t tell me what its worth I do not want to know, and run away before they find out. Its almost become a ritual at the end of the evaluation, when they say well, ?I don?t suppose it?s the main reason you came but...?, and then we have to watch some pathetic display of disinterest, and the moment every one has been waiting for....yes, the carefully selected crowd in the background agog, and silent, waiting, watching, is it?......isn?t it?.......oooooohhh.

It?s a winning formula , never fails, the BBC programmers must be patting themselves on the back with this one. It can?t fail it, appeals to everyone?s favourite subject, money for nothing. I just don?t believe that people are not interested in the money, if that is the case just stay at home and ?enjoy? your article, whatever that means.( A pound to a penny says they?ll be down the pawnbrokers, first thing Monday morning). They always say go home and enjoy your wardrobe, or whatever it is? A painting yes, I can see that but they say it about every thing from, an Victorian apple corer, to an Edwardian boot scraper.

It?s been on the go now for over 25 years now, and always draws a big audience. I have also been watching it myself on and off for about 20 years how tragic is that, though I have always had an interest in this kind of thing through art education, and that kind of thing, its quite a good show if you are studying design or applied art at college or something to see some of the things you have been studying brought to life, even though it is only on the tele. I remember when good old Arthur Negas used to do it, he was always a good speeler, waxing lyrical,
on an old table or dresser, I don?t think any of ?the new lot? have quite captured his enthusiasm or magic, when it comes to appreciating some of these works of art, as many of them are, they do pull in some quality pieces.

I remember when the antiques roadshow came to Hull, at the city hall, all the attics in town must have been raided, from granny?s old football boots, to that thungamy whatsit we?ve had fer years in the shed, might be worth a bob or two that I?ll take it in. And take it in they did, in their droves, every piece of tot in the city under one roof, quite an achievement. Its not a rich area per say. and so what, but they must have trawled every junk yard in town, I don?t think there was one piece of decent schmutter on the whole show.

I like it when they go to these big country houses, it?s a bit different and gives a nice setting to the whole show, although they do go on a bit when they start giving you a guided tour of the whole house, I think that can get a bit tedious.

There is a website for the antiques roadshow on the main BBC website which is a common innovation these days for just about every T.V. show going. Its almost as if , it?s a requirement these days. Www.bbc.co.uk/antiques. If you go to that web page you will get to the general antiques page, from there you can find links to, the Antiques Road show, flog it, Bargain Hunt, Cash in the attic, all the cloned and spin off shows from the old original. I watch some of the other shows as well, like flog it, for one it takes the process on a step further, they sell the item for you at auction, and, secondly is more honest about why they are actually there, like give me the money. On the AR page you can get to ?meet? the experts, have a look behind the scenes, see video highlights from the show (some of the ooooooh.....ahhhhhhh, moments), and read some of the feature articles, covering such areas as silverware, historical periods, genres of antiques etc. Its quite a
useful addition if you are up on antiques or even more so if you know very little, it will arm you with a little knowledge, for the next time you watch the show, it makes it a bit more accessible and enjoyable if you know what some of the terms mean, and something of the subject area.

Also on the antiques website you will find help and tips on caring for your own antiques, so as you don?t knacker them before you get them to the show, its amazing to see how many people have destroyed their valuable treasures, just by polishing them when they should have left them alone, or hanging valuable ceramics plates on the wall with wire (which ruins them, takes big chips out over time), rather than the plastic ones you can get nowadays The one thing your antiques must be , if they are to be worth any money, is in good, if not perfect condition. You wouldn?t want something with big lumps out of it, so why should you expect anyone else to.

There is also a guide as to what is going on near you, with listings of auctions and fairs coming to a place near you, there is a directory you can consult with a drop down menu, with the region, the month , and the day. You select your details and it will give you the relevant results for you area. There is a chat room, games, and a glossary of antique terms.

I think this show is so popular because it allows us all to participate. Most people will have something tucked away, and will they have our thing on this week, or ooooh , I?ve got one of those!,etc.

This years tour of the show (series 27) started on the 1st April in Ipswich, and will be travelling around the country calling at; Hastings 15th April, Hornsea 22nd April, Portmeirion 12th May, Hampton Court Palace 20th May , Rotherham 3rd June ,Witley Court 17th June , Wilton House 8th July, Dartington hall 22nd July , Kings college 29th July , Edinburgh 17th Sept , Manchester 26th Sept , Cardiff 7th Oct , Stornoway 21st Oct. For more details see the we
bsite.

If you want to attend one of these valuation days you will not need a ticket, you simply turn up on the day with your brown paper parcel, and stand in line. The details are usually advertised in the local press about six weeks before each event, gives you time to get in the attic and retrieve your hidden treasure, and polish you trinkets. The doors are open from 9.30 to 4.30, as long as you are queueing by 4.30 they will get you to an expert, before they go home. If you have a large piece of furniture, they will come and collect it for you, but you must give them 10 days notice. They prefer you not to go unless you have a piece for valuation as there is simply just not enough room spectators, unless it is at a stately home. Should you be lucky enough to be picked for a recording for the programme they will re-run the valuation in front of the cameras. Psssst....remember, don?t ask how much it?s worth, just look aghast and speechless, or you?ll look like a right cheapskate. The nation is watching you. The series is usually broadcast between September and April, so by the time it comes out you?ll have probably flogged, said antique, and left the country, you?ll have to get one of your poor relations to video it for you.

Summary: