Going for a Song

Going for a Song was first seen in the BBC West Region on 31 March 1965. The show, in which "connoisseurs and customers explore the world of antiques", was an instant success and made its network debut in October. The first presenter, Tony Ross, was replaced by Max Robertson, who remained in the chair until 1977. However the undoubted star was Arthur Negus, whose knowledge and enthusiasm made him a hit with viewers.

Each programme began with a mechanical bird singing in an ornamental cage, competing against the theme tune (a movement from Ottorino Respighi's The Birds). The three guests of the early shows were soon reduced to two, who had to examine antiques and guess their value. The item was then passed across to the experts - invariably Negus and another - who gave it a professional evaluation. The guest with the closest estimate was the winner. Negus believed the programme was best when the objects examined were relatively ordinary ones that might also be tucked away, unappreciated, in the viewers' homes.

Going for a Song ended in 1977, but returned, presented at different times by Michael Parkinson, Anne Robinson and Michael Aspel. Arthur Negus inspired interest in 'collectables', and went on to The Antiques Roadshow, a programme which is still thriving today.