An Antiques Roadshow guest was left stunned after learning that a vase she received as a gift was valued at £3,500, prompting her to exclaim, 'That'll pay for my funeral!' The episode, filmed in 2011 at Swindon Steam Museum, featured ceramics expert John Axford examining the piece.
Vase Gifted by Friend Becoming a Nun
The guest explained that the vase came into her possession when a wealthy friend decided to become a nun and gave away all her worldly possessions. 'I went to live with a friend of mine, who was quite a wealthy girl, and she decided to become a nun, get rid of all her worldly wealth and goods,' the guest said. The friend left her a thatched cottage, 17 acres of land, and all of her belongings in Hampshire. The vase was part of the furniture left at the property and had once been used as a lamp, though the guest insisted no alterations were made to the carefully crafted piece.
Lalique Design from 1924
John Axford identified the vase as a genuine Lalique design from France, dating back to 1924. He noted the milky-colored glass and the detailed budgies decorating the vase, calling it 'a really pretty design.' The guest admitted she initially disliked the vase, fearing it might be stretched or spoiled if used as a lamp. She was later recommended to get it valued and brought it to the Antiques Roadshow.
Guest's Reaction: 'It Would Bury Me'
When Axford announced the valuation of £3,500, the guest was visibly shocked. 'Never,' she exclaimed. 'It would bury me. Pay for my funeral, won't it?' She then referred to the vase as her 'insurance policy' for her funeral expenses. Axford responded, 'I don't know how to answer that,' as the guest laughed. The vase, originally a gift, had become an unexpected financial asset.
Antiques Roadshow continues to air on BBC, with episodes available to stream on iPlayer.
