Antiques Roadshow guest 'blown away' as items he saved from skip worth £250,000

The Antiques Roadshow audience were left gasping on Sunday's show as one guest learnt the true value of a collection of items he saved from a skip.

During the latest episode, which was filmed in Clissold Park in Stoke Newington, one guest managed to save an archive of famous designer Althea McNish's items.

Born in Trinidad, McNish moved to Britain in the 1950s, where they became one of the biggest names in international fashion and textile design.

On Sunday's show, a guest brought in a "treasure trove" of McNish's designs he'd managed to save from a skip, leaving expert Ronnie Archer-Morgan absolutely stunned.

Talking about how he stumbled upon the incredible collection, the guest explained: "2020, December, builders were throwing stuff away. I was a cheeky chappie, asked them if I could have a look, buy some bits and bobs, done a deal."

Pointing out McNish is one of the most influential post war textile designers Britain has seen, expert Ronnie also pointed out McNish designed for Liberty, Christian Dior and even the Royal Family with swatches of those designs in the archive in front of him.

The expert explained: "She brought the colour and vibrancy of Trinidad to the shores of post-war Britain, at a time where we really needed colour and she did all these fantastic designs that you see spread out on the table."

Ronnie then admitted: "I'd like to try and value this, I know that half a square metre of certain of her designs can be £2,500 or a textile design itself can be that sort of money.

"From what you've told me and what you've described and what I know, I think this archive that you've brought to us here is worth in excess of £250,000... in excess of and it needs to be calculated."

The guest was left completely stunned as they admitted: "That's blown me away! It's just been an incredible journey of learning and knowledge, I've loved every minute" he added: "Thank you, you've made my day, honestly!" to which Ronnie replied: "Well, you've made mine too!"

Taking to Twitter, now X, one person said: "First time I've heard of Althea McNish, but this collection seems amazing, #AntiquesRoadshow" to which another account replied: "Hope it can be properly archived/ displayed."

While another viewer penned: "Incredible valuation of £250000 for the Althea McNish archive on the #AntiquesRoadshow."

Antiques Roadshow continues on Sundays at 8pm on BBC One.