0:00:02 > 0:00:06I'm in the leafy suburbs of south London. Today school is out
0:00:06 > 0:00:10because our show is coming from Dulwich College. Welcome to Flog It.
0:00:34 > 0:00:38This school, as you would expect, has had many famous pupils
0:00:38 > 0:00:44and its fair share of authors. PG Wodehouse, for example, who created Jeeves and Wooster,
0:00:44 > 0:00:48Raymond Chandler, responsible for the private eye Philip Marlowe,
0:00:48 > 0:00:53and also CS Forester. He wrote the Horatio Hornblower novels.
0:00:53 > 0:01:00So this might be an omen. Maybe today we might find some rare books or some first editions.
0:01:02 > 0:01:08'It's all smiles here in the queue, but what will our experts think of today's items?
0:01:08 > 0:01:15- 'Leading the team is head girl Kate Bateman.' - Is that your sandwiches in there?
0:01:15 > 0:01:18'And head boy Michael Baggott.'
0:01:18 > 0:01:23I have an automatic gold detector in my fingertips.
0:01:23 > 0:01:27'Coming up on today's show, Kate drops a bombshell.'
0:01:27 > 0:01:31- I'd put £60-£100 on that. - As much as that?
0:01:31 > 0:01:34- Oh, you're surprised at that?!- Yes!
0:01:34 > 0:01:41- 'Michael seems to put himself up for auction.'- Things with beards are absolutely irresistible.
0:01:41 > 0:01:46'And I'm all in a spin.' You really do have to trust it.
0:01:46 > 0:01:51It's quite therapeutic in a way! 'Welcome to Flog It!
0:01:52 > 0:01:59'We've got a great turnout today and out crowd have come armed with all manner of antiques.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04'Kate's first valuation is a bit of a family affair.'
0:02:04 > 0:02:08- Janet and Phoebe, hello.- Hello. - You're granddaughter and grandma?
0:02:08 > 0:02:15- That's right.- And what have you brought today for us?- We've brought some of my mum's perfumes.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19- These two she's had since ten years ago.- OK.
0:02:19 > 0:02:25- She bought them on holiday in France.- And this one? - Bought locally at an antiques fair.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28It's part of a larger collection?
0:02:28 > 0:02:34- Yeah, my mum collects. She has about 100 perfume bottles. - Wow!- So she has quite a lot.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38Has she got others like this? why these few?
0:02:38 > 0:02:43She sent these because they are the most unusual ones she's got.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45You've got quite a range.
0:02:45 > 0:02:49There's quite an early one - Georgian, Victorian,
0:02:49 > 0:02:53early 19th century. Hand-blown. I like that it's wobbly glass.
0:02:53 > 0:03:00This great big bubble inside is quite irregular, so you have all the different thicknesses,
0:03:00 > 0:03:07then it's cut, a little silver top. Not a full hallmark, so we can't exactly date it, which is annoying.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11But that's a nice thing. And these two are a bit later.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13Sort of early 20th century.
0:03:13 > 0:03:17- You said she bought them in France. - Yes.
0:03:17 > 0:03:24- Do you know how much she paid? - 10 francs each.- How long ago? 10 years ago?- 10 years ago.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29That wasn't a lot of money then. I think they are continental.
0:03:29 > 0:03:35They look a bit like Venetian glass or something like that, especially with the silvered background to it.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39- Is that not enamel? - Enamel is glass as well,
0:03:39 > 0:03:43so it's an overlay, effectively. You've got a body cover
0:03:43 > 0:03:48and then this is twisted. The back is silvered like a mirror,
0:03:48 > 0:03:51then you put these stripes on top.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54It's a fantastically difficult thing to make.
0:03:54 > 0:04:00And they've all got their little stoppers and the condition's good. They're probably 1920s.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04Price-wise, I was thinking maybe £100-£150.
0:04:04 > 0:04:07For the three. Would she be happy?
0:04:07 > 0:04:13Yes, I don't think that she would want to go lower than 100 as a fixed reserve.
0:04:13 > 0:04:19- OK, put your reserve at 100.- Yes. - And if it doesn't sell, she'll have to try something else.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23But they might go. They'll appeal to collectors.
0:04:23 > 0:04:28- I'm surprised you've not got the collecting bug. Not tempted?- No.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32- Well, thank you for bringing them. Fingers crossed.- Thank you.
0:04:32 > 0:04:39'They might not be Phoebe's bag, but I'm sure they'll catch the eye of someone in the sale room.'
0:04:42 > 0:04:46- Wouldn't be nice if that was a tray of tea and biscuits?- Oh, lovely!
0:04:46 > 0:04:48I'm dying for some myself.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53'There's no time for a tea break. Michael is with Daniel.'
0:04:53 > 0:04:57Daniel, thank you for bringing this lovely box along today.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01We've had a peek, haven't we? You know what's in it, I know.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04- Shall we open it up?- Reveal it.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08Fantastic. Crikey.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Where on Earth did you get this?
