Antiques Roadshow star's treasures set for auction

Nov 4 2009 The Journal

TREASURES belonging to a BBC Antiques Roadshow star are set to raise a quarter of a million pounds when they are auctioned.

Christopher Wood, a respected art dealer, died in January at the age of 67.

The Cambridge University graduate was an expert on the popular TV show, specialising in the Victorian period.

Now, the spotlight is on his own antique collection, as 178 of his precious possessions go under the hammer.

The haul of Victorian items is thought to be worth a total of between £170,000 and £264,000, and includes pictures, furniture, sculptures and porcelain.

The prize piece up for grabs is a charcoal portrait by Newcastle artist Ralph Hedley, which depicts the Victorian artist Agnes Pringle.

Hedley, who is known for his depictions of everyday life in the North East, is most famous for his picture called Going Home, featuring two miners.

Mr Wood’s sought-after portrait is expected to make waves in the art world and fetch large bids.