Souter Lighthouse features on BBC's Antiques Roadshow
The BBC's Antiques Roadshow visited Souter Lighthouse, exploring its history and featuring treasures found in homes across the north east.
The BBC’s Antiques Roadshow visited Souter Lighthouse and saw presenter Fiona Bruce explore its history.
On Sunday, September 27, at 8pm on BBC One, the TV programme visited the lighthouse and told the story of the UK’s first purpose-built, electric-powered lighthouse and its keepers.
The show can also be watched on BBC iPlayer.
It features treasures found in homes across the north east, each with its own local story. Rupert Maas comes across a striking seascape painting by a local artist, saved from a skip, and Joanna Hardy finds a gold brooch of a mouse playing the violin.
The programme also tested Fiona’s antiques knowledge as ceramic expert Will Farmer challenges her to work out which pieces of historic local glass from the north east are worth the most.
Kate Develin, Senior Collections & House Officer said, “It is wonderful to be able to showcase this special place through hosting the Antiques Roadshow. Souter Lighthouse represents the rich maritime and industrial heritage of the North East.
“It was the first purpose built electric lighthouse in the UK and its powerful light protected ships carrying coal and other goods from the industrial ports of Newcastle and Sunderland.”
Souter Lighthouse is open Saturday to Wednesday, 11am to 4pm, until Sunday 1 November.
Visitors can freely explore the leas and foghorn field and visit the Lighthouse Café daily from 10am to 4pm.
From November, café hours shorten for the winter season to Friday to Sunday, 11am to 3pm.For more information and to plan a visit go to nationaltrust.org.uk/souter-lighthouse