Antiques Roadshow is a cultural institution. For almost 50 years, millions of viewers around the world have watched as expert valuers examine treasured objects brought in by members of the public. With items ranging from grand family heirlooms to eclectic car-boot finds, the history, cultural meaning and monetary value of each object is revealed – and occasionally, a hidden fortune uncovered.

The National Trust was delighted to host the Australian pilot of Antiques Roadshow at Norman Lindsay Gallery last year. Coinciding with the annual Norman Lindsay Gallery Vintage Fair, the historic Blue Mountains property provided the perfect backdrop for filming. With the pilot episode of Antiques Roadshow now available to watch, we caught up with host and much-loved television personality Issa Schultz. Best known for his role as one of the ‘Chasers’ on hit game show The Chase, Issa talks about stepping outside of his comfort zone, why he thinks Australia holds a goldmine of fascinating objects and the importance of preserving the past.

What drew you to hosting the Australian Antiques Roadshow?

In one word: curiosity! I love history and acquiring knowledge. Anything I work on I always ask myself, how can I learn from this? Antiques Roadshow is a new sphere for me. I’m much better at answering quiz questions because there’s a definitive answer, whereas on Antiques Roadshow every story is different, it’s forcing the creative side out of me – which makes me nervous!

The program has a global following, what is the reason for its broad appeal?

I think its appeal lies in the fact that every object has a story. Storytelling is universal – from the world’s oldest storytellers, Indigenous Australians, through to today. That is what makes Antiques Roadshow such a timeless format: whatever the language or country, we never tire of hearing a tale.

How does the Australian pilot differ from the original?

Australia is a country where over half of the population have either migrated or are one generation away from that journey, which changes the scope of the items that will be brought in. While in the UK, you might have family silver being passed down through six generations, in Australia you’re more likely to have objects that have been brought into the country because someone felt they couldn’t leave them behind. There is emotion in that, it is a different story to an object simply being passed down through a family, as the item also tells a story about immigration. Why did they move here? Did they choose to or were they displaced? Why did they keep this object? To me, that is the defining difference that sets the Australian version of Antiques Roadshow apart.

What do you think inspires people to hold onto items for years, decades or even centuries?

We ascribe memories to objects; they bring the past into the present. It is the reason that, while the elation or disappointment of discovering the value of an item would seem like the obvious hook of the show, it really isn’t the primary objective for people coming onto the show. They want to hear a story about how their item came to be, and you can see that reflected in almost everybody saying they would never part with the object that they brought in!

The National Trust’s Norman Lindsay Gallery was the setting for the pilot episode, what made filming at this historic place special?

I couldn’t have asked for a better opening! The weather was lovely and we had a jam-packed day! It was a great opportunity to showcase one of Australia’s finest artists and writers and I was really heartened that there were a lot of young people there. It brings Norman Lindsay back into the spotlight for a new generation.

What was your favourite item that was featured on the show?

I am a child at heart! You can’t see it, but my keyboard is currently on a Super Mario mat – I refuse to grow up! So it would have to be the Norman Lindsay illustration. It has a childlike sense of wonder – I could see it on my wall!

The National Trust has a mission of bringing heritage to life. Can you explain how Antiques Roadshow celebrates the past?

I adore the past and I dread the thought of anything becoming lost to time. However, most history focuses on Kings and Queens or battles or expeditions. These stories are important, but they can feel distant from our everyday experience. Antiques Roadshow is brilliant at making history relatable. Objects let us figuratively stand where someone else once stood – decades, centuries, or even millennia ago. Through holding an object or hearing a beautiful story about it, like the Victorian horseshoe brooch on the show – it was like a love letter from a romantic weekend, the past becomes part of the present.

What item would you choose to take to Antiques Roadshow?

My parents lived in Qatar for a number of years, (my name is Arabic), and they brought back with them to England an array of beautiful carved wooden elephants in differing sizes. My parents treasured them and I have a fond memory as a child of looking at this line of elephants in front of our fireplace in Cornwall and thinking they were absolutely huge, whereas they’re really not huge at all. I would love to know more about their origin. Maybe I can dig them out for a future episode in Australia and ask the experts to tell me about them. They’ve pulled miracles before – you never know!

What would you say to people considering casting for the show?

Don’t hesitate! I think there is a goldmine of stories that remain untapped in Australia, tales that you will never hear anywhere else because of the location. The best stories come from something totally unexpected, that’s where the magic moments happen, and you’ll never know if that is your object unless you come on the show!

Watch the pilot episode

With items ranging from a stunning Chinese silk painting, to a jewellery keepsake from a romantic weekend, and even a potential Picasso, don’t miss the episode of Antiques Roadshow Australia. Watch it now.

Discover the story behind your treasured items

Antiques Roadshow is now casting in Australia! BBC Studios Australia Productions is seeking items of interest from jewellery and ceramics to artworks, memorabilia and Australiana with character, craftsmanship, and a story to tell. Find out more.