June 2024
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery hosted a remarkable day of discovery and excitement on 19 May 2024, as over 3,000 people attended the filming of the BBC Antiques Roadshow. The air was filled with a palpable buzz of anticipation as visitors from all around brought their cherished items for assessment—some of great value, others with fascinating family backstories.
Image credit: BBC Antiques Roadshow at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery on 19 May 2024. © Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery. Photo by Aston Law
Blessed with fabulous weather, Walpole Park and Pitzhanger’s beautiful gardens transformed into a hive of activity, with ten specialist areas where eager attendees queued to meet the Antiques Roadshow specialists. Fiona Bruce, the show's presenter, and a team of dedicated volunteer stewards welcomed guests who relished hearing the experts’ opinions, as well as relaxing in the gardens to enjoy the delicious food from food stalls. Pitzhanger Honey, made in local hives, proved a popular memento of the day. It marked a special day of community celebration, attended by local MP, Rupa Huq, and Mayor of Ealing, Cllr Hitesh Tailor.
Image credit: Visitors queuing with their cherished items. © Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery. Photo by Andrew Wilson
Many guests enjoyed the opportunity to explore the architect Sir John Soane’s historic Pitzhanger Manor and its adjacent gallery, which re-opened to the public after its award-winning conservation project exactly five years ago. We look forward to welcoming the crowds back to see the coming exhibition of Grayson Perry’s popular commentary on British society executed through six large, vibrant tapestries: The Vanity of Small Differences, due to open in Pitzhanger Gallery on 10 July.
Image credit: The grounds of Walpole Park behind Pitzhanger transformed into a hive of activity with ten specialist areas. © Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery. Photo by Andrew Wilson
Clare Gough, Director of Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, said: "What a fabulous day enjoying BBC Antiques Roadshow at Pitzhanger today and seeing the joy this event brings. We were thrilled with the turnout and the atmosphere as everyone enjoyed seeing what treasures, or quirky pieces with personal stories, their neighbours had brought along. A huge thank you to the excellent teams from the BBC, the volunteer stewards, the suppliers and Pitzhanger staff, all of whom contributed to creating a memorable day celebrating history and community spirit."
Image credit: Clare Gough, Director of Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, Dr Rupa Huq, the Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton, and Daniela de Montby, Events Manager of Pitzhanger. © Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery. Photo by Aston Law
Dr Rupa Huq, the Labour MP for Ealing Central and Acton, said: "It was a real coup for Antiques Roadshow to come to Ealing and great to see residents from the morning trundling, sometimes wheelbarrows full of swag, to our premier venue, Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, for Sunday's filming when the sun shone down on the thousands who turned out. I even got to speak to Fiona Bruce; the event must be a highlight of this year so far. Bravo to Clare Gough and the team for making the entire feat run smoothly."
The excitement does not stop here; the episodes filmed at Pitzhanger are set to air later this year, revealing the discoveries by the experts.
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