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The roadshow is at Firstsite in Colchester, where treasures include a spin painting by Damien Hirst, a watch with a racy past and logbooks from the real-life Great Escape.

The roadshow is at Firstsite contemporary art gallery in Colchester, Essex, where treasures include a rare and eerie bust made by the Dalton Factory, iconic designs from the 1950s heyday of Ford Motor Company and a pair of Faberge cufflinks.

Fiona Bruce uncovers the innovative design of Firstsite gallery, awarded Museum of the Year in 2021, from a floating floor that showcases and protects the Roman mosaics beneath it, to the striking contemporary art it houses, including Michael Landy’s giant homage to 'Essex man'. Fittingly, Frances Christie is delighted by a contemporary art piece - a personalised spin painting by eminent YBA (Young British Artist) Damien Hirst.

Richard Price is thrilled to see a Heuer Carrera watch made for the motor sports trade and well-used by its racing driver owner over a 60-year career. A rare and unusual white Minton teapot invites Lee Young to ponder whether it’s an intentional piece of blanc de chine or a test piece.

Will Farmer meets a fellow mid-century design devotee and reveals an unlikely pair of Ikea chairs by celebrated designer Verner Panton, while a collection of medals and logbooks help militaria expert Mark Smith bring to life the World War II mass breakout of Allied airmen from Stalag Luft III, immortalised in the movie The Great Escape.

Meanwhile, Ronnie Archer Morgan discovers one of the finest pole clubs from the Cook Islands, known as an 'akatara'.

Available now

57 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Fiona Bruce
Production Manager Rebecca Candy
Series Editor Robert Murphy
Series Producer Rae Gilder Cooke

Broadcast

Antiques Roadshow Specials

Episodes exploring anniversaries, world changing events and popular culture.