A Day of Special Interest with Marc Allum

The North West Area of The Arts Society recently held a special interest day at Clitheroe Golf Club, with guest speaker Marc Allum, freelance art and antiques journalist and broadcaster. He is well known for his appearances on television and radio, and perhaps most recognisable for his role on Antiques Roadshow. Some may also recall his cat, “Minou”, who appears in the programme’s opening credits, almost knocking over a vase.

Marc began by sharing something of his own story. Early in his career, his interests lay in music, and he worked as a sound engineer for a record label. However, after meeting his wife, they discovered a shared enthusiasm for antiques and went on to work together at Roseberys, the London auction house. In 1998, Marc was invited to join the team on the Antiques Roadshow.

After 17 years at Roseberys, Marc and his wife made a bold move, leaving England to purchase and restore a château in the Pyrenees. Over eight years, they brought the property back to life while also running art and antiques courses. They eventually returned to the UK in 2012.

Their next project was an old vicarage in Chippenham, built on what was believed to be a Saxon site. Although extensive excavation revealed little from that period, a number of Roman pots were uncovered, which Marc duly donated to a local museum.

Describing himself as a “collectorholic” with a fondness for the distinctly curious, Marc spoke engagingly about his lifelong passion for objects. As a boy, he collected fossils and unearthed old bottles—one of which he brought along to show the audience. He also spoke of his admiration for Charles Paget Wade, whose collection at Snowshill Manor first sparked his imagination and helped shape his enduring love of antiques and curiosities.

Following a delightful buffet lunch, members were treated to a more informal and spontaneous session. Attendees were invited to share their own objects—regardless of value—creating an impromptu Antiques Roadshow, full of history, anecdotes and lively audience participation, interspersed with pieces from Marc’s own collection.

Altogether, it was a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging day, one that gently inspired the imagination and curiosity of all who attended.