Antiques Roadshow at Brighton College

Yesterday the Roadshow took over the exclusive Brighton College for filming. RICHARD GURNER reports.

The Antiques Roadshow – like many much-loved shows – is part of our national identity and is woven in our cultural fabric.

Even if you don't watch it on a regular basis you know its format and the ever-hummable theme tune.

Its popularity knows no bounds and despite being on our screens since 1979 – its enduring appeal shows no signs of abating.

That was proved yesterday when hundreds of people flocked to Brighton College with their collectables for a free valuation by the show's team of experts.

Presenter Fiona Bruce chatted to visitors between takes and was enthralled by the show's location.

The 46-year-old presenter, who is in her third year presenting the show, said: “The weather is very nice and couldn't be better. On Wednesday we were filming on the seafront and Royal Pavilion.

“I'd never been in there before and nothing prepares you for it – it was just fabulous.

“Brighton College is a great location for the Antiques Roadshow – it's beautiful. I've been learning about the history and it's a lovely old Victorian building.

“We don't open the doors until 9am but we have had people get here for 4am. It's a great TV show format. We all inherit things, even if it's just a bit of chins from mum and dad. We all like to think what we have is interesting or valuable and both those aspects are important on the Roadshow.”

Interesting and valuable was a set of tiles in the fireplace in the headmaster's study at the prestigious school.

Antique experts declared the fireplace was of significant national interest because of their design and they were worth a bit as well.

Headmaster Richard Cairns said: “They said they're worth £30,000 and made by William De Morgan.”

Despite their valuation, the school will not be selling them.

Mr Cairns added: “It's great to have the Antiques Roadshow here. The thing about the college is that as you walk past it, you don't know what's behind the walls.

“Lots of people have been coming in saying how beautiful it is. It's nice for people to come in and see the college.”

The college of course may have been part of the attraction but the real reason people came yesterday was to find out a bit about their objects' histories and, perhaps, if they're worth anything.

Charlie Olsen, a 59-year-old teacher, brought two pictures to be valued by experts – one of her mother and one of her as a little girl.

She said: “If they're worth anything I'd much rather leave my step children the money quite frankly.

“I don't like them. They're hideous – not my cup of tea. I look like the Hunchback of Notre Dame in the picture.”

Ben Stanley, 21, and father Simon, 60, from South Chailey, Lewes, brought a French viewfinder with slides and pictures.

Ben said: “We don't know when it dates from so that's why we're here. It opens up and does all sorts of crazy things.”

Asked if they were looking for just a bit more of its history or a valuation Ben replied: “Just a bit more information really.”

Father Simon interrupted: “Mainly value.”

Geoff Taylor, 64, and wife Marisa, 54, brought their antiques from just over the road after spotting a poster for the event at their local Post Office.

The pair brought a picture of 17th Century English politician Sir Joeseph Williamson, a sword they believed to have belonged to him, a pair of blunderbusses and a couple of transitional revolvers – all carried in an M&S carrier bag.

The couple were told by expert Graham Lay the collection of weapons could fetch about £500 – if they were lucky.

Mr Lay told them the collection of genuine firearms – dating from 1780 to 1840 – were in the worst condition he had ever seen.

Mrs Taylor said: “The gentleman told us the sword could not have belonged to the man in the man in the painting as it was a late 18th Century sword. We didn't really come for the valuations, we just wanted to know a bit more.

“The sword is worth about £300 but could have been worth £1,000 if it was in a better condition.”

The Taylors' collection of antiques had been passed down through the family and had belonged to an uncle of Mr Taylor – its exact origins are unknown.

Brian King, 76, of Peacehaven, was in no doubt where his ship in a bottle came from – his father made it in 1890. He also brought a pencil drawing of a ship that his grandfather – had drawn.

Although strictly not for sale because of the family value, Mr King said he was curious about the pair's value.

Also up for a valuation was original comic book art from Eagle featuring British science fiction hero Dan Dare.

The artwork – dating from 1954 – was brought in by collector Jeff White, 56.

He said: “I bought it 25 years ago. I've no idea what it's worth but it doesn't matter – I love it.”