0:05:11 > 0:05:17- My mother died in October.- Right. - And I went down and cleared out the flat and this was on the side.
0:05:17 > 0:05:24My sister's having a baby next week, so if I make any money it'll go to my sister's baby.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28Oh, that's marvellous. So we've got this wonderful complete set.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32We've got the mirror, we've got the two hair brushes,
0:05:32 > 0:05:35two clothes brushes and the comb,
0:05:35 > 0:05:42and just to add to it, the little button hook, which would either be for gloves or shoes.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- Hard work, them days. - Very hard work.
0:05:45 > 0:05:52- Well, initially, when I looked at this I thought an Edwardian...- I do love the style.- ..dressing table set.
0:05:52 > 0:05:59It's this wonderful Art Nouveau. Flowing lines, comes in about 1875, 1880.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04And it should go out about 1910, 1915. This is the quirky thing.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07It was made in 1929 and 1930.
0:06:07 > 0:06:12- Wow.- And that's really curious as by then we're well into Art Deco
0:06:12 > 0:06:16and all these sets are very angular, machine-engraved.
0:06:16 > 0:06:21So why they still produced what would be 15 years out of date,
0:06:21 > 0:06:24I can't really think.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26There are upsides and downsides.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31It is this wonderful Art Nouveau style, which is the main thing,
0:06:31 > 0:06:38and it is in silver. The next thing is you've got the mirror, which is the most commercial part of it.
0:06:38 > 0:06:45- There's a little dent there, but it's not initials taken out. - Wear and tear.- Which can happen.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49The only thing is that using other people's brushes
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- is...- Hygiene. - Yes, it's a hygiene thing.
0:06:53 > 0:06:59- If you were to replace each one of these, it would cost far more than the set's worth.- OK.
0:06:59 > 0:07:06- You're really looking at a collector or a dealer that wants the mirror. - And it's all together in its box.
0:07:06 > 0:07:11- Any idea what the value might be? - No, I haven't. Not a clue.
0:07:11 > 0:07:17It looks a lot more valuable than it is. I think at auction
0:07:17 > 0:07:22- we've got to be conscious that it's a style out of date.- Yeah.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- And that it's an item no longer used.- OK.
0:07:25 > 0:07:30- If we put £50-£80 on it.- OK. It could always make more.
0:07:30 > 0:07:35- It could.- If we get collectors... - Well, we hope so.
0:07:35 > 0:07:41- But the mirror should be worth £40. - Wow. So it's really all about... - That's the value of it.
0:07:41 > 0:07:48- Because you can still use it.- Yeah. - But it's a lovely set. We'll keep our fingers crossed.- Thank you.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51'Some sound advice from Michael.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59'Now what will Kate make of Irene's brooch?'
0:07:59 > 0:08:05Irene, you've brought a little bit of the continent to Flog It today. What do you know about this?
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Not a lot, except that I bought it in a table sale.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12- About 10 years ago.- OK. You instantly fell in love with it?
0:08:12 > 0:08:17- I just thought it was interesting. - OK. What did you pay for this item?
0:08:17 > 0:08:20- £3.- £3?- 3.
0:08:20 > 0:08:27I never go to table top sales that have things like this for £3! I'm going to the wrong place.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29What do you know about it?
0:08:29 > 0:08:33Well, I imagine that people used to go on these Grand Tours
0:08:33 > 0:08:36and bring these back as souvenirs?
0:08:36 > 0:08:41Yep. It is, as you can see, the Roman ruins in Rome.
0:08:41 > 0:08:46So it's fantastic. I think the Arch of Constantine is what it's called.
0:08:46 > 0:08:50And all of the various pillars. It's a micro-mosaic,
0:08:50 > 0:08:55which is tiny, tiny pieces of stone or glass - glass in this case -
0:08:55 > 0:08:59that somebody's put together to form this design.
0:08:59 > 0:09:05Then you've got an ebonised surround and then metal, which was probably gilt originally.
0:09:05 > 0:09:10It's probably late Victorian, so you're right about the Grand Tour.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14The Victorians had a newly-emerging rich middle class
0:09:14 > 0:09:19and they sent their young men off to do a Grand Tour round Europe and they got souvenirs.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24So it's about 100 years old, I would have thought. The work is amazing.
0:09:24 > 0:09:31- You obviously liked it. Did you wear it?- It's too heavy. - Right. Quite a practical reason.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- You're quite happy to sell it?- Yes, I am.- OK. It cost you how much?- £3.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40I'll give you a fiver right now! Let's do it.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- Would you take that offer? - No, I'd like a bit more.
0:09:44 > 0:09:51I think at auction you're right to hold out. I would have thought about £50-£80.
0:09:51 > 0:09:57They are very collectable and we see a lot of worse quality ones with bigger pieces
0:09:57 > 0:10:02and they're a bit clunky. This is beautiful. I can't see any damage.
