Event type: Talk

For Valour: The Story of the Victoria Cross

Mark Smith, renowned for his expertise in medals and militaria, has been a celebrated figure on BBC TV’s Antiques Roadshow since 2014. Recognised as one of the show’s most popular experts, Mark captivates audiences with his deep knowledge and engaging storytelling.

Beyond Antiques Roadshow, Mark has featured on numerous television programs, including Deep Wreck Mysteries, Who Do You Think You Are? Bargain Hunt, The One Show, and BBC Breakfast, making him a familiar face to millions of viewers.

Mark’s expertise extends to radio, where he is a regular guest on the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS), and podcasts for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, sharing his insights with military history enthusiasts worldwide.

A Leading Authority on the Victoria Cross

Acknowledged as a global expert on the Victoria Cross, Mark has authored five books on the Great War and contributed to numerous publications and magazines. As a member of both the Western Front Association and the Orders and Medals Research Society, he continues to shape the field of military history and medal research.

His live presentation, For Valour: The Story of the Victoria Cross, offers audiences a chance to delve into the origins of this prestigious award, dispel myths, and hear extraordinary stories of the brave men who have received Britain’s highest military honour.

Collector, Dealer, and Passionate Historian

Mark’s passion for military history began in 1983 when he started dealing in militaria in Islington, London. Over the years, he has built an extensive private collection, specialising not only in the Victoria Cross but also in flying clothing and RAF logbooks.

Notable moments in his Antiques Roadshow career include valuing an exceptional collection of World War One German memorabilia at Walthamstow Town Hall and assessing a toy panda mascot that flew on the legendary 1943 ‘Dambusters Raid.’

Mark’s unrivalled expertise, passion, and captivating storytelling have solidified his reputation as a trusted authority in the world of medals and militaria, inspiring collectors and history lovers alike.

Tickets

Standard Tickets: £27.50

Meet & Greet: £50. Takes place at 6pm, tickets holders to arrive at 5.45pm. Includes pre-show Meet & Greet and expert comments on personal medals etc.

 

He’s a legend and an icon, a revolutionary and an immortal. John Lydon – aka Johnny Rotten – changed the face of music and sparked a cultural revolution.

The frontman and lyricist of the Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd (PiL) caused a political earthquake and transformed music for good. To coincide with the publication of his new book, the brilliant, funny and insightful I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right, he is touring the UK. Lydon will talk about how he sees life, along with his unique and extraordinary career, and take audience questions during a pyrotechnic, one-off tour. Lydon will be sharing his thoughts with audiences.

He Could Be Wrong. He Could Be Right.

Artist Linny Venables talks about the making of Sweet Factory; a vibrant and playful exhibition celebrating the rich, shared histories of sweet making, working-class food traditions, and seaside culture.

Linny shares the inspiration, playful research, and hands-on processes behind the work, offering a glimpse into her socially engaged practice.

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Visit the Sweet Factory exhibition: Mon – Sat. 10am – 4pm. 18 Oct 2025 – 7 Mar 2026.

Sweet Factory is curated by Linny Venables and supported by Arts Council England and At The Library.

Join Dr Anna Maddison to learn the history of Art using examples from The Atkinson’s collection.

3 Sessions: Thursday 11/18/25 September. 11am – 1pm.

The Atkinson’s collection has works of art dating from the 17th to the 21st centuries and is currently concentrating on collecting more contemporary art.

Highlights of the 20th century collection include several paintings by Walter Sickert and fellow members of the Camden Town School such as Charles Ginner as well as paintings by Scottish Colourists, namely Arthur Melville, JD Fergusson and Samuel Peploe. Key works from World War I include a painting of a mounted trooper by Alfred Munnings and a battle scarred landscape by Paul Nash. The collection of 20th century British sculpture is small but very high quality and includes good examples by Henry Moore, Elisabeth Frink and Jacob Epstein.

These sessions will also be looking at a number of works currently on display as part of The Atkinson’s 150th Anniversary Exhibition.

 

Due to unforeseen circumstances this talk has been cancelled. We apologise for the inconvenience and hope to reschedule. 

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Ainsdale to Albania: The Wartime Career of Anthony Quayle

A talk by Dave Roberts

Before Anthony Quayle became a celebrated British actor and stage director, he was a man of quiet heroism, trading Shakespearean soliloquies for sabotage behind enemy lines. Born in Ainsdale, in 1913, Quayle’s early life gave little hint of the daring exploits that would follow. When the Second World War broke out, he joined the British Army and soon found himself recruited into the Special Operations Executive (SOE)—the shadowy wartime organisation tasked with espionage, sabotage, and supporting resistance movements in Axis-occupied territories.

Quayle’s wartime career included stints in Gibraltar and with one of the most secret organisations, the Auxiliary Units, but his most notable wartime service came in the Balkans. In 1943, he was dropped into German-occupied Albania to aid partisan fighters. It was a perilous assignment: mountainous terrain, hostile forces, and the constant threat of betrayal. Yet Quayle not only survived but proved himself a capable and courageous leader, building strong relationships with the Albanian resistance and enduring harsh conditions with quiet resolve.

From the quiet shores of Ainsdale to the rugged peaks of Albania, Anthony Quayle’s journey through war was as dramatic and complex as any role he played on stage or screen.

Twentieth Century Seaside Architecture: pools, piers and pleasure around Britain’s coast

Grab your bucket and spade and enjoy a nostalgic stroll around Britain’s seaside architecture.

In this illustrated talk, based on her new book, author and historian Dr Kathryn Ferry uses picture postcards to highlight how design trends including Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern and Brutalism, shaped our seafronts between 1920 and 2000. Southport highlights will include the Pier and Sea Bathing Lake.

As the heyday of domestic holidays gave way to a dramatic decline in popularity, new attractions continued to be built. Kathryn will share local examples alongside her favourites, taking in everything from hotels, lidos and entertainment pavilions to beach huts, amusement arcades and leisure centres.

Annabel Croft is a national treasure. After announcing herself by winning the Wimbledon and Australian Girls’ Tournaments in 1984, she went onto represent Great Britain in the Fed Cup while enjoying a glittering career.

Moving into broadcasting, she replaced Anneka Rice on Channel 4 Treasure Hunt before moving into the commentary box and working as a presenter and pundit for Eurosport, Sky Sports, and the BBC.

More recently, she enjoyed a thrilling run to the final four on Strictly Come Dancing, with dance partner Johannes Radebe.

Her intimate new show will share tales of famous friends and faces, from Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to the stars of Strictly.

It’s a genuine must-see show.