A recent episode of *BBC Antiques Roadshow*, filmed at Pollok Country Park in Glasgow, revealed a remarkable story connected to an unassuming family heirloom, leaving one guest visibly stunned.
The program, hosted by Fiona Bruce and her team of specialists, featured a diverse array of items. Ronnie Archer Morgan examined a delicate sculpture, while Hilary Kay delved into the world of sporting memorabilia linked to Hibernian Football Club. Mark Smith was deeply affected by photographs documenting the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II.
However, it was expert Mark Allum’s assessment of a 19th-century telescope that generated the most significant reaction. The telescope, housed within a large pine transit case, belonged to William Lascelles, a prominent astronomer and brewer from Liverpool.
“I really love a big pine transit case,” Allum remarked, “and what’s better than a big pine transit case but a really big and brilliant telescope inside it?” He continued, “And look at this, this is wonderful. This is a 19th-century telescope. It comes from a really interesting person doesn’t it?”
The guest revealed the instrument’s fascinating lineage: “It belonged to William Lascelles, made by William Lascelles we think, who was an astronomer born in 1799. He is my great-grandfather’s great-grandfather.” Having amassed considerable wealth through brewing, Lascelles dedicated his fortune to his passion for astronomy.
Allum elaborated on Lascelles’ contributions: “He’s an incredible character, and he made some really amazing discoveries. He was particularly famed for his ability to produce flawless mirrors – one of the most important things in creating a good reflecting telescope.” The astronomer crafted impressive reflectors, including a 24-inch mirror (approximately two feet across) and a larger four-foot reflector.
As the guest explained: “Everyone was racing to actually kind of make a new discovery. And he discovered several moons – I think Triton, for instance, didn’t he? Two moons of Uranus.”
The guest confirmed this detail, adding, “He did, that’s right. The Triton discovery was about two days before a German competitor also observed it. So, it was quite a tight race some of the time.”
Allum acknowledged Lascelles’ extensive impact: “Yeah, fascinating. The mere fact that these belonged to such a famous astronomer – and let’s face it, he’s got so many letters after his name… He wrote so many papers and, of course, was very big in the Royal Astronomical Society, as well.”
After carefully considering the telescope’s history and provenance, Allum delivered his appraisal: “I think your items here are worth… £20,000.”
The guest responded with astonishment: “Oh, wow. I’m really surprised about that. I always thought it would be an absolute fraction of that.”
Allum concluded, smiling at the guest’s reaction: “It’s just, it builds up into this beautiful story about a brewer who made incredible discoveries, and he made a place for himself in astronomical history.”
Reflecting on the revelation, the guest commented to the camera:
- “Thank you for all the help.”
- “I am very surprised, but I suppose it’s the collection, it’s the story, rather than the items.”
- “As much as anything else, and I’m proud of that family association, going back all that time and, it’s come down through the family.”
- “And it’s been sitting on top of a cabinet in my father’s sitting room for decades, and never really thought much about it.”
The episode highlights how an object’s value isn’t solely determined by its material worth but also by the rich narrative it embodies—a testament to family heritage and historical significance.
