AN acclaimed Antiques Roadshow valuer and auctioneer has visited Wellington for a successful ‘value day’.

Hosted by Nick Nacks Antique Centre on Mantle Street, one of the expert presenters on the BBC’s long-running Antiques Roadshow, Cristian Beadman, visited the town for the first time on Thursday, April 24, to assess and evaluate locals’ items for free.

Nick Magnum, of Nick Nacks and client of Mr Beadman’s, said: “Cristian’s visit is part of a new effort to find hidden gems. It’s about finding unique items, trying to identify stuff locally; not everyone can travel to roadshow sites.

“We’ve known him for a long time, and it’s great that he has come today. It’s just nice to have someone here.”

Several Wellington residents attended the ‘value day’, with everything from oil paintings and vases to toy cars.

Jane Harding came in with several paintings and trinkets. A miniature of the Taj Mahal was one of her prized items as well as a small blue and pink toy car.

Another local brought in a collection of family silver, and, Cristian discovered, some plated silver.

One of the great successes was an item brought in by Vida Jackson: a 19th to 20th century oil on canvas portrait that she believed was of Flemish origin. Cristian and Vida agreed that the auctioneer would take the painting away for further professional evaluation.

As well as his Antiques Roadshow expertise, Mr Beadman has also spent a decade at Christie’s in London, followed by 15 years at Dreweatts in Berkshire, before becoming the now Chairman at Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood, where he also oversees the furniture and european works of art departments.

Speaking to one of the ‘value day’ visitors, Mr Beadman said: “The only thing that we should be buying from a supermarket is fresh food and underwear. Everything else we should buy at auction.”