The Line was interesting because every person carried a treasure
and it was a unique experience to be enclosed on all sides by all that strange
and unusual stuff. We were surrounded by helpful volunteers and associates of
the Antiques Roadshow who guided and helped us in any way. There was plenty of security too and in spite
of the number of people, it felt safe and secure.
When we reached the end of that line, our tickets were
stubbed and we were given item cards and directed to another big room with more
lines. Our cell phones were turned off and no more pictures could be taken. The
lines in this part were shorter and broken up into areas that addressed the
specific items, so we went and stood in the Paintings line for a short while
and when we reached the front, were allowed to enter the portion where the
actual shoots were taking place for the series on TV.
This was exciting because I began to recognize the faces of
some of the appraisers that I’d seen on the program (Yes, I watched one of the
twins appraise a table). And I could see
the actual spot where they were filming a segment with an appraiser and
attendee with a treasure. The objects being filmed were extremely nice items
and it was done very professionally. I was surprised by the loud noise with all
the people talking and all the appraisals going on at the same time. I wondered
how they could film in there with the noise and pondered how the lucky owner
being filmed could even hear their appraiser, finally concluding that they must
have wonderful microphones that block out the sounds.
We weren’t asked to do a segment on TV but feel like we
ALMOST were! Truly! One of our items was very unusual and our appraiser seemed
to consider it for a moment. I believe they only film about 50-55 TV items per
session and since it was late in the day the quota may have already been
filled. Anyway, that’s what we told
ourselves, feeling fortunate to have possibly been considered!
All in all, we had four separate appraisers and I recognized
each from the TV series. It was nice to meet them and chat a bit. They were
so courteous and considerate in the midst of pandemonium and very
thoughtful about our treasures. I could tell they were exhausted from the long
and incredibly busy day but being professionals, they trooped forward and gave
us the attention we wanted.
Our items were nicely appraised to our smug delight and we
left very happy and very tired. It
was about a three hour experience and a wonderful opportunity for us to see and
participate behind the scenes. There is
a possibility that I was on TV, wondering around in the background, looking
lost and bewildered before a helper found me and directed me in the right direction.
I was wearing a bright turquoise shirt and my hair looked really awful. That was because I had a harrowing experience
with Lulu (the skunk) – another story for another time!
© 2013 Linda Gatewood
