Mills take starring role in beloved antiques programme

Cromford Mills took centre stage in the latest episode of The Antiques Roadshow.

At the end of May, the programme’s cameras came to the historic site to film.

Now, it features in the latest episode of the beloved BBC series, which aired on Sunday evening.

The episode featured a fascinating and eclectic array of items and stories from the unveiling of a rare silverware collection hidden away for half a century, to a plate with a Picasso design from the South of France.

Viewers were also intrigued by the discovery of a garden gnome and a 100-year-old bar of chocolate.

Meanwhile, the show saw presenter Fiona Bruce delve into the rich history of the 18th century Cromford Mills, the world’s first successful waterpower cotton spinning mill, and trace the roots of the Industrial Revolution.

She also visits Cromford Canal and meets Adrian Overton, one of the mills’ tenants and a passionate horologist, who shares his timeless love for clocks.

The event was a resounding success with over 2,500 visitors gathering at Cromford Mills to take part of the show and to have their cherished antiques valued by its expert team.

Éilis Scott, chief executive of the Arkwright Society, which looks after Cromford Mills, said: “The day was truly memorable, and a big thank you to the BBC for their exceptional collaboration.

“Working with their crew and presenters was a real pleasure. I’m deeply grateful to our staff, volunteers and everyone who helped with the planning and delivery.

“It’s fantastic that we could host such a significant event and showcase Cromford Mills against the backdrop of our new waterwheel.

“I look forward to more events like this in the future. This is what Cromford Mills is all about – bringing people together and celebrating our amazing heritage.”

The latest episode is available to download on the BBC’s iPlayer. A further two episodes set at the mills will be broadcast over the coming months.