WHEN popular television programme the Antiques Roadshow last rolled up in Inverness, a 50p car boot painting which had been languishing at the back of a viewer’s shed, caused a real stir.
Mother-of-two Linda Stone, from Grantown-on-Spey, discovered the oil painting, titled Mischief and featuring a cat and kittens at play, was by Dutch artist Henrietta Ronner-Nip (1821-1909) and could fetch £15,000 at auction. Later it went under the hammer for a handy £22,000 in 1995.
Now BBC One’s programme makers are hoping for similar success when they film part of its 35th series at Cawdor Castle, on Thursday, 21st June.
Residents from the area, in true Roadshow tradition, will be raiding their attics to take along their would-be treasures for a valuation by a panel of experts.
It is also a real coup for the castle — the event is to be held within its Flower Garden and grounds.
"We are absolutely delighted and feel very privileged that we will be hosting such a fantastic show, which will be held with the stunning backdrop of the castle grounds," said Cawdor’s general manager Brett Gubbins. "Gardeners are very busy already working to ensure everything is in a spick and span condition for the event." Mr Gubbins stressed the castle would remain open throughout the filming, in the hope of attracting more visitors during the day.
Fiona Bruce, who is presenting the show, knows the excitement it can generate. "Exploring the human story behind every object is what makes Antiques Roadshow so fascinating," she said. "And everyone loves the agony and ecstasy of the ‘What’s it worth?’ moment."
The last series, watched on average by six million viewers, included some amazing finds such as a painting by Rolf Harris, bought for £50 and valued at £50,000; a beer flagon made from Oliver Cromwell’s horse; the medical chest taken on Shackleton’s 1914 expedition to the Antarctic; and a toilet roll which was rejected by the Beatles at the Abbey Road Studios.
Some of Britain’s leading antiques and fine arts specialists will be on hand at Cawdor and the doors open at 9.30am and close at 4.30pm with free entry.
Cawdor Castle is also looking for volunteers to help on the day: contact 01667 404401.
People with large pieces of furniture or other big items can send details and photographs of their objects to: Antiques Roadshow, BBC, Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LR or e-mail them to: antiques.roadshow@bbc.co.uk
More information can be found at: www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow
