0:00:04 > 0:00:07With over a decade of "Flog It!" valuation days and auctions
0:00:07 > 0:00:09all over the British Isles,
0:00:09 > 0:00:13we've built up a wealth of knowledge valuing your unwanted antiques.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16And now, we want to share some of that with you.
0:00:18 > 0:00:19- Happy to see it go?- Yes.
0:00:19 > 0:00:22He's very positive about this, isn't he?
0:00:22 > 0:00:26- It's nearly time for afternoon tea, isn't it?- It certainly is!
0:00:26 > 0:00:29Our experts are raring to go with inside information,
0:00:29 > 0:00:31so if there's something you need to know,
0:00:31 > 0:00:33you'll probably find it right here.
0:00:33 > 0:00:35Welcome to Trade Secrets.
0:01:02 > 0:01:05In today's show, we're investigating how holidays and travel
0:01:05 > 0:01:07can affect our collecting habits.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10For centuries, we've been a nation of adventurers,
0:01:10 > 0:01:12keen to explore foreign lands.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18And we've always enjoyed bringing home mementoes of our travels.
0:01:18 > 0:01:22So today, we are browsing through the market for antique souvenirs.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27And there is not a stick of rock in sight for Catherine,
0:01:27 > 0:01:29as she get a flavour of Hollywood glamour.
0:01:30 > 0:01:33- Clark Gable.- Is that Clark Gable? Wonderful.- That's right.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37And here we have Cary Grant on Santa Monica Boulevard.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40Michael makes some first-class predictions.
0:01:40 > 0:01:45We'll put it into auction for £1,000 to £1,500.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49And I'm off to the seaside,
0:01:49 > 0:01:52to unlock the story of the Great British beach hut.
0:01:53 > 0:01:58Sun shining down on us outside your own beach hut - what could be better?
0:01:58 > 0:02:01- Well, apart from a chocolate biscuit.- There we go!
0:02:07 > 0:02:09Who doesn't like to be beside the seaside
0:02:09 > 0:02:12or explore great open spaces,
0:02:12 > 0:02:16wander the streets of cities and towns - home and abroad?
0:02:16 > 0:02:19And let's face it, we all like to bring back souvenirs.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24But how do you distinguish the tourist tat from the hidden gems?
0:02:24 > 0:02:26Well, here are a few tips.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30Most souvenirs are what my mother would have called frippery.
0:02:30 > 0:02:35Penny dreadfuls. And don't have quality.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38If you can buy something from a region that's just got
0:02:38 > 0:02:40a little bit of quality...
0:02:40 > 0:02:44It'll cost you more, but it will be well worth collecting.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48Don't just buy something because it's got Ramsgate on it.
0:02:48 > 0:02:49That's not going to help.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Goss is certainly the big name in crested china.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57That's the one you'd go for. Obviously, other lesser makers
0:02:57 > 0:03:00copied what Goss was doing and achieving.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03But really, you go by the rarity of the object.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05Or possibly the rarity of the crest.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08Buy something that's hand-painted. Classic example.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11Go down to the West Country, some wonderful potteries down there.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14Buy an original piece of pottery with a signature on it.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19We had Troika. And these were made as souvenirs
0:03:19 > 0:03:21to be bought in Cornwall.
0:03:21 > 0:03:26So I don't think that we should scoff at holiday souvenirs,
0:03:26 > 0:03:29we should always have a second look at them
0:03:29 > 0:03:31because very often they can be of quality.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33And they can be desirable.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37When I think of souvenirs - paperweights, crested china
0:03:37 > 0:03:39and stuffed donkeys cross my mind.
0:03:39 > 0:03:44But something altogether more exotic found its way to Michael's table.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48Obviously when you see something that you haven't seen in the normal
0:03:48 > 0:03:51course of events at a Flog It! valuation day
0:03:51 > 0:03:52you get very excited.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55When you find it's by a very big and important maker,
0:03:55 > 0:03:59doubly so, so I was thrilled to see it.
