Antiques Roadshow guest refuses to sell falcon sculpture despite staggering value

Antiques Roadshow expert Will Farmer was left disappointed after a guest refused to sell his falcon sculpture, despite it being valued at a large amount of money

One Antiques Roadshow, a guest was left astounded by the high valuation of his falcon sculpture, which he had no intention of selling. The BBC programme, filmed at Crystal Palace Park in south east London last October, featured the 2023 episode where the guest shared how he acquired the ceramic work of art.

Will Farmer delved into the backstory, learning that the guest's late aunt had received the piece from renowned ceramist Ken Bright, who studied at Goldsmiths and frequented bird observatories to study raptors. They pinpointed its creation to December 1978, during the zenith of Ken's career.

Although Will was eager to know its worth, the guest firmly stated his desire to keep it. Will expressed his admiration: "I love it. I really genuinely love it," prompting the guest to assert, "I'm keeping it though."

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With a laugh, Will acknowledged, "I know you're keeping it, unfortunately." He then estimated: "So, I am going to say if it came to market - great name, iconic piece for his work and what's he's doing - I think it could be up to about a thousand pounds," reports the Express.

The guest replied, pleased but resolute, "Very nice," adding, "Still not going anywhere." He humorously remarked on his aunt's potential reaction, "She'd kill me. My auntie will turn in her grave."

Will concluded with a smile, appreciating the sentimental value, "Well, do you know what? It's nice that you've got that connection with her." The episode also saw Mark Smith examine a cigar once owned by Winston Churchill and Justin Croft evaluate some rare, early edition James Bond books.