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Antiques Roadshow Guests Disappointed by Valuation of Family Heirloom Sculpture
A pair of Antiques Roadshow participants experienced disappointment upon discovering the valuation of a cherished item they hoped would yield a significant return. During an episode of the popular BBC programme, filmed at Glasgow‘s Pollok Park, expert Will Farmer assessed a bronze sculpture brought in by the guests.
Intriguing Artwork Captures Expert’s Attention
Farmer’s interest was immediately piqued by the antique depiction of a man. He began his inquiry by asking about the sculpture’s personal significance to the owners: “The gentleman before us appears contemplative and thoughtful. What is his connection to your family history?”
One guest explained, “This is Jeremiah, sculpted by Boris Schatz,” and her husband added crucial context, “Boris Schatz was the founder of the Bezalel Art Institute in Jerusalem and a relative of my great-grandparents. This piece was gifted to my grandparents as a wedding present.” They then presented Farmer with a photograph of their grandparents and great-grandparents on their wedding day.
Historical Context and Artistic Significance
Farmer elaborated on the historical importance of the artist, stating, “Boris Schatz is a highly regarded figure, particularly within the Jewish art community, often considered the father of Israeli art.”
He continued, “Schatz is esteemed for his commitment to creating art relevant to his identity, the Jewish community, and religious texts. Many of his works, including this depiction of Jeremiah, reflect these profound connections.”
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Analyzing the Sculpture’s Origins
Turning his attention to the specific piece, Farmer noted, “The original Jeremiah bronze was created in 1911 and is a large-scale work.”
He detailed the size difference, “The original measures approximately 59-60 centimetres by 73 centimetres, considerably larger than your piece. What you possess is a later interpretation, created using a process known as electrotyping.”
Electrotype Process and Valuation Revelation
Explaining the technique, Farmer clarified, “Electrotyping allowed for the creation of scaled-down copper replicas, making the larger artwork more accessible to a wider audience.”
Moving to the crucial aspect of price, Will Farmer initially raised the couple’s hopes by stating, “Large-scale early bronzes occasionally surface and are typically valued in the region of £4,000 to £5,000.”
The guests reacted with visible excitement. However, Farmer tempered their expectations, stating, “These electrotypes, designed for broader accessibility, are more common.”
Revised Valuation and Family Legacy
Delivering the valuation, Farmer concluded, “For your electrotype, the valuation is more modest, in the low hundreds. It would likely be in the range of £200-£300.”
The couple acknowledged the revised appraisal with nods. Farmer then inquired about the sculpture’s future, “Will it remain within your family?” They confirmed their intention to keep the artwork as a family heirloom, rather than selling it for the estimated “modest” sum.