Ep 16. Richmond Part 1

In the first part of the Richmond special, the Antiques Roadshow team heads to the beautiful Georgian town of Richmond upon Thames. As the team sets up their tables and cameras in a stunning location overlooking the river, visitors begin to arrive with their precious antiques in tow.

The first item to catch the eye of the experts is a beautiful Japanese vase brought in by a local resident. The vase is intricately decorated with a scene of cranes and pine trees and is thought to date back to the Meiji period. Expert ceramics specialist Lars Tharp takes a closer look and reveals more about its history and value.

Another highlight of the show is a collection of medals and memorabilia from a former member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF). The items, which include a rare handwritten letter from the Queen Mother, offer a fascinating insight into the experiences of women during World War II. Antiques expert Mark Smith explores the collection and uncovers some surprising connections to his own family history.

As always, the show features a range of quirky and unusual objects, including a set of ornate silver spoons shaped like swans and a pair of vintage tooth extraction tools. There's also a beautiful diamond ring brought in by a local couple, which leads to a discussion about the changing fashions in jewellery over the years.

Perhaps the most emotional moment of the show comes when a woman brings in a painting that her grandfather had given to her mother as a wedding present. The painting has been in the family for generations, but no one knows anything about its origins or value. Art expert Rupert Maas takes a look and is stunned to discover that it could be worth a substantial amount of money.

Throughout the programme, the Antiques Roadshow team are on hand to offer advice and information to visitors. They reveal the history and stories behind each item, and give tips on how to look after and preserve precious antiques for future generations.

Overall, the Richmond special is a fascinating and informative episode of Antiques Roadshow, full of memorable moments and surprising discoveries. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply curious about the history of everyday objects, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this episode.