Ep 14. Brooklands (1)

Brooklands in Surrey is the location for this episode of Antiques Roadshow UK, the popular series in which members of the public bring their treasured and curious items to be assessed and valued by experts in their fields. In this episode, experts from a range of disciplines set up shop in one of the iconic racetrack's hangers to offer their advice on everything from rare books and military memorabilia to exquisite jewellery and antique weapons.

As always, the show's presenters Fiona Bruce and the team wander through the crowds to chat with guests, reveal fascinating history about the location, and give viewers a flavour of the kind of items being brought forward for valuation.

One of the first items on the show is an intriguing Art Deco watch, featuring diamonds and jade and designed by renowned 20th-century jeweller Jean Dunand. Despite rumours that the watch could be a replica, the experts on the show assess the intricate details and come to a surprising conclusion about its authenticity.

A military history expert talks to a guest who's brought in a gun from the American Civil War, which generates lots of interest and debate about its possible origins and intended use. Meanwhile, another guest has also brought in a weapon, though this time, it's an antique dagger.

A bright pink vintage dress has caught the eye of several people in the room, including Fiona Bruce. The dress was worn by a young woman from Surrey in the 1960s, and viewers can hear the fascinating story of how she sourced the unusual fabric and arranged for the dress to be made.

A family heirloom in the form of a primitive oil painting is also brought in, but the experts are faced with a mystery about who the painter could be. The owner of the painting has done some research herself, and there's much talk about the style of painting and the time period it may have originated from.

An unusual pair of ceramic figurines depicting two famous cricketers from the early 20th century also generates some interest, as do a family of dolls thought to be from the 19th century. The doll expert on the show gives advice on how to establish the dolls' authenticity while also revealing some interesting details about the history of dolls in general.

Toward the end of the episode, Fiona takes a moment to explore some of the other fabulous memorabilia found around the Brooklands location, including racing gear, trophies, and fascinating old photographs.

As ever, the value of the items showcased on the show varies widely, but it's the stories behind the items and the expertise of the various appraisers that keeps viewers coming back for more. So whether you're a collector yourself or just have a passing interest in antiques, Brooklands (1) is an entertaining episode full of surprises and interesting insights.