BBC Antiques Roadshow's Fiona Bruce floored by value of statue that 'gives her nightmares'
Antiques Roadshow's Fiona Bruce was astonished after revealing a statue's value, exclaiming "blow me down with a feather". The host was wowed by the value of the statue which she confessed gave her nightmares.
The BBC show was this time filmed at Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery in Ealing. Curator Will, a council representative, showcased some curious artefacts from esteemed ceramic artists The Martin brothers.
Despite the historical importance, Fiona was taken aback by one particular creation. She invited expert John Sandon to judge the worth of the controversial pieces, who admitted the ornaments had caused divides in his own family.
Read more Marc Allum's 'very old house' and surprising reason garden was dug up for a year
He revealed that his dad - the later ceramic expert Henry Sandon - loved The Martin brothers ornaments but his mum hated them so much that she had made them sell them all. John added: "It's so divisive!"
Reacting to a strange looking figure, which Will said resembled a shell with a face, Fiona admitted: "Can I confess, I mean, this would give me nightmares!" But Will pointed out: "It's probably the highlight of our collection. It's listed in our catalogue as the Old Man of the Sea. It almost looks like a shell with a face."
John revealed it was worth a staggering amount. He said: "There's one other one like it which was sold a few years ago and was thankfully saved for the nation. It's now in the museum in Plymouth, but it cost the incredible sum of £260,000!"
A shocked Fiona said: "Gasps behind me here! Wow! Goodness me." She added: "With that valuation you could blow me down with a feather! " John highlighted the importance of such items, adding: "These are not being sold, they are going to be enjoyed by local residents."