0:03:59 > 0:04:04Where on earth did this, dare I say it, grotesque little fellow come from?
0:04:04 > 0:04:08Just out of a box at a charity sale that I went to,
0:04:08 > 0:04:11with some other little bits and pieces.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14It was unusual, it was cheap, so I thought, "I'll have that."
0:04:14 > 0:04:19- When you say it was cheap, hopefully not more than a fiver, was it, or... - No.
0:04:19 > 0:04:22Something in my brain is saying a couple of pounds with some
0:04:22 > 0:04:24other little bits, that's all.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28Couple of pounds, well, I think a couple of pounds is all right for it.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31It is a gourd, a hardened bean pod,
0:04:31 > 0:04:35I mean, variously you get gourd shaped pods in India and China,
0:04:35 > 0:04:37the whole of South-east Asia, really.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Somebody's grown this
0:04:39 > 0:04:44and then I think somebody has had a go at making it a bazaar object.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47Possibly sold to a tourist.
0:04:47 > 0:04:53But the tourist that bought this would probably have been shopping in about 1880.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56There's always the Victorian taste,
0:04:56 > 0:04:59remember we're at a time before film, before television,
0:04:59 > 0:05:03bringing back objects that were extraordinary,
0:05:03 > 0:05:08that they could remember from their trip but also describe the exotic locations they'd been.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10And they've come back to England
0:05:10 > 0:05:13and they've got this thing and they've thought,
0:05:13 > 0:05:16"What the devil can I do with this?"
0:05:16 > 0:05:21And they have taken it into a silversmith's who have been
0:05:21 > 0:05:25really ingenious and they have fitted this silver foot
0:05:25 > 0:05:31in the form of a leaf, but we have the hallmarks there are for London, 1878.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34And they have followed the naturalistic design
0:05:34 > 0:05:38and they have a vine leaf going up the side and a scroll
0:05:38 > 0:05:41and they have put a pepper pot top on it.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45The most interesting thing, though, is the maker's mark.
0:05:45 > 0:05:50It's a very important London firm of jewellers called Giuliano.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54This is done by Carlo Giuliano. He's incredibly sought after.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57And quite an important Victorian maker.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00He was an Italian trained under Castellani in London,
0:06:00 > 0:06:04and he did some work for the leading Victorian jeweller,
0:06:04 > 0:06:08Robert Phillips, before setting up on his own and certainly
0:06:08 > 0:06:13while his silver is very niche, his jewellery now is extremely popular.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17It's considered to be amongst the finest of the 19th century work in this country.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20It's a question of price.
0:06:20 > 0:06:23What do you think is a fair return on your couple of pounds?
0:06:23 > 0:06:25What do you think it is worth?
0:06:25 > 0:06:30I am hoping it is worth a couple of hundred or something like that.
0:06:30 > 0:06:35A couple of hundred? I don't want to disappoint you, Julie, so I won't.
0:06:35 > 0:06:40We'll put it into auction for 1,000 to £1,500.
0:06:41 > 0:06:48- We'll put a reserve of £1,000 on it. - £1,000?- £1,000.
0:06:48 > 0:06:52Carlo Giuliano's work in jewellery is incredibly
0:06:52 > 0:06:57sought after and rare, his work in silver is even rarer.
0:06:57 > 0:06:59In terms of putting an estimate on it
0:06:59 > 0:07:03I did know of slightly similar but smaller objects by Giuliano
0:07:03 > 0:07:09that had sold at auction and they have sold at 700, 800, £900.
0:07:09 > 0:07:11This being a larger example, I thought
0:07:11 > 0:07:14we would have no difficulty whatsoever getting 1,000 or
0:07:14 > 0:07:18£1,500 for it and secretly I was hoping it might do over 2,000.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22So, was Michael's confidence well placed?
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- At 860 on the book. At 860.- That's a good start.
