Antiques Roadshow’s first-ever Australian episode in 21 years has been praised by viewers, after making its debut on YouTube this week.
The show involves everyday people bringing their heirlooms beloved family treasures, and other items to be verified and valued, and is released by the BBC.
The UK version of the show has been running since 1979, with nearly 900 episodes, while a six-episode special of the Australian version was previously released in 2005.
Issa Schultz from the Channel 7 show The Chase hosted this week’s episode while experts such as Dr Robert Wellington and Elizabeth Hastings appraised items at the Norman Lindsay Gallery in the Blue Mountains.
A potential Picasso drawing, a moonstone jewellery collection, and a Chinese silk painting hidden during the Cultural Revolution were among the items appraised this week.
The jewellery collection was valued at $120,000 to $150,000, while the silk painting could get an estimated $8,000 to $10,000 at auction.
While experts could not authenticate the Picasso drawing, as that would have to be done through a specific organisation, they estimated it could be worth up to $17 million if it was legitimate.
Many Aussies were pleased with the latest episode with one declaring: “this is the biggest thing to happen in Australia since the Olympics.”
“This is bloody brilliant! Thank you, BBC and ABC,” another added.
“Please make this available on ABC and make more. Loved it,” wrote a third.
However, a few others questioned the choice in valuables presented, with one writing: “too staged and some ridiculous valuations. Even though we have some great collectables in this country, we fail at these types of shows.”
“Is this a comedy skit by any chance? I’m being serious as it’s so bad it can’t be a BBC production,” added another.
“Oh dear, what a load of trash on view. Sorry and sad presentation,” a third wrote.
Image: BBC
