Ep 7. Episode 7
- January 13, 2015
- 43 min
During this episode of Antiques Road Trip, our two antique experts, Anita Manning and Charles Hanson, set out on a journey through the southwest of England in search of rare and valuable antiques to purchase and sell for a profit at auction. As they travel from location to location, they explore local businesses and individual collections, meeting some fascinating characters along the way.
First, the two experts head to the Somerset countryside where they come across a beautiful stoneware vase with an interesting texture and design. They are pleasantly surprised when the vase is discovered to be a rarity from a well-known local artist from the 19th century, and they are confident that it will fetch a good price at auction.
Next, the team travels to a salvage and antiques yard where they stumble upon some unique and quirky items, including a vintage arcade machine and a set of life-size wooden camel sculptures. The experts inspect each item with a keen eye, but with a limited budget, they must make some difficult decisions on which items to purchase and which to leave behind.
After a successful day of hunting, the team takes a break to enjoy some local cuisine, sampling some delicious cheese and cider from the region. They use this opportunity to reflect on their purchases so far and to strategize their next moves for the upcoming auction.
On day two of their journey, the experts head to the historic city of Bath where they come across some high-end shops and galleries, loaded with exquisite antiques and collectibles. Here, they find a stunning 18th-century silver wine cooler and a beautiful pair of porcelain vases. They also meet a local glassblower who shows them some unique pieces that he has created himself.
The team then visits a grand stately home in the countryside, owned by a wealthy family for generations. They are given exclusive access to some of the private collections, including a rare tapestry from the 17th century and a valuable set of silver cutlery. The experts are in awe of the stunning pieces, and they know that these items could make a huge profit at auction.
Finally, the experts head back to the auction house, where they present their items to a room full of eager bidders. The excitement builds as each item is presented, with some starting strong and others needing a bit more persuading. The two presenters use all their charm and wit to sell their items, hoping to make a profit on each sale.
As the bidding war comes to a close, the pair is thrilled with the results. They achieved higher than anticipated prices on some of their items, and even a couple of unexpected sales. In the end, they managed to turn a profit for their journey, proving once again that anything can be a treasure with the right knowledge and expertise.
This episode of Antiques Road Trip showcased the beauty and richness of Southwest England, as well as the passion and dedication of the antique experts who travel its roads in search of rare and valuable treasures. With their knowledge and expertise, Anita Manning and Charles Hanson are sure to entertain and inspire antique enthusiasts and collectors alike.