For this week’s podcast on English.com, we’re talking about something which is very, very popular in Britain.
Antiques.
So, Jackie, tell us what exactly are antiques?
Richard, you know it’s old stuff.
Yes, old, but how old?
Actually, antiques are things over a hundred years old.
A hundred years. OK, things from the past, the 1920s then, or earlier.
Exactly, exactly. But, Richard, as you know, it’s not just old.
Antiques are objects which people think are beautiful or rare, unusual, well-made, often handmade.
Right, OK. Now, can you give me some examples?
Well, everything, I suppose. Furniture.
Dining.
Desks, wooden tables, chairs, of course.
Jewellery.
Necklaces, earrings, watches, paintings, glassware.
And, of course, pottery.
Plates and vases and things like that.
Exactly, exactly.
OK, so you say these things are very popular in Britain. How do you know that?
Because, Richard, there are loads and loads of TV programmes.
There are over ten different programmes about antiques.
There are over ten different programmes.
And my favourite is the Antiques Roadshow.
Yes, mine too. I think that’s been going the longest as well.
They do have some amazing things on the show.
And actually, I do know, around Britain, also antique markets and shops are also popular.
Exactly, ndeed.
In London, there are great markets in Portobello Road, Brick Lane, Greenwich.
So, why do you think antiques are so popular in Britain?
I think there are two reasons.
The first is we like history. We like old things.
That’s true, yes.
Things from the past are more beautiful than today.
And you can see how well-made things are.
Yep, yep, that’s true.
And the second reason?
Money.
Of course.
Antiques are expensive and some can cost lots and lots of money.
That’s the main reason people watch the TV programmes.
Someone finds an old thing in their home, up in the attic or at the back of a cupboard,
an old painting or something, and then they find out they can get thousands of pounds for it.
Yes.
So, Jackie, the next time you go home, you should check out the things that your dad has in his attic.
Yes.
I’m sure he’s got loads of old stuff.
And something might be very expensive.