0:07:25 > 0:07:30880, at 880 now. At 860. At £860. 880 anywhere now?
0:07:30 > 0:07:33At £860? You sure now then?
0:07:33 > 0:07:37At £860? You all sure at 860...
0:07:39 > 0:07:43I said just then it was a great start but it was also the end.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46It was the end. Why?
0:07:46 > 0:07:51All along I thought, because it is so it is a specialist type thing, isn't it?
0:07:51 > 0:07:54It's not something everyone could live with.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58Put it into a specialist silver sale because I promise you that is worth £1,000.
0:07:58 > 0:08:00All day long.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03It was obviously very disappointing when it did not sell.
0:08:03 > 0:08:08Sometimes you need the right person to understand an object.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11A lot of collectors of silver would look at that
0:08:11 > 0:08:15and think 1,000 or 1,500 was a lot of money,
0:08:15 > 0:08:21if you collect Giuliano jewellery, you think it is an absolute bargain.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24Michael was disappointed the gourd did not find a new owner,
0:08:24 > 0:08:28but he was right that the name Giuliano can make big money.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31In 2011 a stunning gold enamel engraved pearl necklace
0:08:31 > 0:08:36by Giuliano sold at auction for around £55,000.
0:08:36 > 0:08:39If Julie still has her wacky souvenir, I think
0:08:39 > 0:08:43she should try her luck again at a specialist sale.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46If you do, remember to put a reserve on it.
0:08:46 > 0:08:52Now, a souvenir from a little closer to home caught David Fletcher's attention.
0:08:52 > 0:08:56You have got with you a...gizmo, really.
0:08:56 > 0:08:57Yes.
0:08:57 > 0:09:02If I can unscrew it there...
0:09:02 > 0:09:05we have...a pen.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09Not a fountain pen but a dipper.
0:09:10 > 0:09:13At the other end, of course, a paper knife.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18One other thing which I suspect is going to be the case is that
0:09:18 > 0:09:22if I look through this little hole at the end, I am going to see
0:09:22 > 0:09:24a black and white photograph.
0:09:25 > 0:09:30Items like this were bought as souvenirs, they were affordable.
0:09:30 > 0:09:35If you went away on a charabanc in the 1920s or you have gone
0:09:35 > 0:09:41away on a train in the 1890s to the seaside and you had a Mum at home
0:09:41 > 0:09:45and you wanted to buy a souvenir, something to take back to her, you
0:09:45 > 0:09:47could go out and buy one of these and it would not break the bank.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52This type of magnifying device is known as a Stanhope.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56Because it was invented by the third Earl of Stanhope.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- Who, quite honestly hadn't got much to do with his time.- No.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03He was probably very thrilled with it and I must say it is miraculous.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06It didn't really have any purpose, they were just novelties,
0:10:06 > 0:10:09just bits of fun.
0:10:09 > 0:10:14And they related to a particular resort
0:10:14 > 0:10:17and there was a scene in that resort and if you have been there
0:10:17 > 0:10:20you took it home, it was a logical thing to do.
0:10:20 > 0:10:24This isn't going to make the earth, but it is good fun
0:10:24 > 0:10:27- and I would like to suggest an estimate of 30 or £50.- That is OK.
0:10:27 > 0:10:34- Go ahead.- We will go ahead and I will see you both at the auction. - Lovely. Thank you.
0:10:34 > 0:10:38The question is, will this lot about your love this?
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Let's find out. It's going under the hammer right now.
0:10:44 > 0:10:49What did he say? 22? 24, 26 standing now.
0:10:49 > 0:10:5528, 30, 32, 34, 36, £36. Are we all done at 36?
0:10:55 > 0:11:0236, do I see 38? Selling at £36.
0:11:02 > 0:11:04It's gone! £36.
0:11:05 > 0:11:09Collectors of Stanhopes today, it must be said,
0:11:09 > 0:11:13are fairly or relatively few and far between.
