A woman who brought a vase to the Antiques Roadshow at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire was stunned to learn it could be worth up to £3,500. The blue and green patterned vase, decorated with birds, had been purchased by her grandfather for just £1 from a junk shop in Shaftesbury.
The expert identified the piece as a creation of English potter William De Morgan, believed to have been made just before he stopped potting in 1907. Praising its 'arts and crafts design', the expert noted De Morgan's study of Persian design and described him as 'one of the really hot names in ceramic designs'.
The guest explained that her grandfather, a ceramic potter himself, had visited the junk shop and 'didn't show great enthusiasm' to secure the low price. The vase has remained in the family ever since. When asked about selling it, the owner said it 'stays in the family anyway'.
