An Antiques Roadshow guest left ceramics expert John Axford speechless after he valued her rare 1924 Lalique vase at £3,500, prompting her to quip that the money would pay for her funeral.
Vase Came from Friend Becoming a Nun
The guest, whose name was not disclosed, appeared on the BBC programme at Swindon Steam Museum in 2011. She explained that the vase came into her possession when a wealthy friend decided to become a nun and gave away all her worldly goods. "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.
John Axford asked, "Is that what you have to do?" and she replied, "Yes, when you become a nun. So she left me a thatched cottage, 17 acres, and all of her goods in Hampshire."
Vase Converted into Lamp
The vase, adorned with budgerigars, had previously been converted into a lamp, but the guest had not modified its intricate design. "I didn't like it," she admitted. "I think it was going to be stretched and spoiled." She was advised to have the item appraised and brought it to Antiques Roadshow to learn its true worth.
Axford confirmed the vase was an authentic Lalique creation from France, produced in 1924. He highlighted the opalescent glass and the budgerigar design, saying, "It's a really pretty design."
Guest Jokes About Funeral Costs
When Axford valued the piece at £3,500, the guest was astonished. "Never," she declared. "It would bury me. Pay for my funeral, won't it?" Axford replied, "I don't know how to answer that," as the guest chuckled, "But it's true, isn't it. It's my insurance policy for my funeral."
Antiques Roadshow is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