0:10:02 > 0:10:07Maybe a few tiny pieces lost, but otherwise it's really good.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11So estimate £50-£80. Would you want a reserve?
0:10:11 > 0:10:16- I think so, yes.- We put it below the estimate, so a £40 reserve?- Right.
0:10:16 > 0:10:22- With the estimate at £50-£80. And we'll make it a fixed reserve. - All right, then.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26- You're happy to give it a go? - Yes, I am.- OK.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30- Fingers crossed it will go.- Good. - Thank you for bringing it in.
0:10:30 > 0:10:35'It's hard to believe Irene picked that brooch up from a table-top sale.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39'I can't wait to see whether it makes Kate's estimate.'
0:10:39 > 0:10:46Three items ready to go off to auction. I've got my favourites and you've probably got yours.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50But it doesn't matter what we think. It's all down to the bidders.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54So let's get over and put the valuations to the test.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58Here's our experts with a reminder of what's going under the hammer.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02Phoebe's mum has decided to part with a small part of her collection.
0:11:02 > 0:11:07Let's hope another scent bottle collector falls in love with them.
0:11:07 > 0:11:12We all see a lot of these dressing table sets on Flog It,
0:11:12 > 0:11:18but the design of this one is so nice, it'll be interesting to see how it does.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22Think of all the work that's gone into this micro-mosaic brooch.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27I would love to buy this, but hopefully a collector will go for it.
0:11:27 > 0:11:34'We'll find out soon. Those three items are about to go under the hammer.'
0:11:34 > 0:11:38This is where it gets exciting. This is auction time.
0:11:38 > 0:11:45Today we're at the Greenwich Auction Rooms, a bright red building that is absolutely vast inside.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49Just take a look at that. The room is now filling up.
0:11:49 > 0:11:53In a moment, the auction will start and anything can happen.
0:11:53 > 0:11:59Our lots may fly away or they might just sink. Who knows? Stay tuned and you'll find out.
0:12:01 > 0:12:07'On preview day, I met auctioneer Robert Dodd. He split the perfume bottles into individual lots
0:12:07 > 0:12:10'and had more news to tell.'
0:12:10 > 0:12:15Janet's perfume bottles. We've got three, but I can only see two.
0:12:15 > 0:12:20- What's happened?- After they were brought into the auction room,
0:12:20 > 0:12:25I spoke to each of the vendors and the young lady, on the telephone,
0:12:25 > 0:12:29ummed and ahhed whether or not to keep one of them.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33And my view was, if she likes it, keep it.
0:12:33 > 0:12:38- Of course. It makes her happy. - However, I'm hoping
0:12:38 > 0:12:44that when she does decide to sell it, she can bring it down. That was a stunning little perfume bottle.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- I wouldn't have sold it!- No.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50I think she's kept the best one.
0:12:50 > 0:12:56Knowing you were going to split them into three lots, it was easier for her to withdraw that one.
0:12:56 > 0:13:03We did have a valuation on all three, before you split them up, at £100-£150.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07Are you still sticking to that or has that been reduced?
0:13:07 > 0:13:11I haven't reduced the reserve. I've said to the young lady
0:13:11 > 0:13:14that I will keep the £100 reserve
0:13:14 > 0:13:19and I hopefully will go a little bit above it. Who knows?
0:13:19 > 0:13:23Having the two separate lots, they're two completely different eras.
0:13:23 > 0:13:27This... It's probably Georgian.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31Nice silver top, original stopper.
0:13:31 > 0:13:38- Yeah. They fit perfectly. - You've got people who collect Georgian glass, Georgian silver.
0:13:38 > 0:13:43And the other one, to me, that to me is '30s.
0:13:43 > 0:13:49So anyone with the Deco period, anyone who likes a pattern is going to go for it.
0:13:49 > 0:13:56- That's why I've separated them and I hope to get as much money as I can for them.- Good luck.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00'We'll see if Robert's tactics pay off any minute now.
0:14:01 > 0:14:07'Robert's also tweaked the estimates on all our other items to give them the best chance.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12'So here goes with those perfume bottles.'
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- We've got Janet and...- Charlotte. - We didn't see you on the day.
0:14:17 > 0:14:21We had three perfume bottles as a total valuation.
0:14:21 > 0:14:27- You've decided to withdraw the best one. The auctioneer said it was the best one.- Yes.
0:14:27 > 0:14:33- He's kept the reserve on the last two at £100. He's confident they'll do that.- I hope he's right.
0:14:33 > 0:14:39I would have valued it differently for just the two. We'll see if he's right.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42They're going under the hammer now.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Your next lot is Lot 495, the first of two.
0:14:48 > 0:14:54The first one is the Art Deco period hand-blown glass pocket perfume bottle
0:14:54 > 0:14:58and start with a bid with me of £35.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02Looking for 38. It's absolutely stunning.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06I've got 35, looking for 38. 40. 2, I'm out.
0:15:06 > 0:15:12Looking for 45. I've got 42 at the back. Looking for 45. Are we all done?