0:11:13 > 0:11:15They're by no means the most syllable of all collectable
0:11:15 > 0:11:19items but they are collected by people who are buying on a budget.
0:11:19 > 0:11:24I don't think it will prove to be good investments, necessarily,
0:11:24 > 0:11:26but they might be.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29It may just be worth punting a pound or two if you see one.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32I agree, Stanhopes shouldn't be overlooked as a collecting field.
0:11:32 > 0:11:36They're an affordable and interesting entry-level item for those
0:11:36 > 0:11:38who want to start collecting.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42Stanhopes were added to all kinds of useful objects,
0:11:42 > 0:11:45like walking canes and cigarette holders as well as being
0:11:45 > 0:11:48made into purely decorative pieces.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Personally I think they are fascinating and the images
0:11:51 > 0:11:55they contain remainders of long lost landscapes and city scenes.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00Catherine also spotted a collection that whisked her back to another
0:12:00 > 0:12:01place and time.
0:12:02 > 0:12:05Now I love to see a good selection of ephemera
0:12:05 > 0:12:09and that is what we have here. The lovely bit of social history.
0:12:09 > 0:12:11Where has it all come from? Tell me the story.
0:12:11 > 0:12:15My grandfather went to America in 1954 to visit his cousin.
0:12:15 > 0:12:19He was 73 and had never been abroad, never been out of the country.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24I do not think he had ever been out of Lancashire or Yorkshire at that time.
0:12:24 > 0:12:30And he went out on the ship called the SS Flanderer. He went to New York
0:12:30 > 0:12:35and flew from New York to LA, he had never flown before in his life.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39It wasn't really common as it is now in the 1950s for people to
0:12:39 > 0:12:42travel and travel really across to America,
0:12:42 > 0:12:47it was really only the rich, the very wealthy who were
0:12:47 > 0:12:51making their way over to America and travelling extensively.
0:12:51 > 0:12:55And he went out on the Flanderer and these are the menus.
0:12:55 > 0:12:57They look very grand, don't they?
0:12:57 > 0:13:00That was second-class, what was first class like?
0:13:00 > 0:13:04He came back on a ship in December 1954,
0:13:04 > 0:13:08called the Saxonia and that ship was brand-new in 1954 and launched by
0:13:08 > 0:13:11Lady Churchill, there is a booklet there telling you all about it,
0:13:11 > 0:13:13which he brought back with him as well.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17It was interesting to look at the brochures that were
0:13:17 > 0:13:21produced at the time, looking at the fashion, the furniture,
0:13:21 > 0:13:25the way that the actual ship was dressed.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27But also what I loved was the postcards that he had,
0:13:27 > 0:13:30he had an amazing collection of postcards
0:13:30 > 0:13:33which his grandfather bought when he was over in America.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36It was interesting to see how Hollywood looked then
0:13:36 > 0:13:38and how it looks now.
0:13:38 > 0:13:44- They're so colourful.- There are a lot of pictures of film stars' houses.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48Here we have Will Rogers, and the Nelsons.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50- Clark.- Clark Gable.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53And here we have Cary Grant on Santa Monica Boulevard.
0:13:53 > 0:13:59The value was in the fact that it was a great collection,
0:13:59 > 0:14:03it wasn't only the postcards from the '50s, it was
0:14:03 > 0:14:09also about the travel in the '50s so it was really an entire story
0:14:09 > 0:14:14and I think the fact that it was all really beautifully documented
0:14:14 > 0:14:17and it was in superb condition.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19That was wonderful.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22Now, I think we should put it in auction with an estimate of
0:14:22 > 0:14:262 or £300, and a fixed reserve of £200.
0:14:26 > 0:14:28Which means we won't sell it below that.
0:14:28 > 0:14:30A fascinating collection,
0:14:30 > 0:14:33certainly deserving the top end of its estimate.
