An Antiques Roadshow guest brought in a rather unconventionally bygone piece to be appreciated on Sunday’s episode of the show.
The roadshow stopped at The Eden Project in Cornwall, where the public flocked with many treasured objects hoping to learn they were in possession of something worth a fortune.
But it was some items that once belonged to the late poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Wordsworth and Robert Southey that caught the attention of one of the experts.
The collection included a number of papers and envelopes from each of the wordsmiths.
Three of the envelopes contain some locks of hair from each of the poets.
Unusual: An Antiques Roadshow guest brought in a rather unconventional bygone piece to be appreciated on Sunday’s episode of the show (expert Justin Croft pictured)
Locks: A collection of items that once belonged to the late poets Samuel Taylor Coleridge, William Wordsworth and Robert Southey include envelopes with some of their hair
It was explained that people used to collect locks of hair from their loved ones because the locks are long-lasting and can be easily incorporated into items such as jewelry as souvenirs.
Specialist Justin Croft was delighted to discover the hairs of Samuel, Robert and William who died in 1834, 1843 and 1850 respectively.
The guest explained that he was a descendant of one of the poets, adding: ‘They were passed down through my father, grandfather and so on.
“The hair was cut when a couple would get a keepsake divorce.”
Carefully unfolding the envelopes and inspecting the hair, Justin said, “Imagine having the poet’s hair cut out on his deathbed, incredibly moving, isn’t it?”
And Justin then came in with the amazing prize, leaving the guests open-mouthed.
He said: ‘If we want to talk about value, with the picture and the locks of hair, we’re looking at £30,000 – £40,000 without any doubt.’
Last week, an Antiques Roadshow guest was stunned to learn the value of some of Lewis Hamilton’s old items during the Sunday episode of the show.
A staggering sum: The guests (pictured) were stunned to learn that the collection, including the hair, was worth £30,000-£40,000
History: Specialist Justin Croft was delighted to have discovered the hairs of Samuel, who died in 1834
Preserved: The collection also included hair from William Wordsworth (left), who died in 1850, and Robert Southey (right), who died in 1843
The man brought a helmet and overalls worn and signed by the driver, as well as a VIP pass for a business event.
He explained how in 2008 he had watched a competition to compete to face sportsman Lewis, now 38, but the guest’s father entered because he was too young to meet the age requirements at the time.
His father won and the prize involved him joining a group of other winners on the Top Gear racetrack where they got the chance to race with Lewis behind the wheel.
The guest explained, “When it all happened in 2008, that was the first season I started watching and I never stopped.
“I asked my dad to enter a competition because I was not old enough to enter at the time and he just happened to win.
“You were flown by helicopter to where they filmed Top Gear and met Lewis Hamilton.”
Big money: An Antiques Roadshow guest was stunned to learn the value of some of Lewis Hamilton’s old stuff during last Sunday’s episode of the show
Sportster: The man brought a helmet and overalls worn and signed by the driver, as well as a VIP pass to a corporate event (Lewis pictured at the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday)
The show’s pundit Hilary Kay asked him what it was like meeting Lewis – who finished second in the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday – with the guest describing the star as “very chatty” and welcoming to his father.
On the value of the items, Hilary said, “While this isn’t generally a race, it’s real, he wore it while riding.”
“Obviously the value won’t be as high as a race in general.
“But I still think the two together and the VIP pass, all signed, will cost around £10,000.”
With his mouth open, the guest replied, “Wow. Yes, that’s much more than I expected.’
Hilary said, “The great thing is that your father has transferred his enthusiasm to you.
Story: The guest (pictured) watched a 2008 match to face sportsman Lewis, but the guest’s father entered because he was too young to meet the age requirements at the time
Day out: His father won and the prize involved him joining a group of other winners on the Top Gear television show race track where they got the chance to race Lewis
Memorabilia: Lewis autographed the helmet he wore that day and the items were donated to the Antiques Roadshow guest
“You’re going to take care of this collection and hopefully add something to it.”
The guest replied, “I hope so. It would be nice to get the chance to do that.
“But I’ll definitely keep this for the foreseeable future and hopefully add something to it.”
Antiques Road continues on BBC One this Sunday at 8pm.