An Antiques Roadshow expert was left speechless after encountering a rare item connected to a pivotal moment in history. During a repeat episode aired on Sunday, November 15, Clive Farahar was presented with a poster announcing the assassination of President John F Kennedy.
The episode, filmed at Roundhay Park in Leeds, saw local residents bring in their antiques and fine arts for appraisal. Among the items were a Fairyland Lustre bowl and a cap made from the hair of celebrated racehorse Red Rum. Host Fiona Bruce also explored the local history of Marks and Spencer and challenged Joanna Hardy to spot the difference between a real diamond and a fake.
A Stark Piece of History
Fiona Bruce introduced the segment, explaining that the poster had the power to transport viewers back to November 22, 1963, when President Kennedy was assassinated. She noted that the poster had stopped Clive Farahar in his tracks.
As he examined the poster, Clive said: "Kennedy dead. I mean, this is absolutely shocking with just stark news like that. Evening Standard, London newspaper. Where did you find this?"
The guest explained that his parents had utility furniture while he was growing up in London in the 1950s. He inherited a sideboard, which had been stored in the garage. His wife then revealed she decided the garage was a tip and needed tidying, and the sideboard was full of old paintings and other keepsakes.
The Near Miss
The man added that the drawers were properly lined, and the last one contained the folded poster, which had likely lain there for 60-odd years. Clive remarked that as poster art, it was so stark that it was hard to think of it being valuable.
The woman then admitted she nearly put the item in the recycling bin, prompting Clive to exclaim: "Oh no, you didn't?" Instead, they brought it to the Antiques Roadshow for valuation.
Valuation and Reaction
Clive shared his valuation, saying: "I'm going to put £1,000 on this." The guests and the surrounding crowd gasped in shock, with both guests exclaiming "What?" in unison, and the woman adding "My god!"
Clive concluded: "You nearly got rid of it. You nearly dismantled it. And here it is on the Antiques Roadshow. Thank you for bringing it in." The speechless guests replied: "Thank you so much!"
Antiques Roadshow is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
