BBC Antiques Roadshow expert admits ‘it could go anywhere’ as he tips bidding frenzy over hard-to-value item
Antiques Roadshow expert Raj Bisram struggled to put a definitive figure on one guest’s sporting memorabilia when he and the team headed to Wollaton Hall back in September 2022.
In the instalment, which airs once again this weekend, Bisram is presented with a portrait of famous British footballer Vinnie Jones and Paul Gascoigne.
Photographed during a match between Wimbledon and Newcastle United in 1988, the image has become one of the most famous in sporting history.
Wimbledon’s Jones can be seen reaching behind him as play commences in front of him and in doing so, grabs Gascoigne’s crotch.
Jones is seen straining as he takes hold of his rival’s genitalia while Gascoigne grimaces at the rather unsporting incident.
A print of the image was presented to Bisram during the episode, but it soon turned out the guest who brought it in had a special connection to that day in 1988.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
BBC Antiques Roadshow expert issues plea with viewers over vandalised statue: ‘Get in touch’BBC Antiques Roadshow guest emotional as they refuse to believe expert’s opinion: ‘It’s not true!’Antiques Roadshow guest gobsmacked as ‘over the top’ item fetches £30k value despite owner’s dislike
“What an iconic photograph you’ve brought in,” Bisram said to the owner, who promptly replied: “I was the referee at that match.
“It was on my birthday, funnily enough. It was a First Division match between Wimbledon and Newcastle United. I have to admit, I didn’t see that incident.”
Bisram was fully aware of the match in question before he asked: “If you had seen that incident, obviously you would’ve booked Vinnie Jones, yep? For what?”
“Yes… Well, I guess it would’ve been ungentlemanly conduct,” the owner replied, prompting laughter from the crowd.
“I guess so, yeah,” Bisram replied as chuckles continued around him.
The former ref continued: “Monte Fresco of the Daily Mirror took that fantastic photograph.
“When I retired from work, my colleagues, unbeknownst to me, got Jones and Gascoigne to sign it for me.”
As he perused the signatures from Jones and Gascoigne, Bisram turned his attention to the monetary value.
“I guess if you were to put this on the market today, I would be estimating this between £1,000-3,000.”
The valuation left the guest open-mouthed, but Bisram wasn’t done there as he conceded his valuation may not be accurate.
He added: “I mean, it could go anywhere because it’s a one-off.
“This is one of the most famous photographs of footballing history. Thank you for bringing it in.”