Ep 1. Ham House 1

In season 44 episode 1 of Antiques Roadshow UK, the team visits Ham House in Richmond, London. Ham House, a 17th-century mansion built for William Murray, the first Earl of Dysart, is now a National Trust property and a famous tourist attraction. The mansion offers an excellent backdrop for the experts to know more about the items that people have brought for valuation.

The episode starts with a woman who shows the experts a decade-old painting that her family has always believed to be an original John Constable. The painting's subject is a vibrant landscape of the Suffolk countryside, which is known to be a popular motif in Constable's works. The experts welcome the painting with excitement and inspect it carefully to determine its authenticity and value. They examine the paint's brushwork, the canvas's texture, and the frame's age to rule out the possibility of forgery. The suspenseful moment is finally broken when the expert reveals the verdict - is it a real Constable or not?

Next, a man presents a silver Russian soup tureen that has been in his family since the late 1800s. The ornate and elaborate piece is a representation of the exceptional craftsmanship of Russian silverware, which were renowned for their artistry and quality. The man explains that his great-grandfather had acquired the tureen during his travels in Russia, and it had been passed down to him by his grandfather. The experts are impressed by the tureen's intricate designs and carefully examine the markings to establish its authenticity. They also discuss the history of silver production in Russia, which had a significant influence on European and American tastes.

Another guest brings in a sixteenth-century silver-gilt drinking cup that has been passed down through her family. She explains that the family story is that the cup was gifted from Queen Elizabeth I to one of her ancestors. The cup's shape and size suggest that it could have been used for wine or other alcoholic drinks. The guest tells the experts that despite not having any concrete evidence of the cup's royal connection, her family has always believed in its authenticity. The experts listen to her story carefully and examine the intricate designs on the cup's surface to determine its past and value. They also discuss the Tudor period's art, which had a distinctive style and influence on decorative objects.

The episode ends with a man who presents a skull of a huge mammal, similar in size to an elephant. The skull had been found hidden in a shed by his grandfather, who had collected it during his travels in Africa. The man explains that his grandfather had always believed that it to be the skull of the legendary elephant-killing creature called the Mngwa, which was rumoured to roam the African savannah. The experts are intrigued by the story and make an effort to determine the mammal's species and origin. They examine the skull's teeth and skull structure and compare it to known elephant species. They also discuss the legend of the Mngwa, which is part of African folktale.

Overall, Season 44, Episode 1 of Antiques Roadshow UK is a treat for history and antiques enthusiasts who enjoy learning about the stories behind unique and valuable items. The Ham House setting only adds to the charm of the show, and the guests' excitement is contagious. The attention to detail and expertise of the experts shine through. Antiques Roadshow remains one of the UK's most popular and loved antiques programs, and Season 44, Episode 1, is a testament to its popularity.