0:14:33 > 0:14:39- What did the bidders think? - £100 to start me. 100 to go.
0:14:39 > 0:14:44- 110, 120, 130, 140.- He's keen!
0:14:44 > 0:14:46He hasn't put his bidding card down.
0:14:46 > 0:14:52170, 180, 190, 200, £200 there.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55In the middle of the room at £200. Anyone else want to come in?
0:14:55 > 0:14:59I can sell it then at £200. I am selling it for 200.
0:14:59 > 0:15:04It's got £200 and that chap over there was very, very keen.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07He did not put his bidding paddle down.
0:15:07 > 0:15:09I wanted, I am going home with it.
0:15:09 > 0:15:13- I just wish there was someone else in the room doing the same!- I know.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17Yes, John, unfortunately it always takes two bidders to get top dollar.
0:15:17 > 0:15:21I think the gent that won that lot got himself a bargain.
0:15:21 > 0:15:23That's auctions for you.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27Not all modern souvenirs from sunny climbs will fit snugly
0:15:27 > 0:15:30into your hand luggage, as Adam Partridge discovered.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35You have brought this handsome Murano sculpture in today.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Can you tell me much about it?
0:15:37 > 0:15:40About 25 years ago I was in Italy on business
0:15:40 > 0:15:46and a colleague and I went on a boat to Murano and had a look at it and bought one each.
0:15:46 > 0:15:49They're lovely. We've never regretted buying it.
0:15:49 > 0:15:53Murano is an island off Venice which has been famous for glass
0:15:53 > 0:15:56making for probably 1,000 years.
0:15:56 > 0:15:57Since the 10th century.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00And in the last hundred years in particular it's been a great
0:16:00 > 0:16:02area for tourists, holiday,
0:16:02 > 0:16:06souvenir hunters etc to bring back colourful paperweights,
0:16:06 > 0:16:10vases, they had a whole range of glass produced by Murano.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- This is heavy, how did you get it home?- It was shipped home, thankfully.
0:16:13 > 0:16:19- I know you carried it in today in a holdall.- £93 excess baggage if we brought it by plane.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22Was it really? Do you mind me asking how much it was?
0:16:22 > 0:16:25- Just about £800.- £800. So a couple of million Lira?
0:16:25 > 0:16:30Indeed. I spent a couple of million. First and only time I've ever spent 2 million!
0:16:30 > 0:16:32I see a lot of Murano glass coming through the salerooms
0:16:32 > 0:16:35but it is always smaller pieces, vases and things like that.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39I've never seen anything as impressive as this from Murano
0:16:39 > 0:16:42- so it is really a great object to see.- It is lovely.
0:16:42 > 0:16:46What was unusual about this, it was all clear for a start at it
0:16:46 > 0:16:51was a very distinctive and unusual piece of modern glass, not really my
0:16:51 > 0:16:55cup of tea but I was quite excited to see an unusual piece of Murano.
0:16:55 > 0:16:58- Presumably you want your money back and a bit more?- I would hope so.
0:16:58 > 0:17:05I would hope so as well. I think £800 is probably the top end of what it is worth in an auction.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09When I saw it I thought six or £800 but it is lovely.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- Does it have a name? - It is called Adam. After yourself.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15That is very kind. It's a handsome chap.
0:17:15 > 0:17:19It's very nice to have the Murano seal on here, the stamp
0:17:19 > 0:17:22and signature on the front there, which is
0:17:22 > 0:17:25Rosine and his first name was Loredano Rosine.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29The pieces that are signed and designed, those are the ones
0:17:29 > 0:17:33that have the best chance of appreciating in value.
