Yorkshire Auctioneer Uncovers Hidden Treasures in New Series

The new documentary series, Angus Ashworth: Yorkshire Heritage Hero, showcases the journey of Angus Ashworth, owner of Ryedale Auctioneers in North Yorkshire, as he explores the region’s stately homes to discover unique treasures. The series airs on Really TV and is likened to a blend of The Repair Shop and Antiques Roadshow. Mr. Ashworth helps families find valuable items that can be sold to fund necessary repairs for historic estates.

During his travels, Mr. Ashworth emphasizes that valuable items are not limited to grand properties. “A lot of the value now is in the quirky, weird and wonderful,” he explains. Items found in gardens and sheds, often overlooked, can yield surprising financial returns. He highlights that garden urns can range in value from £50 to £10,000, depending on their material and design.

Uncovering Value in Unexpected Places

The popularity of the “country house look” has been fueled by shows like Downton Abbey, leading to a surge in demand for antiques and vintage items. Mr. Ashworth notes, “No one has an ‘antiques sale’ anymore – it’s always a ‘country house sale.’” He identifies a growing interest in dark furniture, lighting, and decorative garden pieces. For instance, a neglected terracotta plant pot might be worth hundreds of pounds.

International buyers, particularly from Europe, North America, and Australia, are driving demand. “Tourists absolutely love this stuff,” he shares. This international interest helps maintain steady values, which is crucial for families managing historic properties.

Shifts in collecting habits are evident as well. Older generations tended to accumulate more possessions compared to younger people, who prefer statement pieces over entire collections. Mr. Ashworth observes, “Younger people tend to want one or two statement pieces rather than rooms full of furniture,” which is altering the market dynamics.

Nostalgia Drives Collecting Trends

Despite changing preferences, nostalgia plays a significant role in the current market. There is a strong demand for items from the 1980s and 1990s. Early gaming consoles and first-edition Harry Potter books are particularly sought after, often selling for much more than their original prices.

Among the unusual finds, Mr. Ashworth recounts handling a set of 19th-century blue glass condom moulds, which were used to shape contraceptives from pig intestines. These items sold for approximately £260. He remarks, “Not something people expect to find value in, but collectors love the unusual.”

Ceramics continue to be a popular category in the auction market. Mr. Ashworth advises that items perceived as worthless may actually hold significant value, urging potential sellers to seek expert advice before making decisions. His ultimate aspiration is to find an Army Gold Cross from the Napoleonic Wars, which can fetch between £60,000 and £80,000. “That’s the holy grail,” he states.

Previously, Mr. Ashworth and his team appeared in the documentary series The Yorkshire Auction House in 2021 and continue to lend their expertise on the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip. Angus Ashworth: Yorkshire Heritage Hero airs on Mondays at 21:00 on Really TV.

This new series not only highlights the hidden treasures of Yorkshire’s stately homes but also encourages viewers to reconsider the value of items often taken for granted in their own homes.