0:15:12 > 0:15:15Last time. Selling at £42!
0:15:15 > 0:15:20Sold it. The next one I prefer. I like the next one.
0:15:22 > 0:15:29Lot 496. This is a late-18th, early 19th-century Georgian cut-glass perfume bottle.
0:15:29 > 0:15:34And it's got to start with a bid with me of £62.
0:15:34 > 0:15:3864. 6 with me. Looking for 68.
0:15:38 > 0:15:44I've got 66, looking for 68. Are you all done? Last time on this bottle.
0:15:44 > 0:15:46- At £66...!- Yes!
0:15:46 > 0:15:50- So that's £108. It's done it. - Good.- Just.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53- That just sneaked it in.- Just.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56- And you kept the one you liked. - I couldn't give it up.
0:15:56 > 0:16:02'What a great result. £108 for just two bottles
0:16:02 > 0:16:04'and Janet keeps her favourite.
0:16:06 > 0:16:13'Now remember Irene's unusual brooch that Kate loved so much? Well, that's up next.'
0:16:13 > 0:16:19- I think this is a nice brooch. - Such a beautiful thing.- Quality. - I'd buy it. It's beautiful.- It is.
0:16:19 > 0:16:24Good luck. It's going under the hammer right now.
0:16:25 > 0:16:32Lot 340 is the late-19th, early-20th century micro-mosaic brooch.
0:16:32 > 0:16:39Absolutely stunning piece of work. And it's got to start with a bid with me of £45.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- Looking for 50.- Come on.- 50.
0:16:43 > 0:16:4655. 60. 5. 70.
0:16:46 > 0:16:495. 80. 5.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52£90. I am out. Looking for 95.
0:16:52 > 0:16:5795 with the hand. 100 seated. Looking for 110.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00£110 standing.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02I've seen ya! 120.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04130 I need, madam.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09- £120 seated... - Carry on, madam. Keep bidding.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12130, new place. 140 seated.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16150 standing. 160 there. Looking for 170.
0:17:16 > 0:17:22- Are we all done? Seated. Last time at £160.- £160!
0:17:22 > 0:17:28- That was a great result. It was such good quality. Well done. - Thank you for bringing it in.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32'That's a brilliant return on the £3 Irene spent on it.
0:17:32 > 0:17:36'Now how will Daniel get on with that mirror and brush set?'
0:17:36 > 0:17:43- Why are you selling these? - I'm giving the money to my sister for the baby. She's overdue!
0:17:43 > 0:17:48- Any minute now?- Could be right now! - Congratulations.- Thank you. - Uncle Daniel.
0:17:48 > 0:17:55- Let's hope we get the top end. - They're not the most popular things. - No.- Pressure with the baby, though!
0:17:55 > 0:17:59- Not a lot of silver on them, either. - You can't scrap them for weight!
0:17:59 > 0:18:03It's Art Nouveau style but in the Art Deco period,
0:18:03 > 0:18:10- so maybe someone will buy them because they're quirky. - And they look good. Good luck.
0:18:12 > 0:18:18Lot 295 is the six-piece hallmarked silver Art Nouveau-style vanity set.
0:18:18 > 0:18:21The bid's with me at £38 only.
0:18:21 > 0:18:2642. 5. 8. 50, I'm out. 5 I need. 55. 60.
0:18:26 > 0:18:28- It's sold.- Like lightning.
0:18:28 > 0:18:3165 there. Looking for 70.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34£70 there. 75.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- Go on!- Yes, have some of that! - Have it!
0:18:38 > 0:18:42I've got 85, standing. £90, new place. Looking for 95.
0:18:42 > 0:18:45Are we all done? At 90, are you sure?
0:18:45 > 0:18:48At £90 on my right...!
0:18:48 > 0:18:52- Yes!- 90 quid! One happy man.- Yeah.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55One happy sister!
0:18:55 > 0:19:02'Three great Flog It sales so far and we'll be back later on with more items to go under the hammer.
0:19:03 > 0:19:10'Whilst I was in the area, I took some time out to visit one of the most cutting-edge museums in London.
0:19:21 > 0:19:28Design affects us all every second of the day, from the buildings that surround us,
0:19:28 > 0:19:32to the cars we drive, to the clothes that we wear.
0:19:32 > 0:19:38We often talk about good design and bad design, but what is good design? How do you define it?
0:19:38 > 0:19:45Well, I've come to Butler's Wharf to learn a little bit more about the world of contemporary design.
0:19:45 > 0:19:50'The Design Museum was founded by Sir Terence Conran back in 1982.
0:19:50 > 0:19:55'It was originally housed in the basement of the V&A Museum,
0:19:55 > 0:20:03'but by 1989 the exhibition had outgrown its space and moved to its new home here on the South Bank.'
0:20:03 > 0:20:09It was built in 1955 and back then this whole area was packed with warehouses containing tea,
0:20:09 > 0:20:15spices and fruit, ready to be offloaded onto the river boats to be distributed elsewhere.