0:17:33 > 0:17:36We don't want you to lose money so you will want a reserve on this.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38I think I would want the reserve to be what I paid for it before,
0:17:38 > 0:17:43- there is no point in selling it if I will make a loss.- I quite agree. I wouldn't do that either.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46We'll put a deserve of 800 which I think is the top end
0:17:46 > 0:17:48but fingers crossed, we will see what happens.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51Bob and I didn't exactly see completely eye to eye,
0:17:51 > 0:17:56I would have estimated that at five or £6-£800 rather than £800-£1,000.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59But Bob was insistent on wanting the £800.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02I actually thought this probably isn't going to sell.
0:18:02 > 0:18:04We'll see you at the auction, Adam.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07Who was proved right, Bob or Adam?
0:18:07 > 0:18:09When the Murano souvenir went under the hammer.
0:18:09 > 0:18:15An important piece of modern glass, very seldom on the market.
0:18:15 > 0:18:22I have interest. I can start this at £650. 650, 650,...
0:18:22 > 0:18:26- It's above your valuation already. - Stop it, Bob!
0:18:26 > 0:18:29800 with you, sir. 800.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- 800.- It's sold.- Yeah.- 800.
0:18:33 > 0:18:39- But I can sell, are you quite sure? All done at £800?- Done.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41You've got your money back.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Bob was extra victorious. When it made the 800,
0:18:45 > 0:18:47he said, "I could do your job much easier than you!"
0:18:47 > 0:18:50So congratulations, Bob, on making me look like an idiot.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54I think it was a fair price, a very strong price.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57Perhaps in time to come that might prove to be an investment
0:18:57 > 0:18:59but I think it will take a few years.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01You can't win them all
0:19:01 > 0:19:05but luckily for Bob there was one very determined bidder in the room.
0:19:07 > 0:19:11What should you consider when shopping for mementos on holiday?
0:19:11 > 0:19:15The best things in life are free. Well, fairly inexpensive.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20Travel brochures and postcards from your trip may cost you a few
0:19:20 > 0:19:24pounds today but could prove very valuable in the future.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28Always keep an eye out for the weird and wacky,
0:19:28 > 0:19:30but if you are selling at auction sniff out a specialist
0:19:30 > 0:19:35sale and always protect your prized possession with a reserve.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38And if you are thinking of starting a holiday-themed collection,
0:19:38 > 0:19:41you can't go far wrong with a Stanhope.
0:19:41 > 0:19:44These are charming, inexpensive souvenirs that make a perfect
0:19:44 > 0:19:47starting point for those who are new to antiques.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55Sooner or later,
0:19:55 > 0:19:58all British travellers make their way to the coast.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03And when they do, there's only one place to hang out - the beach hut.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06Having a swim in the sea is one of the great pleasures
0:20:06 > 0:20:07of coming to the seaside.
0:20:07 > 0:20:10And it all took off really in the early 18th century
0:20:10 > 0:20:13when doctors encouraged their patients to have a
0:20:13 > 0:20:17dip in the saltwater to improve their general health and well-being.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20Early bathers were encouraged to bathe naked.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23But that wasn't as straightforward as it sounds.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31It wasn't appropriate to have people walking naked along the beach.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33So a more discreet solution was needed.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37Bathing machines, which were basically beach huts on wheels,
0:20:37 > 0:20:40were invented to provide the occupant with the modesty,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43and as a way of getting from the top of the beach down to the water.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47But fashioned changed, and by the turn of the 20th century,
0:20:47 > 0:20:51it became acceptable to wear a bathing costume and be seen in it.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59But people still needed a place to change in.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02And the answer was static beach huts.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06These soon became a sought-after accessory to any seaside holiday.
0:21:06 > 0:21:11Nowadays, these brightly-painted beach huts are an iconic symbol
0:21:11 > 0:21:14of the Great British seaside resort.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16We tend to take their presence for granted.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19So I'm here to find out a little bit more.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26And the person to tell me is Dr Catherine Ferry -
0:21:26 > 0:21:29a seaside historian who is an expert on beach huts.
0:21:29 > 0:21:32Do you have a beach hut yourself?
0:21:32 > 0:21:36Oh, I wish I did. I don't. I feel a bit of a fraud admitting that.
