Ep 7. Morden Hall Park 3
- October 13, 2019
- 58 min
In this episode of Antiques Roadshow UK season 42, the team visits Morden Hall Park for the third time. Located in London, this historic park was once home to the Hatfeild family, who owned the land for over 200 years. Today, the park is maintained by the National Trust and is open to the public.
As always, the experts are on hand to appraise a range of antiques and collectibles brought in by visitors. Among the items featured in this episode are a Victorian dressing table, a rare book, and a pair of silver candelabra. Each item comes with its own unique history and backstory, and the experts do an excellent job of uncovering the stories behind them.
Our first item is the Victorian dressing table, brought in by a visitor named Margaret. Margaret inherited the dressing table from her grandmother, who acquired it in the early 1900s. The table features intricate carvings and has a large mirror with two smaller mirrors on either side. The experts are impressed with the craftsmanship of the piece and note that it would have been a highly sought-after item at the time it was made. They also discuss the changing attitudes towards makeup and beauty during the Victorian period, which would have made items like this more popular.
Next up is a rare book, brought in by a man named James. The book is a first edition of the classic children's story, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll. Published in 1865, the book is in good condition and features original illustrations by John Tenniel. The experts note that first editions of the book are highly collectible and can fetch a significant amount of money at auction. They also discuss the enduring popularity of the story and how it has been adapted across various media over the years.
Our final item of the episode is a pair of silver candelabra brought in by a woman named Susan. The candelabra were owned by her grandmother, who received them as a wedding gift in the early 1900s. The experts note that the candelabra are of excellent quality and would have been very expensive when they were made. They also discuss the changing role of silverware in modern times and how it is often treated more as a decorative item than a functional one.
Throughout the episode, the experts also take time to explore the history of Morden Hall Park itself. They discuss the Hatfeild family's role in the development of the park and how it has changed over time. They also take a closer look at some of the park's unique features, including the waterwheel and the rose garden.
Overall, this episode of Antiques Roadshow UK provides a fascinating look at the history and stories behind some of the most interesting antiques and collectibles from around the country. From the Victorian dressing table to the rare book and silver candelabra, each item has its own unique story to tell. With expert appraisals and insightful commentary, this episode is sure to delight fans of the show and anyone interested in the world of antiques.