Antiques Roadshow expert deflated as guest refuses to sell aunt's statue despite price tag

WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Antiques Roadshow.

An Antiques Roadshow guest hardly reacted when the real value of his late aunt's statue was unveiled.

The hit daytime series travelled to Crystal Palace Park, with expert Will Farmer among the eager professionals appraising cherished possessions brought in by the public.

In a standout encounter, Farmer couldn't hide his enthusiasm when presented with the remarkable falcon figurine.

Praising the craftsmanship, remarking: "If it wasn't for the colour that betrayed it, you could almost swear that this bird had flown down from the sky and settled itself here.

"It's the most magnificent interpretation of a peregrine falcon. And I just love it.

"But tell me, how did you come to own it?"

The owner recalled: "It came from my late aunt who died a few years ago but she got it from her friend Ken Bright who she got to know when she was working in London."

Farmer remarked that Ken Bright was an extraordinary figure in the realm of ceramics and studio pottery.

Highlighting Bright's background, born in 1939, the artist studied at the Portsmouth School of Art, and later worked at Goldsmiths during the 1960s.

Farmer shared: "His two real main loves in life were horses and birds of prey.

"There's the Falconry Centre at Newent in Gloucestershire and he used to go there to literally observe and study the birds and I think you can just see it, can't you? The observation of it and the way it looks. I love it."

The expert then highlighted that the guest had brought along a letter confirming the purchase of the item, but it was the date 1978 that truly captured Farmer's attention.

He exclaimed: "This is Ken at the top of his game. I love it. I really genuinely love it."

Despite Farmer's evident enthusiasm, the owner made it clear he had no intention of selling, declaring: "I'm keeping it though"

Responding with a touch of disappointment, the expert replied: "I know you're keeping it. Unfortunately."

It was then time for the valuation: "So I'm going to say if it came to market, great name, iconic piece for his work and what he's doing, made at the absolute pinnacle of his career, I think it could be up to a couple of thousand pounds."

The guest, unfazed by the valuation, simply stated: "Very nice. Still not going anywhere."

Farmer couldn't help but laugh and jokingly said: "Shucks!"

When asked why he wouldn't consider selling, the owner explained: "She'd kill me. My auntie will turn in her grave, won't she?"

Farmer, understanding the sentimental value, stepped back and mused: "Well do you know what? It's nice that you've got that connection with her.

"She had that connection with Ken.

"To get Ken's name out there, somebody who, really, I think, needs to be recognised for all he contributed to the world of studio ceramics, is something very important.

"So for that alone, thank you very much."

Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.