Ep 5. Bodnant Garden 1

In this episode of Antiques Roadshow UK, the team visits the stunning Bodnant Garden in North Wales. As always, the show features a wide variety of fascinating objects brought in by members of the public who hope to learn more about their family heirlooms and antiques.

The first item we see is an intricately carved wooden box with a hidden compartment, brought in by a young woman who inherited it from her grandfather. Expert Dominic Chinea is impressed by the quality of the carving and the clever design, and speculates that it may have been made in India in the early 20th century. Next, we meet a retired gardener who has brought in an unusual tool that he used in his job many years ago. The tool is identified as a "draw hoe", used for removing weeds, and dates back to the Victorian era.

Another interesting object is a rare example of a 19th-century cranberry glass pitcher, which has been passed down through a family for generations. Expert Marc Allum explains that cranberry glass was created by adding gold oxide to molten glass, resulting in its distinctive pink-red color. The pitcher is fragile and highly valuable, but the owner says it has never been used for fear of breaking it.

The show also features some antique toys, including a set of miniature lead soldiers and a tinplate robot. Expert John Foster takes a look at the soldiers, which were made by the popular British toy company Britains Ltd. in the early 20th century. He explains that the soldiers were originally sold in sets, and collectors today prize complete sets with their original boxes. The tinplate robot is a later item, dating from the 1950s, and likely made in Japan. It's in good condition and still works, delighting the owner who remembers playing with it as a child.

Other highlights of this episode include a pair of Georgian candlesticks, an Art Deco vase, and a beautiful Victorian watercolor painting. Expert Lisa Lloyd is particularly impressed by the painting, which depicts a tranquil river scene with a figure in a rowboat. The painting is unsigned, but she identifies it as the work of a well-known artist of the period. The owner is thrilled to learn more about the painting and its potential value.

As always, the Antiques Roadshow UK team provides fascinating insights into the history and provenance of each item, as well as its potential value at auction. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in antiques and collectibles, and the stunning Bodnant Garden provides a gorgeous backdrop for the show's expert appraisals.