An Antiques Roadshow guest from the BBC show was left thrilled when he discovered that his charity shop find was worth thousands of pounds. The guest, who appeared on the latest episode of the show filmed at The Grand Spa Hall in Scarborough, had purchased a ‘beautiful’ Italian figurine for just £29.25 from a charity shop in Whitby six months ago. BBC expert Will Farmer was amazed to learn that the guest’s item was a Lenci design, a renowned name in the Italian ceramic industry in the 1920s and 1930s.
Farmer shared insights about the history of Lenci, explaining that the brand was founded by Helen Konig Scavini, a well-travelled lady who started out making felt dolls and eventually transitioned into creating exquisite ceramic figures. The guest’s figurine, named Angelita alla Corrida, was identified as a Lenci piece and was valued at an impressive £2,500 to £3,000 by Farmer. The guest was understandably astonished and delighted by the revelation.
The guest’s keen eye for spotting the valuable artwork in a charity shop was praised by Farmer, who highlighted the desirability of Lenci figures globally, particularly among collectors in Italy. The Antiques Roadshow guest expressed his amazement at the significant increase in value of his charity shop find, showcasing the exciting and unexpected discoveries that can be made on the show.
The Antiques Roadshow episode featuring the guest’s valuable find is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, offering viewers a glimpse into the fascinating world of antique discoveries. The show continues to captivate audiences with its stories of remarkable items found in unexpected places, inspiring treasure hunters and antique enthusiasts alike with tales of hidden gems waiting to be unearthed.
The heartwarming story of the guest’s charity shop find serves as a reminder of the potential treasures that lie undiscovered in everyday places, encouraging viewers to keep an eye out for valuable pieces that could hold significant historical and monetary value. The Antiques Roadshow remains a treasure trove of stories, showcasing the excitement of uncovering hidden gems and celebrating the beauty of art and craftsmanship from years gone by.