0:20:15 > 0:20:19It's hard to believe that this building was a banana warehouse.
0:20:22 > 0:20:27'The area went into decline when the last warehouse shut in 1972
0:20:27 > 0:20:33'but it's since been regenerated and the old warehouses have been converted into striking flats,
0:20:33 > 0:20:35'restaurants and shops.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39'The old cobbled streets here really give a sense of history.
0:20:39 > 0:20:46'It's a fantastic blend of old and new and a very fitting place to house a museum dedicated to design.'
0:20:46 > 0:20:52As well as being visited by design students and tourists, it's also a port of call for manufacturers.
0:20:52 > 0:20:57They like to come here to see what's hot in the world of design.
0:20:57 > 0:21:01It is cutting edge, so they get inspiration for product design.
0:21:01 > 0:21:07The museum has a very important role in influencing what objects are going to look like in the future.
0:21:07 > 0:21:14There are many exhibitions every year featuring contemporary designs from all around the world,
0:21:14 > 0:21:18from graphics to architecture, fashion and product design.
0:21:22 > 0:21:28'What's great about the exhibits is they are not just the weird and wonderful,
0:21:28 > 0:21:34'they're everyday objects, too, making us question the design of things we take for granted.'
0:21:36 > 0:21:40Everything here has been planned with detail and design in mind -
0:21:40 > 0:21:45these clean, sharp lines, that severity of surface, so pleasing to look at,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48wallpaper designed by graphic designer Wim Crouwel,
0:21:48 > 0:21:54also the wastepaper bins to put a smile on your face, designed by British fashion icon Paul Smith.
0:21:57 > 0:22:02'But I'm really here to check out the Designs of the Year exhibition.
0:22:02 > 0:22:08'It's been described as the Oscars of the design world and features the most forward-thinking designs
0:22:08 > 0:22:10'from the previous 12 months.
0:22:10 > 0:22:14'Josephine Chanter from the museum has promised to show me around.'
0:22:14 > 0:22:17- Welcome to the museum. - Can I have a go on that?- Do.
0:22:17 > 0:22:21That looks a lot of fun. It's very sculptural-looking.
0:22:21 > 0:22:25- Yes, when it stands up, you wouldn't know it's a chair.- What's it called?
0:22:25 > 0:22:27It's called Spun Chair.
0:22:27 > 0:22:30You really do have to trust it, don't you?
0:22:30 > 0:22:33It's quite therapeutic in a way.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35But bags and bags of fun.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39- It's made of plastic. Is that an injection mould?- Yes.
0:22:39 > 0:22:45The little bits of plastic are put into the machine, then spun to make this shell of a form.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47This is made by Heatherwick Studios
0:22:47 > 0:22:52and it works sort of as a sculptural form,
0:22:52 > 0:22:58but it's a chair as well. At first glance, people don't know what it is which is part of its charm.
0:22:58 > 0:23:03I envy you because you're surrounded by the best quality design in the world.
0:23:03 > 0:23:09Do you go home and question what's in your kitchen, the cutlery, the bookshelves? It's endless, isn't it?
0:23:09 > 0:23:13I think it does make you look at things closer which is important.
0:23:13 > 0:23:19At the Design Museum, we try and make people more informed consumers, so you buy better.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23And good design never dates because it's good.
0:23:23 > 0:23:29We exhibit things here that can be 100 years old, but they look like they were made yesterday.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34How does the exhibition work? Who gets to pick what comes in here? That's a tough job.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38For this exhibition we have a team of international spotters
0:23:38 > 0:23:42who have to select what they think are the top designs from last year,
0:23:42 > 0:23:45then our curator looks at that very long list
0:23:45 > 0:23:49and tries to make an exhibition and select what are the best.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53That is a great start. Can we look at a few other things? You choose
0:23:53 > 0:24:00because everything in here is vying for my attention and I'm getting confused, so you lead the way.
0:24:06 > 0:24:12So I gather these light bulbs won this year's Design Award.
0:24:12 > 0:24:18That's right. Out of all the exhibits, all the entries, it was the humble light bulb that won the day.
0:24:18 > 0:24:25- Less is best.- Absolutely. This was Samuel Wilkinson, a British designer, with a company called Hulger.
0:24:25 > 0:24:31What is so special about them? At the end of the day, they are just light bulbs.
0:24:31 > 0:24:36We've all had to convert to low-energy light bulbs and they're really, really ugly.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40We put them in our lamps and they're really unattractive.
0:24:40 > 0:24:46- What's lovely about these is not only are they attractive in themselves... - You don't need a lampshade.- No.
0:24:46 > 0:24:53- They put a lot of time and effort into getting a really lovely quality of light.- Yeah. It's a whiter light.
0:24:53 > 0:24:58They've worked to give a really good luminescence, so they beautifully light a room.
0:24:58 > 0:25:04They're really gorgeous. It turns a light bulb from being an everyday commodity into a real design object.
