AN ANQITUES Roadshow expert turned ‘cagey’ after being put on the spot with rare piece of artwork.
The classic episode of the BBC One programme was broadcast from Birmingham’s Aston Hall.
The expert on Antiques Roadshow turned ‘cagey’ on the show
The classic episode of the programme was broadcast from Birmingham’s Aston Hall.
Viewers saw a guest bring a piece which had been designed to honour astronauts who had died while trying to explore space.
The authenticated antique is only one of four copies in existence.
Paul Atterbury was tasked with valuing the piece as the guest revealed his keen interest in space exploration.
Speaking about watching the moon landing, he said: “I was at school following the space programme along with lots of other children I imagine.
“But unlike most of the children from my generation, they grew out of space and I didn’t.”
He added that after watching the moon landing he’s been “kinda hooked ever since”.
As Paul started to inspect the antique, he said: “And this of the fallen astronaut.
“And he is, in effect, the only work of art on the moon. How did you get it?”
The guest replied saying he had spotted the piece online.
“So I bid on it and thankfully nobody else did. They didn’t believe it was genuine,” he recalled.
Speaking about the collector’s item, Paul said: “Space memorabilia is a booming market as you know.
“Until there is some sort of market establishment, in a way, the only way you can establish a value of that is to sell it on the open market, and then you will know what the world will pay for it.”
But when it came to valuing the piece, Paul refused to put a figure on it, as he said it could be “potentially huge” but “absolutely unprovable until that moment”.
Explaining his response in more detail, he told the guest: “You will think I’m being evasive and cagey, which I am because I don’t know the value. And whether we’re talking $1,000 or $50,000 – I haven’t a clue.
“And I’d rather be honest, but I mean, potentially, it is a hugely valuable object with the work that you’ve put into it.”
After hearing Paul’s explanation the guest decided he put the rare piece “back in the bank vault”.
Antiques Roadshow airs on BBC One.
