Antiques Roadshow is back on our screens, featuring expert Chris Yeo who specialises in 20th-century design and craft. He’s no stranger to the world of antiques, having worked as a valuer at Clevedon Salerooms in North Somerset.
His love for antiques was sparked at a young age, with fond memories of admiring furniture at his grandparents’ house. This passion led him to start selling antiques at just 14 years old.
Chris has also served as curator of the Ken Stradling Collection in Bristol, showcasing his keen interest in historic architecture.
He has a soft spot for Scandinavian architecture and makes it a point to visit the region whenever possible.
In a chat with Bristol Magazine, he shared some of his favourite local spots and pastimes, reports the Mirror.
When asked about his favourite places to visit, he said: “I grew up in Somerset and have lived in Bristol for 20 years, so that’s a tough question.”
“For Bristol, it would be Somerset Street in Kingsdown an incredibly atmospheric street of Georgian houses with spectacular views over the city centre.”
“In Somerset, it would have to be the lighthouse on the beach at Burnham-on-Sea, where I lived as a child.”
“If ever I need space to think something out, I always head there knowing that my mountains will shrink to molehills the moment I arrive.”
The curator also revealed some of his hobbies and interests, including his newfound ability to enjoy reading properly.
He revealed: “I’ve collected books all my life and own hundreds but, being very easily distracted, I rarely got round to reading them properly.”
“So I decided to use lockdown as an opportunity to give my books some attention and improve my concentration skills at the same time.”
Chris also expressed that his dream Antiques Roadshow discovery would be a piece by the artist potter Sam Haile, whom he regards as one of the unsung heroes of British ceramics.
Antiques Roadshow airs on BBC One on Sundays