In a moment that left both experts and viewers gasping, the BBC's beloved Antiques Roadshow delivered one of its most astonishing valuations in recent memory. A decorative pottery lamp, brought to the show's filming at Chepstow Racecourse by its unsuspecting owner, was revealed to be an exceptionally rare piece of Arts and Crafts history with a value that could transform its owner's financial future.
The Moment of Revelation
Expert John Sandon, a seasoned ceramics specialist familiar with uncovering hidden treasures, could barely contain his excitement as he examined the piece. The lamp, featuring a striking peacock feather design in vibrant blues and greens, initially appeared to be just another attractive decorative item. However, Sandon immediately recognised it as something far more significant.
'This is an absolutely spectacular piece,' Sandon told the astonished owner. 'What you have here is a genuine work by William De Morgan, one of the most important and collectible pottery designers of the Arts and Crafts movement.'
A Masterpiece Unmasked
The lamp's significance lies in its creator and rarity. William De Morgan was a celebrated potter who collaborated with William Morris and became renowned for his intricate designs and innovative lustre glazes. His works are highly sought after by collectors and museums worldwide, with pieces regularly fetching substantial sums at auction.
'De Morgan pieces of this quality and condition are incredibly rare to find outside museum collections,' Sandon explained. 'The peacock feather motif is particularly desirable among collectors, and the fact that this has been preserved as a complete lamp makes it even more special.'
The Jaw-Dropping Valuation
When pressed for a valuation, Sandon delivered the news that left the owner visibly stunned. He confidently estimated the lamp could achieve between £20,000 and £30,000 at auction, a life-changing sum for what the owner likely considered a simple decorative item.
The owner, who inherited the piece from a relative, admitted they had no idea of its true worth or significance. 'I just thought it was a nice old lamp,' they confessed. 'To discover it's not only by an important artist but worth this much is completely overwhelming.'
Why This Piece Commands Such Value
- Rarity: Genuine De Morgan pieces rarely appear on the market
- Condition: The lamp remains in excellent, unrestored condition
- Provenance: Its history adds to its collectibility
- Design: The peacock feather pattern is among De Morgan's most celebrated designs
- Form: Complete lamps are more valuable than individual tiles or plates
This remarkable discovery serves as a powerful reminder that treasures often hide in plain sight, waiting for the right expert eye to reveal their true worth. For Antiques Roadshow enthusiasts and collectors alike, it reinforces the programme's enduring appeal as a platform where ordinary objects can transform into extraordinary finds.
