We look at some record prices and ask if Oscar Wilde’s famous “cynic” quote applies to the antiques and art world.

The Zoom chat is with a pivotal player in an “NFP” organisation which works to promote, support and provide enjoyment of the fine and decorative arts.

Two good stories, a couple more literary quotes and a question about what an item may be “worth” (to you).

Presented by Jolyon Warwick James, recorded for the studios of 2RPH in Sydney.

Original broadcast date: 10.10.22

Relics of magic reappear on the 2RPH airwaves in the form of the illusion of sawing a woman in half, some fascinating menus, a punk rock poster and a Chinese vase (definitely a magical price).

All followed by a more tangible and broad based look at museums – including our Zoom chat with a key player moulding our visitor experience to one such institution.

Presented by Jolyon Warwick James, recorded for the studios of 2RPH in Sydney.

Original broadcast date: 12.09.22

Have you ever watched the BBC Antiques Road Show ? Our zoom chat is with one of those experts who lifts the lid on what goes on in front of the camera and also out of view and behind scenes.

We have a look at three small but significant and interesting London Museums. The issue of value is touched upon – what makes something valuable ? We cast light (but no specific answers) through some interesting chests, a trophy cup and some photographic magic.

Presented by Jolyon Warwick James, recorded for the studios of 2RPH in Sydney.

Original broadcast date: 15.08.22

We start with a mélange of items. An important nail – from a horseshoe, a mistaken invocation to adultery, the 17th century vision of what aliens might look like, and an unusual “heist".

The Zoom chat tells us how important (and challenging) photography can be, and we hear about old cameras and the pictures they took – and what those pictures can tell us. All in the name of art and antiques!

Presented by Jolyon Warwick James, recorded for the studios of 2RPH in Sydney.

Original broadcast date: 18.07.22

It is surprising how much we can learn about the past from the objects, items and works of art that history leaves behind. What dog breeds were there five hundred years ago? How were sheep identified two hundred years ago? Who was the model for the world’s most iconic car mascot a century ago?

Our Zoom chat explores getting rid of what we don’t want. We find out how a Chinese vase was very profitably sold, the problems a Roman bust faced and what buying a shirt was like in 1895 (collars, cuffs and buttons extra ?). Just how much can you pay for a shirt?

Presented by Jolyon Warwick James, recorded for the studios of 2RPH in Sydney.

Original broadcast date: 20.06.22

Can mistaken oddities, fakes and failures be valuable ? We explore this through a bit of an ancient fish, an overly complex woodworking plane, an outmoded typewriter, and some outright fake intaglios. All prove very costly to their buyers!

We cross other bridges before our zoom chat which opens the mind to collections, collecting and how one can relate to the items. We have some light relief on the collecting/hoarding issue and find out about the opening up of an enigma.

Presented by Jolyon Warwick James, recorded for the studios of 2RPH in Sydney.

Original broadcast date: 23.05.22

A truly eclectic mix! Rocking horses, then and now. An alternative view of political impacts on the art and antiques trade, including money laundering, de-forestation and elephants. A Zoom chat uncovers a lifesaving family heirloom, and reveals something of the workings of 2RPH. Captain Cook features, in relation to the pen and the spear. And something to go back to boarding school with – in 1895.

We focus on museums, both the jewels in the box and the jewel box itself. Has their function changed over the years? We pose a few questions and leave you to decide. Our Zoom chat is with a curator who describes her museum, the jewels inside and its accessibility to people with sight impairment (companion dogs welcome). We hear about a fascinating BBC documentary, and we even break into verse, reciting some poetry about antiques.

Whilst the objects history leaves behind tell us about past glories, disasters and all things in between, we need to be careful not to judge past times through present day spectacles. This program offers a number of things that illustrate that point – a silver trophy for a now questionable sport, a doll with seemingly “inappropriate” marketing wording, a patented toilet which eschews flushing as detrimental to the environment, and an early 17th century “four-poster bed” which may prove people taller today. Our Zoom chat is with the descendant of a maker of very strange musical instruments.

History becomes alive through the things it leaves behind. We examine a few relics to highlight obsolete trades, old rituals, obscure behaviours and forgotten discoveries. Our vehicles are a frock, a small box, a fake map a genuine globe, an interview with a researcher, an “ice age” spoon, and a manuscript with an ancient cure you’d rather not have to take. Will all this successfully bring history alive for you?