Fans of the Antiques Roadshow were taken aback by the sight of a Margaret Thatcher teapot on Sunday evening's episode. Viewers settling down to enjoy the long-running valuation show made suggestions after someone took their teapot along to be valued.
The owner was surprised by the valued amount after she showcased her kitchenware. Fans were horrified to discover to see the tea-making vessel in the shape of the late former British Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party.
It came with a similar teapot of the late American president Ronald Reagan. Reagan served as the 40th president of the United States from 1981 to 1989 and Thatcher was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990 and leader of the Conservative Party from 1975 to 1990. Dubbed the 'Iron Lady' she was the first female British prime minister, the longest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century and a controversial political figure.
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The white china teapot was fashioned into a caricature of the late PM, based on her terrifying Spitting Image puppet from the 1980s satirical comedy, with the teapot spout protruding out of her nose. The owner was asked: "Were you a Thatcherite or a Reaganite or neither?"
And she replied: "Neither, I just like the pots." The expert explained: "Margaret Thatcher, the female Prime Minister of Britain, Ronald Reagan, President of America. Based on the Spitting Image characters, and of course by the same designers.
He added: "We forget that Spitting Image, poking fun at all these powerful figures, was of course quite shocking." Watching the valuation at home fans had a strong reaction as they took to Twitter.
@JanetteBoulton exclaimed: "Liz Truss's leaving present! Thatcher teapot lol." @alcanlin said: "A representation of pure evil on #AntiquesRoadshow." And @mr_chambers_tweeted: "Pair of 80s chamber pots…"
Viewers also saw a selection of other teapots, including one belonging to a farmer worth more than £4,500. The owner explained she has had the political teapots for more than 25 years after she was gifted them by her brother who visited Stoke on Trent.
Although he had only paid £10 or £20 for them - enough for a night out - she was told that as a pair they are now worth £300. She looked amazed as she was told that her teapots would now pay for a night out in London.
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