Sage is awash with ancient treasures

Sep 1 2008 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

ANTIQUES enthusiasts from around the region were crossing their fingers as they took items to be valued by renowned experts yesterday.

The Antiques Roadshow stopped off at The Sage, Gateshead, with more than 1,000 people queuing up to get an opinion on everything from china to cuddly toys.

Now fronted by Fiona Bruce, the show invites people to raid their attics, bring along family heirlooms and learn something of their possessions’ histories.

A team of experts including David Battie, Lars Tharp and Hilary Kay, were on hand to comment on the wide spectrum of items brought in.

Patricia Small, 53, of Gosforth, was keen to learn more about a Royal Worcester jug she bought in America. She said: “I have always been interested in antiques and really enjoy the programme.

“I’m very interested and curious to see what sort of things local people bring along and see what things are worth.

“The jug I’ve brought is a Royal Worcester and I’m hoping it’s a fairly old one.

“I bought it in Geneva, Illinois. It only cost $53 so I’m hoping it’s worth a lot more than what I paid for it.”

Meanwhile, Harold and Mary Gibbs, both in their eighties and from Harbour View, South Shields, had brought in a chair which had caused a lot of speculation among their friends.

Mrs Gibbs said: “It sits in the living room and everyone talks about it.

“We were just very curious and wanted to find out more about its history.

“It’s been a great day and there are a lot of very interesting looking items.” Others brought in items including paintings, furniture and jewellery, though more unusual objects, such as a dinner gong, were also on show.

Furniture expert on the show Christopher Payne said: “It’s been really fantastic because normally, with furniture, we don’t get people bringing in huge chests of drawers all day.

“But we’ve had lots of very interesting small objects. Because it’s been a big, major trading port in Victorian times, there have been lots of little fascinating things, some of which are quite testing and really had me scratching my head.”

Series editor Simon Shaw said: “As a television producer it’s a scary prospect when we turn up for a day’s filming and no knowledge of what might turn up.

“I often look at the queue first thing and say a quiet prayer that there really are some interesting pieces in all those bags.”