Fascinating objects from wartime Britain are evaluated, including a wedding dress and a fully restored poster by celebrated war illustrator Helen McKie (1889-1957). There’s also a medal collection belonging to a brave airman, and a silver trophy collection revealing the early history of aviation, including the first airmail service.
Intricate and intriguing items include a colourful figurine from the “roaring twenties”, an instruction book on the ancient art of paper folding, and a superb example of a singing bird automaton.
The fascinating history of the objects and the people that collect them are investigated, including an obsessive collector of Wedgwood “Fairyland Lustre” ceramics, and a copper dish twice rescued from a skip.
Colchester also provides the opportunity for Fiona Bruce to look at the bloody and brutal history of the Romans with local museum curator Glynn Davis. As the first capital of Roman Britain, the city is well placed for such a deep dive, including within Firstsite itself where the Berryfield mosaic, one of the country’s greatest Roman artefacts, lies at the heart of the building. Its namesake the Berryfield café at Firstsite has also just reopened with enhanced sustainable LED lighting and a new menu of comforting treats for the colder months.
Firstsite Director Sally Shaw MBE said: “We can’t wait for this second opportunity to relive what was a fantastic day with Fiona Bruce and the Antiques Roadshow team and share this with the nation!
“Since the first episode aired, it’s been such a pleasure to welcome so many new visitors who, after seeing us on the show, have made a special trip to discover the treasures and sights that Firstsite and Colchester have to offer.
“We’re excited to meet even more Antiques Roadshow fans over the winter who visit us to enjoy our diverse exhibitions, creative events and activities. As always, visitors can explore all our exhibitions for free, including the breathtaking Leonora Carrington: Avatars and Alliances and a special exhibition by previous Firstsite Collectors’ Group bursary award winner, Halla Groves-Raines. Plus, with inspiring workshops, craft fairs, cinema screenings, dazzling Christmas parties, and live events—like Sirena Hart’s RuPaul’s Drag Race viewing party—there really is something for everyone. “
The Antiques Roadshow episode will be available on BBC iPlayer after the broadcast here.
More details about the wide range of events coming up at Firstsite can be found here.
Images:
1. Firstsite. 2.Expert – Frances Christie (Left), Frances Christie examines a Waterloo Station poster © BBC Studios. 3. Expert – Will Farmer (Right), Will Farmer values a beautiful butterfly lady figurine © BBC Studios. 3. Expert – Elaine Binning (Left) Elaine Binning values a WW2 parachute dress © BBC Studios
