expert Mark Hill made a passionate plea to fans as he admitted he is “paying for” a new journey.
The star, who runs his own antiques company along with providing expert opinions on Roadshow, has admitted he is only buying things for his personal collection that he knows nothing about. His latest purchase is a small brown statue – and Mark has no idea of its backstory.
Opening up on , he confessed that any profits he makes from these items are just a happy surprise – as he doesn’t expect to become flush from his curiosities.
Next to a snap of his latest ornament, Mark wrote: “This is Malcolm. I don’t know what Malcolm is, where Malcolm came from, or when Malcolm was made. Or who made him and why.
“For the past 5-10 years, I’ve only been buying things (typically curiosities) for myself that I don’t know anything about. Buying things I intend to sell in my shop is very different. Well, most of the time.
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Mark Hill confessed ‘I’m paying for it’ (Image: BBC)
“I’ve worked with antiques, vintage and collectable things professionally and personally for nearly 30 years, and the hunger to learn is still there. It’s one of the best things about the business I work in.”
The star added: “I don’t want to buy things I know about for myself. I want to buy things I don’t know anything about so I can go on a journey and learn something. I’m ’paying’ for the journey and learning. If the thing I bought is worth more than I paid, then that’s a bonus.
“I bought Malcolm because of the wear, the fact he is carved from stone, and the primitive form. And the shiny patches. And because I know F-all about him.
“Is he Pacific Islands? Is he Easter Island? Is he African? Is he from South America? I don’t know yet, and finding out is all the fun. But he made me smile, and he challenged me. So Malcolm came home with me. I’ll let you know when I know. Probably.”
Fans soon chimed in with their own comments, with one gushing: “Malcom seems very tactile & portable – like a little household god. I love buying to learn, sometimes things just have a ‘feel’ to them & you know there’s a story to find!”
Someone else said: “He certainly has great charm and personality.” And a third fan added: “Is it stone carving or pottery? Looks indeed Mexican.”