Antiques Roadshow veteran, Will Farmer, known for his entertaining valuations, has shared some of his “rare” finds and a memorable encounter with a guest who discovered their item was a fake. In an exclusive interview, Farmer recounted the incident when a man brought in a glass bottle he had purchased for £1,000, believing it to be a valuable 17th-century artifact. After consulting with his colleagues, Farmer had to deliver the disappointing news that it was just a green glass bottle typically used for commercial oil. The guest’s face dropped, and he left without saying a word.
Despite occasionally having to deliver bad news, Farmer emphasized his commitment to educating individuals about the history of their items, ensuring a fulfilling experience. He acknowledged that for many guests, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they have eagerly anticipated. Farmer and his colleagues strive to make each person feel that their time spent at the valuation has been worthwhile, even if the item turns out to have little or no value.
Speaking about some of his remarkable discoveries, Farmer recalled a lady who brought in a small red plastic box she had purchased for just 18p from an antique shop. Building anticipation, Farmer teasingly asked her if she would be surprised to learn that it was worth £500. The lady’s reaction was a comedic collapse as she exclaimed, “Oh my god, you’re joking!”
Antiques Roadshow can be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
