Ep 19. Ironbridge

In this episode of Antiques Roadshow UK, the team travels to Ironbridge, a historic town in Shropshire known for its Iron Bridge, a symbol of the Industrial Revolution. The experts set up shop in the picturesque surroundings of the Museum of the Gorge, housed in a former warehouse of the Coalbrookdale Company, one of the earliest ironworks in the world.

As always, viewers can expect to see a wide range of items brought in by locals hoping to discover their value and history. Among the treasures are a variety of ceramics, from a rare set of Minton tiles to a selection of colorful Wedgwood pieces. The experts provide insights into the different methods of manufacture and decoration used by these iconic Staffordshire potteries, as well as advice on how to care for and display them.

In addition to ceramics, the team also appraises a number of paintings and sculptures, including a striking bronze of a boxer attributed to Charles Sargeant Jagger, a renowned artist of the First World War. Visitors are fascinated to learn about Jagger's life and the symbolism inherent in his work, which often draws on classical mythology and the human form.

In true Antiques Roadshow fashion, there are also a few unexpected and quirky items to be seen. One standout is a pair of colorful wooden carnival figures, complete with carnival music, brought in by a local fairground collector. The experts marvel at the intricate detail of the figures, which date back to the 1930s and are a rare surviving example of their kind.

As always, the stories behind the items are just as fascinating as the appraisals themselves. Viewers will be moved by the tale of a couple who inherited a delicate silver trowel from a family member who was involved in the building of the iconic Iron Bridge. The experts explain the significance of the trowel as a ceremonial tool used in laying the foundation stone of important buildings, and the couple are delighted to learn more about their ancestor's involvement in such an historic event.

The experts also encounter a number of items with connections to a more recent historical event, the Second World War. A poignant example is a scrapbook kept by a young woman during the war, filled with letters and mementoes from her fiancé, a soldier who tragically lost his life. The experts are moved by the depth of feeling evident in the scrapbook, and its value to the woman's family as a testament to her courage and loyalty.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning views of Ironbridge and its surroundings, including the River Severn and the imposing Wrekin hill. The experts take time to explain the town's significance as the birthplace of the industrial revolution and the important role played by its ironworks in shaping modern industry.

Overall, this episode of Antiques Roadshow UK offers viewers a fascinating glimpse into the history and people of Ironbridge, as well as the stories behind the objects we cherish. Whether you're an avid collector or simply enjoy learning about the past, this is an episode not to be missed.