Sure, Antiques Roadshow might conjure images of dusty porcelain and chipped teacups, but sometimes, amidst the chipped porcelain and dusty teacups, the venerable BBC series unearths genuine historical and pop culture gold. This Sunday’s episode, filmed at the historic Cromford Mills in Derbyshire, is a prime example, swinging from presidential memorabilia to the cutting edge of punk fashion.
First up: a signed photograph and tie pin gifted by none other than President John F. Kennedy to a Derbyshire Police chief constable. Now that’s a conversation starter. On the opposite end of the stylistic spectrum, a collection of Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren designs, including pieces from the coveted “pirate collection,” offers a glimpse into London’s vibrant King’s Road scene of the 1970s and 80s. Talk about a culture clash.
Plus, there are more curious treasures where those came from! How about 300-year-old long johns tailored for a Japanese emperor? Or a child’s chair bestowed by Harry Brearley, the inventor of stainless steel? Alongside these oddities, expert Eric Knowles looks back on his 44 years with the show, showing off some of his personal favorites, including a plate designed for Marie Antoinette.
The episode also features a vibrant oil painting by Wigan artist Lawrence Isherwood, a panorama of King George IV’s coronation, an Ottoman beaded snake crafted by Turkish prisoners of war, and an Albert Medal awarded for a tragic rescue. Fiona Bruce unveils an archive of designs from the Holmes of Derby carriage company, recently acquired by Derbyshire County Council, while jewellery expert Joanna Hardy examines a collection of opals and a pilot displays a wooden propeller from a homemade biplane. In short, it’s Antiques Roadshow firing on all quirky, historical, and occasionally stylish cylinders.
Antiques Roadshow airs Sunday at its usual time on BBC One.
