5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Antiques Roadshow guest issues one-word response after his 'little gems' make BBC history
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Antiques Roadshow.
An Antiques Roadshow expert was left absolutely delighted after encountering two extraordinary glasses that created BBC history.
Glass specialist Andy McConnell was stationed at the Woodhorn Museum in Ashington, meeting with visitors and their treasured possessions when he stumbled upon something truly remarkable.
When presented with two diminutive Masonic glasses, the Roadshow authority explained: "These glasses are absolutely the cream and of course, they're firing glasses 'Yes, here! Cheers!' for toasting.
"So how on earth do you end up owning these wonderful little gems?"
Detailing their history, the guest revealed: "Well I got a bit lucky really. I'd seen them come up at an auction but they were just with a general lot, I think they were valued at £50 to £70.
"I pretty much knew what I thought they were. Sadly, they'd been spotted by somebody else so they did go up in value but I managed to win the lot."
(Image: BBC)
The collector mentioned they ultimately cost him an eye-watering £6,000, prompting McConnell to ask: "So what makes an apparently sensible person spend £6,000 on two glasses the size of a thimble?"
He responded: "They're local glasses, I just like collecting things that come from Newcastle. It's beautiful stuff, it's just a passion."
The BBC authority then revealed: "What do you recognise them as, was the work of the Beilby family, William Beilby, who were in Newcastle.
"1768, it's exactly what it says on the tin and they were Britain's leading enamellers, the greatest enamellers, working exclusively on glass."
He continued by highlighting the intricate details on the matching glasses, which featured Masonic compasses alongside "rococo style white floral banding around the top".
Describing them as a "well known set", the moment arrived to establish their worth.
McConnell explained: "The first one that came up that we know about was bought by the British Museum in about 2009 for £12,000.
"Then one sold for £8,000 and another sold for £6,000.
(Image: BBC)
"But yours, I know today would fetch at auction, you'd get somewhere like £16,000 for the pair."
The guest remained composed upon hearing this remarkable sum, simply responding: "Wow."
However, unlike the glasses' owner, McConnell appeared absolutely delighted.
He declared: "So look, I mean what a pleasure! These are by far the most glasses that I've ever had in 16 years on the Roadshow.
"I'm so made up with these. So cheers to you and William Beilby!".
The guest finally smiled at McConnell's enthusiasm, with the audience applauding in appreciation.
During a separate interview, McConnell explained: "It's about rarity. We are linking these to one person, William Beilby, this is the best at its peak."
Antiques Roadshow can be viewed on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
