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Ardingly 15

An intergenerational battle is on the books at an antiques fair in West Sussex, while an artist explains how he paints hidden secrets on works of literature.

Now you see it, now you don’t. Artist Martin Frost reveals the art of vanishing fore-edge painting. Martin is one of only a few people left creating artwork on the gilded sides of books, a craft that began all the way back in the 1660s. Hoping to make a few artful deals are nan and grandson Sheila and Frankie, who are shopping at Ardingly antiques fair with expert Caroline Hawley. Up against them are grandad and granddaughter Jeff and Sophie, guided by Thomas Forrester.

Jeff plans to make a timely purchase at a stall of clocks, but Thomas doesn’t think it’s a great way to tick off their challenge. Across the fair, a cast-iron umbrella stand, decorated with a dog under a tree, makes Sheila ‘paws’ for thought – until Caroline points out the three-figure price tag.

In Chichester, Nick Hall is on the rostrum to hopefully hammer out profits for the teams. The reds pin their hopes on Thomas’s bonus buy, while Caroline causes a stir when she reveals hers.

Release date:

43 minutes

On TV

Mon 17 Aug 2026 12:15

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Natasha Raskin Sharp
Expert Caroline Hawley
Expert Thomas Forrester
Production Manager Moira Edwards
Executive Producer Paul Tucker
Series Producer Joanne Dunscombe
Director Tim Holt

Broadcast

  • Mon 17 Aug 2026 12:15

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