0:25:04 > 0:25:05Yeah.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19So, Paul, this is the YikeBike.
0:25:19 > 0:25:21Oh, gosh! Why is it called a YikeBike?
0:25:21 > 0:25:25I think probably because it's going to make you go, "Yikes!"
0:25:25 > 0:25:30- I've seen a design like this before. It's the penny-farthing, isn't it?- It is.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33It's an electric penny-farthing.
0:25:33 > 0:25:38It's the lightest and smallest electric bike available on the market.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41- Is that it folded up? - It folds up small.
0:25:41 > 0:25:45So you can carry it around, it's completely portable.
0:25:45 > 0:25:51And then you unfold it into this quite unusual bike formation.
0:25:51 > 0:25:55So all your front is exposed as you're sitting on that?
0:25:55 > 0:25:58You're facing forward with the handlebars behind you?
0:25:58 > 0:26:04Absolutely. You're sitting on the seat and your hands are by the side of you, instead of in front.
0:26:04 > 0:26:09Most electric bicycles are basically just bicycles with an electric motor.
0:26:09 > 0:26:16Someone here has really thought about how can I get around in a city environment quickly,
0:26:16 > 0:26:18efficiently
0:26:18 > 0:26:20and hopefully safely?
0:26:20 > 0:26:26- Have you been on this? - No, but where it was invented in New Zealand, they're quite popular.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28Yikes!
0:26:31 > 0:26:36What I love about the exhibition is it's so interactive.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39It gives people the opportunity to enjoy design,
0:26:39 > 0:26:44something which is very much at the heart of the museum's philosophy.
0:26:44 > 0:26:50This exhibition runs until August 2011, but there's always something new at the Design Museum.
0:26:50 > 0:26:55One thing that really strikes me about my visit here today at the Design Museum
0:26:55 > 0:26:58is how the old has influenced the new
0:26:58 > 0:27:04and how looking backwards is just as important as looking forward when it comes to good design.
0:27:04 > 0:27:10I'll go home and question the things I've surrounded myself with because a lot of them aren't good design.
0:27:10 > 0:27:14I hope it's inspired you to question what you've surrounded yourself with
0:27:14 > 0:27:17and the next time you want to buy something,
0:27:17 > 0:27:21put some of the principles we've talked about today into practice.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32We're back at our valuation day at Dulwich College with Kate,
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Michael and the rest of the Flog It team.
0:27:39 > 0:27:45Tony is at Michael's table and he wants to find out more about his family heirloom.
0:27:45 > 0:27:49Thank you for bringing in this curious box.
0:27:49 > 0:27:53I think we might be able to guess what it is before we open it.
0:27:53 > 0:27:56What a magnificent meerschaum pipe!
0:27:57 > 0:27:59Look at that handsome fellow.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Absolutely wonderful.
0:28:02 > 0:28:08- Where did it come from? - It was my grandad's and my dad passed it to me when he passed away.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11- Did your grandfather used to smoke it?- Yeah, I think so.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15Good grief! When would he have had it about? What time?
0:28:15 > 0:28:19I couldn't honestly tell you. I was a babe in arms when he...
0:28:19 > 0:28:24- Might it be 1900? Might that be going back to... - Possibly about then.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28We have a little silver collar as we do with the best meerschaum.
0:28:28 > 0:28:32And it's got the marks for Birmingham around 1895.
0:28:32 > 0:28:37They're a little bit discoloured. I can't exactly make them out.
0:28:37 > 0:28:41But that would tie in perfectly with the style of the pipe and the box.
0:28:41 > 0:28:46And you've just got this fantastic capped and bearded gentleman.
0:28:46 > 0:28:53When these were made and carved out of this very soft meerschaum stone that you find in Germany,
0:28:53 > 0:28:55they were white.
0:28:55 > 0:28:59The reason they were used for pipe bowls
0:28:59 > 0:29:01is as you smoked through them,
0:29:01 > 0:29:06they acquired this wonderful colour, this almost amber glow to them
0:29:06 > 0:29:09and it's just absolutely wonderful condition,
0:29:09 > 0:29:15the only problem being at some point someone's bit the amber mouthpiece off which is a bit of a shame.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18But it's still a super thing.
0:29:18 > 0:29:22I mean, it is a pipe and thankfully, pipes haven't been affected
0:29:22 > 0:29:26as people have moved away from smoking and smoking paraphernalia.
0:29:26 > 0:29:29They are little works of art in their own right.
0:29:29 > 0:29:36- And you can just see by the quality of the carving that it's just wonderful, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:29:36 > 0:29:41I think it's the sort of pipe that really deserves to be in one of the best collections.
0:29:41 > 0:29:46Value is always difficult when it's a bearded gentleman,
0:29:46 > 0:29:49not the most popular, not the most commercial.
0:29:49 > 0:29:56Pretty young girls are what people want or figures or examples with scenes carved round them.
0:29:56 > 0:30:02Those are the very valuable meerschaums and they make between £400, £500, £600, £700, £800.
