One of the UK’s best-loved antiques experts is to host a special event in Syon House, one of the last great mansion houses in London.
Paul Martin, presenter of BBC’s Flog It! and Channel 5’s The Great Auction Showdown will visit the Brentford attraction for a very special tour and talk in April.
The London home of the Dukes of Northumberland since the 16th Century, Syon House was erected in 1547 on the site of a Bridgettine abbey and has witnessed many historic events over the centuries, including the imprisonment of Queen Katherine Howard, the exploding body of Henry VIII, and a visit from Pocahontas.
Sited less than ten miles from London on the river Thames, it remains a beacon of tranquillity and one of Britain’s best preserved and historically important stately homes.
‘An Afternoon with Paul Martin’ takes place on Thursday, April 20, with Paul hosting a talk in the neoclassical Great Hall designed by Robert Adam, followed by a house tour and then afternoon tea and book signing in the stunning Great Conservatory.
Paul, who grew up nearby in Teddington, said the outstanding history of the home is a huge draw for antique enthusiasts.
He said: “Syon House really is a ‘must-see’ for me - there’s so much to learn and that's why I keep coming back. It is an architectural delight that has been lived in by the same family for generations and beautifully curated.
“It’s a lesson in history and heritage for all art and antique lovers that brings together works of Robert Adam, Thomas Chippendale and Capability Brown and is a celebration of their obsession to excellence and detail, not to mention the vast collections from The Grand Tour, where the neo-classical meets the classical and in places transports you back to ancient Rome.”
Paul is currently in the middle of filming a new series of The Great Auction Showdown. He adds: "The show is an ongoing filming commission for Channel 5 which involves filming in auction houses, museums, and public buildings throughout the UK, not dissimilar to Flog It!. I film 80 shows in one year - we have already made 40 and film the remaining 40 programmes from March 2023, which will involve being on the road for five months filming throughout the UK."
Sarah Ponder, Marketing & Visitor Services Assistant at Syon House, said: “We are greatly looking forward to Paul coming to Syon House to provide his expert perspective on the property and the collections we have. Paul’s outstanding knowledge combined with his charismatic personality means he is a popular figure with TV viewers and antiques enthusiasts, and we are certain this will be an enjoyable afternoon for everyone.”
To book tickets, visit https://booking.kxtickets.com/events