Television treasure…
Monday 4th January 2010, 2:29PM GMT.
Presenter Fiona Bruce in the Podger’s weighing chair. (0786680)
GUERNSEY was the star of last night’s Antiques Roadshow.
Presenter Fiona Bruce and her team of experts examined an array of islanders’ prized possessions and found some fascinating and valuable items including a sword, ivory, jewellery and documents, many of which revealed some aspect of local history.
She introduced the show, which was recorded in June, by saying it had been 15 years since the last visit and then contrasted the island’s ‘tranquil’ beauty with its turbulent past as the camera explored the picturesque coast and its fortifications.
‘It feels quite eerie to be stood by one of these concrete monoliths and though they may scar the beautiful coastline here, it seems only fitting that they should remain as a reminder of a bleak period in this island’s history,’ she said of the many German bunkers.
Among the standout items was a sword given to Admiral de Saumarez for his part in Nelson’s victory at the 1798 Battle of the Nile. ‘I can’t believe I am holding it,’ said expert Graham Lay. ‘This is a beautiful blade.’
He estimated its value at between £150,000 and £200,000, but that did not sway the current Lord de Saumarez, who said he would never sell it.
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It was rubbish. Looked like an outing for Friends of St James with hardly a Guernsey piece in the whole show. Guernsey looked full of English duffers and spivs.
Loved the one about the candle sticks. “Here’s my wife’s silver from her ex husband – we get them out at dinner parties – how much?”
Comedy genius that one.
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In fairness Jackie I wouldn’t really expect a programme like the Antiques Roadshow to attract a broad demographic of the population, would you? The average Guern doesn’t have a sword presented by Nelson in their attic and I couldn’t really imagine the local chavs being that interested in the price of a silver candlestick….although it would have certainly made it more interesting if they had turned up…. ;-)
Out of interest did they have any Occupation items? That might have made it interesting from a local perspective, as there’s a ready market for authentic old German WWII memorabilia.
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…..”as the camera explored the picturesque coast and its fortifications” in the preamble to the show, there was a lovely close up of Gorey Castle in Jersey – am I the only one who noticed that? Nice research BBC!!
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you are not the only one Rupert!
I watched the programme last night and was staggered to see a beautiful “Guernsey” castle that I had not seen before.
I was disappointed to then realise on closer inspection that it was Gorey.
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No Rupert. I spotted that. Couldn’t believe my eyes
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No Rupert I noticed Gorey Castle too.
Sausmarez is a local? And it was filmed at his former residence and lets face it most of the old wealth came from piracy.
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I noticed Gorey Castle too – luckily I have Sky+ so was able to rewind it to prove that my eyes were indeed not deceiving me.
I also get a bit peeved when people know exactly how much their items cost e.g. the couple with the ‘tutti-frutti’ jewellery – they didn’t bat an eyelid. Where’s the fun in that?
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Can’t say I was that enamoured by the show; I was expecting more real historical gems such as Guernsey silver or possibly a Caperne or Naftel appearing.
But the good news it was broadcast right at the time people are considering destinations for their Easter and Summer breaks. So, apart from the Gorey Castle faux pas the Island looked clean, sunny and was worth a mint in free advertising.
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