The Roadshow really is a great experience, but a bit of advance knowledge can make all the difference.
Here are some in-the-know tips for getting the most out of your day at a Roadshow.
1. Get all the details
Roadshows are advertised in the specific area that’s being visited up to six weeks in advance of the show itself. But if you’re willing to
travel, you’ll need a full calendar of recording dates, starting in the spring. The best thing to do is check out the forthcoming valuation days on this site, which will be published at the beginning of February.
2. In advance
If the Roadshow is coming your way and you have something that’s very large or fragile, write to the Antiques Roadshow at BBC,
Whiteladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LR – and include a photo.
Alternatively email antiques.roadshow@bbc.co.uk. The team may be able to help with transport of your object to the show if contacted in.
3. What to bring
Wear comfortable shoes, and carry an umbrella (which may double as a sunshade) if it’s an outdoor venue. Try not to weigh yourself down – for example, just bring the pot, a cup and saucer if you want to know about a whole tea service. There are always refreshments
available at a show. However once you’re in a queue you won’t want to leave it, so take a small bottle of water or juice.
4. On the day
Arrive about an hour before the doors open (they open at 9.30am), which should be soon enough to be seen by lunchtime at most shows. Often the queues have thinned out by 3pm. Doors shut at 4.30pm and the filming continues until about 7pm. As long as you are in the queue by 4.30pm an expert will see you by the end of the day.
5. About those queues
As you arrive at reception, you will be given a ticket to get to the appropriate expert. The queues for ‘porcelain’ (china and glass) and ‘miscellaneous’ (advertising items, toys, gardening tools for instance) are always the longest. A good idea is to bring a friend, dividing your things so that you can queue for separate experts.
6. Jogging your memory
Download our Valuation Form to jot down any dates or details that an expert may give you – as well as the valuation.
Is there a shop near you that deserves special recognition? Perhaps it is a
family run business, maybe it offers a special service not seen anywhere
else, or it could sell an unique range of unusual products. If so, we’d love
to hear from you – please write to us at the address on page 4, marking your
letter ‘Secret Shops’, or email us at secretshops@
homesandantiques.com