0:30:02 > 0:30:09The other end of the scale is just a plain meerschaum with a little bit of carving - £30, £40.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13You're somewhere in the middle with this. Any idea of the value then?
0:30:13 > 0:30:15No, not really.
0:30:15 > 0:30:19I think bearing that damage in mind which is expensive to put right,
0:30:19 > 0:30:22let's put £60 to £100 on it,
0:30:22 > 0:30:27put a fixed reserve of £60, and that will get the pipe collectors interested,
0:30:27 > 0:30:31- and hopefully, we'll go above that top figure on a good day.- OK.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35- So if you're happy to put it into the auction...?- Yeah.
0:30:35 > 0:30:40- We'll do that and fingers crossed, it does really well. Thanks very much.- Thank you.
0:30:40 > 0:30:45It's not often you see three bearded men around one of our valuation tables.
0:30:45 > 0:30:49We'll find out later what the bidders think.
0:30:49 > 0:30:53Next up, Carol's brought in some Chinese porcelain.
0:30:53 > 0:30:58Carol, you've brought in some dinky little Chinese pots. What do you know about them?
0:30:58 > 0:31:03Well, my aunt who's in her 80s remembers them being on the mantelpiece
0:31:03 > 0:31:06- of her aunt's when she was a child. - OK.
0:31:06 > 0:31:12We can have a quick look on the bottom and it will tell us a bit more about it, hopefully.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16This mark on the bottom is a four-character Chinese mark
0:31:16 > 0:31:20and this is for Kangxi, which is quite an early date.
0:31:20 > 0:31:26What we often find with Chinese porcelain is that they're not the right date for the mark,
0:31:26 > 0:31:30so this is marked for Kangxi, but probably not the period of Kangxi.
0:31:30 > 0:31:33So it's not 1650, 1700, something like that.
0:31:33 > 0:31:39It's probably a bit later and the mark is more like a homage to say this is in the style of Kangxi.
0:31:39 > 0:31:44- But they are beautifully painted. Do you like them? - Yeah, I like the bats.
0:31:44 > 0:31:49Oh, I see, yes, we've got bats. If we turn them round, we've got bats here.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51And on the front, we've got scholars.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54I think she's writing, and ladies there...
0:31:54 > 0:31:59These handles are really sweet. This is what's called a Ruyi sceptre end.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02It's just another part of Chinese mythology.
0:32:02 > 0:32:07A lot of the mortals hold this as a staff with this type of end, but it's really pretty.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11They are also slightly different shapes and sizes and colours.
0:32:11 > 0:32:16Yeah, that one's slightly bigger and this one, the figures are slightly darker.
0:32:16 > 0:32:21This is a dark cobalt blue, this one is paler and has a larger rim,
0:32:21 > 0:32:27but they've been made or used as a pair as they have the same handles and they're both marked the same.
0:32:27 > 0:32:32- If you're thinking of selling them, any ideas price-wise?- Not at all.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36These aren't the most exceptional vases and there's a tiny chip
0:32:36 > 0:32:40and a few hairline cracks in it, but they are quite sweet.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44Having a very cautious estimate, I personally would put £60 to £100 on them.
0:32:44 > 0:32:49- As much as that?- You're surprised at that? That's always a good sign.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52Excellent. What about a reserve of maybe £40?
0:32:52 > 0:32:58- Yeah.- Estimate of 60 to 100.- Yeah. - And see what happens cos they are rather nice.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01We can't tell if they're right in terms of period,
0:33:01 > 0:33:05but the experts will look and see if they like them.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08- Yeah, that sounds good. - We'll give them a go.- Yeah.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12- Let's flog it!- Yeah.- Thank you.
0:33:12 > 0:33:18Kate was being cautious there, so let's hope they make even more in the saleroom.
0:33:18 > 0:33:23There's time for one more item from Dulwich and it's a pretty bracelet that belongs to Jean.
0:33:23 > 0:33:29Jean, I feel like Midas today because you've brought this wonderful bracelet in.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32Before I tell you anything about it, where did it come from?
0:33:32 > 0:33:38It was given to me about 10 or 15 years ago by an elderly gentleman who I worked for.
0:33:38 > 0:33:42- Did you think that's a lovely thing? - I thought it was very unusual.
0:33:42 > 0:33:46But the first thing one does is try it on and it didn't fit.
0:33:46 > 0:33:52It would have done 50 years ago, but it didn't then, so I've never worn it actually.
0:33:52 > 0:33:58- Being well-proportioned myself, you have to have a very slender wrist to put that on.- Yes.
0:33:58 > 0:34:02- We've had a look all the way round and there isn't a mark on it.- No.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06- It falls into this category of Victorian jewellery.- Oh, right.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10And a large proportion of Victorian jewellery isn't marked.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14It was most unusual to get full sets of hallmarks
0:34:14 > 0:34:19- in the 1850s onwards up to about 1900, 1920.- Yeah.
