What makes antiques and art valuable to people? Why do they seemingly pay so much for certain things? We try to cast light on this from the details of the sales of a 17th century leather jug, an electric guitar, six early 19th century silver spoons, a collection of 18th and 19th century walking sticks, and two wood carved overweight figures. We investigate how CITES relates to some of these.

Then onto the question of the accessibility of museums and the personal experience of an art historian. And do publicly accessible antiques and art have a responsibility to inform and entertain and never to offend? We offer some examples to test your curiosity and thresholds.

Original broadcast date 29.03.2021