An Antiques Roadshow guest was left exclaiming "wow" after discovering the value of a book she had inherited. The cherished BBC programme returned to television on Sunday (August 16) with presenter Fiona Bruce leading proceedings. This week's episode saw the show visit Brodie Castle in northern Scotland.
Numerous members of the public were eager to present their treasured items for valuation by the programme's specialists. However, proceedings took a remarkable turn when expert Matthew Haley encountered an "absolutely wonderful" piece.
Expert's 'spectacular' find
"This is one of the biggest and most spectacular books I've ever seen on Antiques Roadshow," Matthew declared. He added: "It's got a title on the cover here, Drawings by the De Alwis family Ceylon."
"Now Ceylon is what we call Sri Lanka. In the past, it was a British territory from about 1850 to the middle of the 20th century. [The book] is filled with these absolutely beautiful watercolours. What do you know about it?" Matthew asked the guest, reports the Express.
Family history and watercolours
She replied: "It belonged to an aunt who was born in the early 1930s. She was given this as a book to draw in, a toy sort of. And there are some sort of drawings and writings in there from her as a child. When she passed away it was inherited by us."
Enthusing about the item, Matthew said: "It's absolutely filled with spectacular watercolours and they are all relating to this family, De Alwis. Now, De Alwis is a very important name in Sri Lanka. It's one of the most prominent families there."
Discussing the watercolours, Matthew described them as "incredibly finely done," pointing out that they are dated and initialled from the 1880s. He enthused: "And the quality and workmanship is just absolutely wonderful."
Value and warning
He then put it to the guest: "Now you did say your aunt had a little bit of a go at adding to the drawing! Fortunately she hasn't had too much of a go on the watercolours."
Leafing through the book, Matthew went on: "It covers plant life from Sri Lanka, trees, nuts and fruits. Absolutely stunning flowers."
The guest then revealed she had previously had the book valued at £5,000, though acknowledged it was quite some time ago. When it came to Matthew's own assessment, he disclosed: "These sort of watercolours of this quality and condition are really, really sought-after. Nowadays I would expect it to make something closer towards £10,000."
The guest was left completely stunned, exclaiming: "Wow, gosh!" Matthew then cautioned her: "Not exactly the sort of thing you should let younger family members draw on!"
Laughing, the guest replied: "It's just an old book and collection of stuff, that's all we thought it was!"
Antiques Roadshow airs every Sunday at 6:30pm on BBC One.