0:21:36 > 0:21:38But there's something that appeals to me
0:21:38 > 0:21:43about these tiny buildings on the margin between the land and the sea.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45They could get blown away but they're bright and cheerful.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- You know, I love that. - They do put a smile on your face.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50- What a backdrop we've got.- They do.
0:21:50 > 0:21:53- With the golden sunshine.- Exactly. - It keeps you snug.
0:21:53 > 0:21:56On some of our summer's days, you know, you want to be in there
0:21:56 > 0:21:57- if the sun doesn't come out.- You do.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00I think that's why the British love them so much.
0:22:00 > 0:22:02Because when the rain comes down, it doesn't matter.
0:22:02 > 0:22:04You spent months on the road
0:22:04 > 0:22:07going on virtually a tour of the coast of England.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11That's right. And I did actually count the beach huts as I went.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15OK, come on. Let's hear it.
0:22:15 > 0:22:19I counted just over 19,000. But I think I missed a few.
0:22:19 > 0:22:23Actually, that's quite a surprisingly low number,
0:22:23 > 0:22:26because there's so much interest in beach huts these days
0:22:26 > 0:22:29that you imagine that there's going to be hundreds of thousands of them.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- I like the brightly painted ones. - So do I.
0:22:32 > 0:22:34- They remind me you of a stick of rock.- They do.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- They put a big smile on your face. - They're so summery, aren't they?
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- Yes.- Even in the winter, they look summery.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42- Yeah, I think that's what it's all about, don't you?- Yep.
0:22:42 > 0:22:44Beach huts aren't just places to relax in,
0:22:44 > 0:22:48they're also highly sought-after pieces of real estate.
0:22:48 > 0:22:50Prices have rocketed in recent years,
0:22:50 > 0:22:55with some in popular locations now selling for well over £100,000.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59So I'm keen to have a look inside a hut and meet some of the owners.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04Christine and Iain, this is the life, isn't it?
0:23:04 > 0:23:09- Just the business.- Sun shining down on us outside your own beach hut.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12What could be better? Well, apart from a chocolate biscuit.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14- There we go.- Do you mind?
0:23:14 > 0:23:15THEY LAUGH
0:23:15 > 0:23:17So, how long have you had this one?
0:23:17 > 0:23:21We've had it six months. We moved to Brighton last October.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24We decided we'd like to retire by the sea.
0:23:24 > 0:23:27And you thought, yep, can't get any closer to the sea than this.
0:23:27 > 0:23:28- That was us.- It's just there.
0:23:28 > 0:23:31I come down when the weather's nice, like this.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33If it's windy then I just sit in the hut.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36Just inside, out of the wind. Otherwise, out here.
0:23:36 > 0:23:40- Sandwiches, food, wine, Champagne...- Oh, lovely.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44- You know, just have a lovely time. - It's no wonder you look so happy.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47- It's a good life. - I've got to try some of this.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49- I've got to try some of this. - You have to.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51So, where's that Champagne then?
0:23:51 > 0:23:54- Coming up. - It's chilling down right now.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05Well, I've got to say, this definitely is the life.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08I've just had a fascinating insight into what life is like
0:24:08 > 0:24:10owning a beach hut.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13And I can honestly say, if I lived anywhere near the coast,
0:24:13 > 0:24:16I would definitely invest in one of these.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19And my dogs, they would absolutely love it.
0:24:27 > 0:24:31As we saw earlier, not all holiday mementos are cheap tourist tat.
0:24:31 > 0:24:34Some, in fact, are serious collectors' pieces.
0:24:34 > 0:24:37There's one high-end souvenir that is a particular favourite of mine.
0:24:37 > 0:24:39Tunbridge ware.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42Over the years we have valued a fair bit of it on the programme
0:24:42 > 0:24:49- and it often fetches memorable prices.- All done at £400.- 400 quid!
