Antiques Roadshow to visit Castle Ward

Antiques Roadshow to visit Castle Ward

27 February 2019

ANTIQUES Roadshow is coming to Co Down this summer. 

Fiona Bruce and the Antiques Roadshow team will be at Castle Ward on Thursday, July 25.

This eccentric stately home — part Georgian, part Gothic and home to scientists, artists, sailors and writers — sits on a spectacular estate, sweeping down to on the shores of Strangford Lough.

Surrounded by woodland trails and tranquil waters, it will provide a magnificent back for the popular BBC programme. 

Robert Murphy, series producer of Antiques Roadshow, said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing the Roadshow to Castle Ward and we can’t wait to see what treasures and cherished objects will emerge from the attic.

 “It’s a free, entertaining family day out and a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes and be a part of one of the BBC’s most popular programmes.

“Our team of experts are on hand to help visitors discover the hidden history of their objects. You never know, it might just be your item that turns out to be something very special and potentially very valuable.”

Antiques Roadshow brings together a team of the UK’s leading authorities on arts and antiques to offer free valuations for your family heirlooms or car boot bargains.

Each Roadshow event attracts around 4,000 people, who come along to find out if they might own a missing masterpiece and find out the priceless history of their items. Whether it’s a £100,000 painting or a £5 cup and saucer, everyone gets an expert opinion on their treasure. 

Around 15,000 items are valued at each show by Roadshow experts, from which around 60 are filmed for inclusion in the two shows made at each location.

Antiques Roadshow is one of the BBC’s most popular factual programmes and around six million people regularly watch on Sunday evenings.  

Fiona Bruce, who has presented the show for the past 12 years, said: “So much of what you see on the Antiques Roadshow is about the story of an object and its owner as much as about its value.

“We are never short of people bringing along items that tell a hell of a story, which can be very exciting, poignant or funny, sometimes, all three. Or it can tell us something about ourselves.

 “Even after all these years people still have the most amazing things tucked away in their attics and garages and I can’t wait to see what they pull out of their bags and trolleys in 2019.” 

Many objects featured on the Roadshow have been found in strange places such as diamond jewels found sewn into an upholstered chair and two important painting discovered by the new owners of a house in their loft.

Entry to the show is free, everyone is welcome and no tickets or pre-registration is required. 

 Visitors are welcome to just turn up on the day, but they can also share their stories about the special items they are bringing along.

Email shareyourstory@bbc.co.uk with your name, address, telephone number, a deion of the item and how you come to own it and a photo. Alternatively, write to Antiques Roadshow, BBC, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LR.  

More information can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow, or on the show’s Facebook page.