Antiques Roadshow guest speechless as items he saved from skip worth £250,000

Antiques Roadshow fans were left in awe during Sunday's episode at Clissold Park, Stoke Newington, as a savvy guest discovered the astonishing value of a collection he rescued from a skip.

The episode featured a remarkable find when a man brought in an archive belonging to renowned designer Althea McNish, who emigrated from Trinidad in the 1950s and became a titan of fashion and textile design.

Expert Ronnie Archer-Morgan was visibly impressed by the "treasure trove" of McNish's work that the guest had salvaged, which included pieces designed for prestigious clients like Liberty, Christian Dior, and even the Royal Family.

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Recounting his lucky encounter with the items in December 2020, the guest said: "2020, December, builders were throwing stuff away. I was a cheeky chappie, asked them if I could have a look, buy some bits and bobs, done a deal."

Expert Ronnie then highlighted McNish's significant impact on British post-war textile design, noting her vibrant contributions that brightened up Britain's shores with the essence of Trinidadian colour during a dreary post-war period, reports the Express.

Ronnie from Antiques Roadshow then left the guest utterly gobsmacked after valuing their collection at a staggering sum. "I'd like to try and value this, I know that half a square metre of certain of her designs can be £2,500 or a textile design itself can be that sort of money.

"From what you've told me and what you've described and what I know, I think this archive that you've brought to us here is worth in excess of £250,000... in excess of and it needs to be calculated."

The owner was visibly shocked, expressing their amazement: "That's blown me away! It's just been an incredible journey of learning and knowledge, I've loved every minute."

They gratefully added: "Thank you, you've made my day, honestly!" to which Ronnie responded with equal enthusiasm: "Well, you've made mine too!"

Social media buzzed with excitement over the episode, with one Twitter, now X, user exclaiming: "First time I've heard of Althea McNish, but this collection seems amazing, #AntiquesRoadshow" and another chiming in: "Hope it can be properly archived/ displayed."

Another tweet read: "Incredible valuation of £250000 for the Althea McNish archive on the #AntiquesRoadshow."

Catch more surprising discoveries on Antiques Roadshow, airing Sundays at 8pm on BBC One.