TV treasure hunter on the lookout for gems at antique site
A DERBYSHIRE salvage yard specialising in antiques has featured in a television series.
TV cameras from Salvage Hunters turned up at Drakelow Barn Antiques in Caldwell Road, Drakelow, to have a look at what the business had to offer.
The Quest TV series follows modern-day treasure hunter Drew Pritchard as he goes in search of derelict gems and forgotten pieces of history, calling on a team of restorers to bring his purchases to life.
In a teaser for the episode Drew is seen blown away by the quality and rarity of some of the items he finds in Drakelow, but is forced to haggle hard by the “canny dealer”.
Sasha Deretana, who runs Drakelow Barn Antiques with Mentesh Hassan, said: “They contacted us at the start of the year and were keen to come over.
“They sent a scout first because we didn’t think the place was big enough but he loved it and they rocked up in March and spent all day here.
“[The presenter Drew Pritchard] walked around, and it was quite ad hoc and not staged.
“He bought four things. I think they only showed three in the episode. He bought a marble statue, a cast iron garden urn and an 18thcentury sundial.
“We have seen the programme as it was on Discovery Plus and we were really pleased with it.
“It was right in the centre of Covid so only one person could walk round with him.”
Drakelow Barns Antiques has operated online for some years but has traded from the South Derbyshire premises for three years, selling antique garden salvage and furniture.
As well as Discovery Plus, the episode has also featured on Quest TV.
Drew Pritchard runs one of the biggest decorative salvage yards in the UK and is constantly on the road, crisscrossing the country in search of derelict gems and forgotten remnants for his customers.