Art historian joins BBC antiques show in Brighton
By: Alison Field
Last updated: Tuesday, 1 February 2011

Alexandra Loske in the banquet hall of the Royal Pavilion, Brighton
Art History research student Alexandra Loske has graduated from behind-the-scenes advisor to on-screen expert with an appearance on BBC TV programme 'The Antiques Road Trip'.
The show, a spin-off from the perennially popular 'Antiques Roadshow', has begun its second series, with Alexandra appearing in the Brighton episode, where she shares her insights into rare and beautiful objects in Brighton's Royal Pavilion.
In 'Antiques Road Trip', antiques experts set off on a road trip around the UK searching for treasures and competing to make the most money at auction, with their profits going to charity.
Alexandra, who is studying for a doctorate in Art History, has been based at Brighton Pavilion, studying original documents and accounts, for more than two years, and has worked as a Pavilion guide for 18 months, during which time she has been called on to support the filming of an introductory scene for the 'Antiques Roadshow' when it came to Brighton last year.
Alexandra is researching the interior décor of the Pavilion during the Regency period, when it was given its iconic makeover by the Prince Regent, later King George IV.
Her studies are supported by a collaborative doctorate fund provided by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The aim of the funding is to match talented scholars with top arts and heritage institutions so that they can learn from each other.
Alexandra chose some of the exhibits in the Pavilion to discuss in front of the cameras with presenter and historian David Harper.
Her chosen items include a cabinet sold off during Queen Victoria's reign and later turned into a TV cabinet before being discovered at an auction, and an exotically decorated inkstand that once belonged to George IV.
Alexandra says: "I had a wonderful time. I came up with a few objects that I could talk about. They had to have a connection with George IV, who built the Pavilion.
"The AHRC scholarship has allowed me not only to further my studies but to gain experience in all aspects of art history, including hands-on access to rarely seen collections and the opportunity to work with the media. It's been a fascinating and very useful experience."
Alexandra appears on the 'Antiques Road Trip' on Tuesday 8 February at 5.15pm on BBC Two. The team will be visiting Brighton, Hove and an auction in Chippenham, taking in famous sights along the way.