Antiques Roadshow expert brands guest 'vicious' as vase valuation sparks spat

Antiques Roadshow expert Andy McConnell struck up a playful rapport with one guest during a previous episode of the BBC programme. In 2019, the team headed to the historic Buckfast Abbey in Devon, where Andy was greeted by a man who had brought along an unusual looking glass vase, which was crafted just a few miles from their location. "It's not every day I come down to Devon and record a local piece of glass," Andy started. "So presumably you bought it?".

"Yes I bought it at an online auction, I've had it for a couple of years now," the guest replied. "I like the look of it, it's quite quirky." Asked whether he went looking for the item, the guest explained: "Not particularly. I just saw and thought 'I'll have that.'" Divulging more about the history of the piece, Andy disclosed: "So you know this is Frank Thrower for Dartington.

"Frank Thrower was an extraordinary designer. This is him, 1968, the second year of Dartington in operation and it's called the Ugly Face Vase. I mean it's so wacky and they're quite rare, actually. So how much did you stump up for her?".

The guest revealed he paid £80 for the item. While examining the shape of the piece, the pair shared a laugh about who it resembled most.

"£80, and I suspect, what? You saw this as a mirror image of yourself, did you?" Andy cheekily remarked. Fortunately, the gentleman took the jest in good spirits as he declared: "No offence taken!"

Concerning the vase, Andy noted: "Well, they're not common. The reason they're not common is they didn't sell very well, because they are so quirky and they're kind of ugly!"

The expert added: "So I'm thrilled to tell you that your 80 quid investment is actually worth probably 200 quid at auction."

Continuing the playful jibes, Andy quipped: "But I remain convinced that all it needs now is a little goatee coming down here, because I think you bought it because it looks just like you!"

But this time the owner of the item snapped back, retorting in jest: "And I rather think it looks like the expert!"

"Oh, you vicious beast," Andy exclaimed as the audience surrounding the duo chuckled at the interaction.