An American TV Classic
This is an English hit transformed into an American passion. If Antiques Roadshow has done only one thing, and they have done many, one thing is that this TV show has changed the way that American Citizens look at antiques and collectibles. Before"Roadshow" people often thought nothings of removing a finish, cutting down legs, replacing parts of, in fact, just simply throwing it away.
Today, however, because of this show and the appraiser's who have been given icon status, people often pause to consider what an appraiser would say or do on "Roadshow' and this is a very good thing. I have to say that at first I was biased when it came to this book and the cult TV classic, thinking that the appraisals were pie in the sky estimates done more for showmanship as opposed to actual field work. All of that was laid aside when I turned the last page.
This book really gives a true behind the scenes look at how this show operates. You'll get a look at how the executive producer Marsha Bemko and her staff have worked to adapt the British TV show for the American market. You'll meet the appraisers and learn early childhood influences as to why they choose this career. The set-up requirements, security and lay-out of auditoriums are explained in a way that makes it easy to understand why "Roadshow" doesn't come to every town. Of course, you'll get information from all the past years' highlights of interesting objects and you'll receive follow-ups as to what happened to several items after the cameras shut off. You'll understand and appreciate the articles pertaining to the "watermelon sword" and the Poe image. One of many interesting topics was learning how objects are selected for the camera. One chapter that I loved was "Missing Masterpieces;" it focused on what various appraisers longed to have walk onto the set of "Roadshow."
I have to say that as an appraiser, the one chapter that excited me was the chapter titled "The Final Reality." This chapter gave easy step-by-step hints and information for people looking for appraisals. Though there was no mention of The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), I thought that the information provided in this chapter was very useful and factual.
All in all, I found that this book was very enjoyable and informative and should be included on your book shelf. It is softbound, with 181 numbered pages, full color illustrations and loads of information. It had a MSRP of $16.99 and is available online and at your local booksellers.
Today, however, because of this show and the appraiser's who have been given icon status, people often pause to consider what an appraiser would say or do on "Roadshow' and this is a very good thing. I have to say that at first I was biased when it came to this book and the cult TV classic, thinking that the appraisals were pie in the sky estimates done more for showmanship as opposed to actual field work. All of that was laid aside when I turned the last page.
This book really gives a true behind the scenes look at how this show operates. You'll get a look at how the executive producer Marsha Bemko and her staff have worked to adapt the British TV show for the American market. You'll meet the appraisers and learn early childhood influences as to why they choose this career. The set-up requirements, security and lay-out of auditoriums are explained in a way that makes it easy to understand why "Roadshow" doesn't come to every town. Of course, you'll get information from all the past years' highlights of interesting objects and you'll receive follow-ups as to what happened to several items after the cameras shut off. You'll understand and appreciate the articles pertaining to the "watermelon sword" and the Poe image. One of many interesting topics was learning how objects are selected for the camera. One chapter that I loved was "Missing Masterpieces;" it focused on what various appraisers longed to have walk onto the set of "Roadshow."
I have to say that as an appraiser, the one chapter that excited me was the chapter titled "The Final Reality." This chapter gave easy step-by-step hints and information for people looking for appraisals. Though there was no mention of The Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), I thought that the information provided in this chapter was very useful and factual.
All in all, I found that this book was very enjoyable and informative and should be included on your book shelf. It is softbound, with 181 numbered pages, full color illustrations and loads of information. It had a MSRP of $16.99 and is available online and at your local booksellers.
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