0:24:49 > 0:24:52The hammer's gone down, 400 quid, good estimate.
0:24:52 > 0:24:55Tunbridge ware is deserving of the prices it
0:24:55 > 0:24:59achieves as it is a quality antique, handmade by master craftsmen.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04The wooden wares were originally produced as a sideline
0:25:04 > 0:25:07by woodworkers, working in the vicinity of Tunbridge Wells
0:25:07 > 0:25:10to sell to the spa town's visitors.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14Some believe the earliest examples were brought in from London.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17The Tunbridge ware items were a popular souvenir,
0:25:17 > 0:25:20you must think of Tunbridge Wells, the wonderful spa town
0:25:20 > 0:25:26in the 18th and 19th century, the fine folk would go there to take
0:25:26 > 0:25:30the waters, and when you go on holiday you want to bring a souvenir back.
0:25:30 > 0:25:35So they would buy these boxes, caddies,
0:25:35 > 0:25:40and I think there is reference to these things in the books
0:25:40 > 0:25:42and letters of that time,
0:25:42 > 0:25:47talking about the beautiful little boxes, the wondrous boxes.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51The popularity of Tunbridge ware with the tourists who
0:25:51 > 0:25:56flock to the town meant that by the mid-18th-century specialist
0:25:56 > 0:25:58manufacturers had sprung up in the area.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01Over the centuries different techniques were employed
0:26:01 > 0:26:03in the decorating of the wares.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06Early examples were often painted or print decorated.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10But later, the more well-known techniques of marquetry,
0:26:10 > 0:26:14parquetry and mosaic work were adopted with up to 150 different
0:26:14 > 0:26:20varieties of native and exotic woods being used to create glorious pieces of Tunbridge ware.
0:26:20 > 0:26:24Little bit of wood, tulipwood satinwood, boxwood, ebony,
0:26:24 > 0:26:27the most wonderful stringing details in this geometric pattern
0:26:27 > 0:26:29which has been coloured beautifully.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33The craftsmanship and patience to apply this pattern,
0:26:33 > 0:26:37this geometric pattern to both sides of this little calling card box.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40Bearing in mind the level of skill
0:26:40 > 0:26:44and the quality of materials that went into the wares, it is
0:26:44 > 0:26:48not surprising that today they are highly sought after collectables.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52So what should you be aware of if you're looking to acquire a piece?
0:26:52 > 0:26:57My advice is to do your research and look out for good makers' names,
0:26:57 > 0:26:59for example, Robert Russell.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02Our experts have a few words of wisdom, too.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06The most sought after are the wonderful pictorial scenes.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11Make sure it is perfectly intact and there is no bits of veneer missing,
0:27:11 > 0:27:15look for good quality perfect pieces and you won't go wrong.
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Caroline is bang on. When it comes to condition,
0:27:18 > 0:27:22Tunbridge Ware is notoriously difficult and costly to restore.
0:27:22 > 0:27:26It's wise to look for pieces that don't need it.
0:27:26 > 0:27:28- It's so cute, look at that!- I know!
0:27:28 > 0:27:31There are other things to consider, too.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Learn the difference between Tunbridge ware
0:27:34 > 0:27:38from Tunbridge Wells and the Italian copies being made in Sorrento.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41Because they are very similar
0:27:41 > 0:27:43and to the untrained eye they are almost identical.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46But the difference in value is hundreds of pounds per object.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49Work out what your budget is, you might say,
0:27:49 > 0:27:54"I will not collect across the field I might just buy Tunbridge ware stamp boxes."
0:27:54 > 0:27:59You might buy Tunbridge ware dressing table items. The choice is fabulous.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02It depends on how much you have to spend.
0:28:02 > 0:28:08Always keep your eyes open for unusual shapes and designs,
0:28:08 > 0:28:10as they will always hold their value.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20That is it for today's show. I hope you have enjoyed it.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23Join us again soon for more trade secrets!