0:34:19 > 0:34:23- This is all hollow.- I thought it might be for the weight of it.
0:34:23 > 0:34:29- It doesn't feel very heavy. - It's very light. Then you've got this very fine engraving on the top.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32- This is tremendously intricate work. - Yeah.
0:34:32 > 0:34:36Having said that, it has got its faults
0:34:36 > 0:34:38and it's been repaired there.
0:34:38 > 0:34:40I've had it repaired myself.
0:34:40 > 0:34:46There was already one repair on one part and when I had it, this part was broken away.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50- So you've had that done? - I had that done, yes.
0:34:50 > 0:34:55- There's another repair on the inside here.- That was already done when it was given to me.
0:34:55 > 0:35:00What happens, if you get a break in these hollow bangles or a dent,
0:35:00 > 0:35:04sometimes the only way to get it out is with pressurised air.
0:35:04 > 0:35:09- So you have to make a little hole, blow the dent out and that leaves a small hole.- Yeah.
0:35:09 > 0:35:15- It's not the most commercial thing in the world now. - No, it wouldn't be.
0:35:15 > 0:35:22- So I'm afraid the value is rather down to the gold weight.- Yeah, that's what I thought, actually.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26We haven't tested it. It could be 12-carat, it could be 15-carat.
0:35:26 > 0:35:30- But for the purposes of valuation, I'm going to assume it's 9.- Right.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33A lot of this jewellery was made in 9-carat
0:35:33 > 0:35:37and it was either dipped in acid or plated with a higher carat gold
0:35:37 > 0:35:40to give it this very yellow finish.
0:35:40 > 0:35:45- I see.- In terms of date here, I think we're about 1870, 1880.
0:35:45 > 0:35:48Yeah, I understood that, actually.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52Value... Any idea of value, hopes for value?
0:35:52 > 0:35:54Well, 100?
0:35:54 > 0:35:58£100 is spot-on. We're dealing with its bullion value.
0:35:58 > 0:36:00If we put it into auction at £80 to £120...
0:36:00 > 0:36:03A bit of a cliche, but there it is.
0:36:03 > 0:36:07And put a fixed reserve of £80 because that is the gold weight.
0:36:07 > 0:36:12- Yeah, that's fine.- It deserves to make that. It will make that.
0:36:12 > 0:36:18- If the price of gold goes up towards the end... Who knows, on the day, maybe 100?- Well, there you go.
0:36:18 > 0:36:23- Thank you so much for bringing it in.- That's very interesting. Thank you.- Thank you.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27Now, before we take our items to auction,
0:36:27 > 0:36:32let's have a quick reminder of why the experts rate the objects they've picked.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34What a magnificent pipe!
0:36:34 > 0:36:40Well, here's one bearded gentleman the saleroom won't be able to resist.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43This is a really nice, decorative pair of Kangxi vases
0:36:43 > 0:36:46and they're a bargain at £60 or £70.
0:36:46 > 0:36:50Hopefully, somebody else will go for them at the auction.
0:36:50 > 0:36:55Even with scrap prices so high, I hope this appeals to a private buyer
0:36:55 > 0:36:58and they take it home and wear it.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03'We're back at Greenwich Auctions in South London.
0:37:03 > 0:37:09'On the sale preview day, I wanted to see what auctioneer Robert Dodd thought of that bracelet.'
0:37:09 > 0:37:13Jean's gold bracelet - we got a value of £80 to £120 on this.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15We assume it's 9-carat gold.
0:37:16 > 0:37:18I like this.
0:37:18 > 0:37:22I think this is a stand-alone piece of jewellery
0:37:22 > 0:37:27and I wouldn't ever want to sell this to be scrapped.
0:37:27 > 0:37:32- No.- I haven't got a clue what the scroll and the twist means. I tried to find out.
0:37:32 > 0:37:36- But as a piece of jewellery... - It's caught your eye.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40Yeah, it did as a stand-alone piece. We've tested it.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44We've tested this to be 18-carat.
0:37:44 > 0:37:47It's 18? So we should be doubling our money?
0:37:47 > 0:37:51I've put an estimate on this of £150 to £180.
0:37:51 > 0:37:56- Great.- And the reserve will stay as it is.- Yes, cos the vendor's happy.
0:37:56 > 0:38:01- It's going to go above the reserve, but I've gone for 150 to 180.- Lovely.
0:38:01 > 0:38:05- That's what we like to see - another little surprise.- We hope.
0:38:05 > 0:38:11'That's great news for Jean. Find out in a moment if my prediction is right and she doubles her money.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15'But first, Tony's pipe is about to go under the hammer.'
0:38:15 > 0:38:20The meerschaum pipe, late 19th century, in its original case, £60 to £100.
0:38:20 > 0:38:26Valued by Michael. And it is, of course, a gentleman with a beard if you look at that pipe. And...
0:38:26 > 0:38:28Something's missing!
0:38:29 > 0:38:33- You're the odd one out, Paul. - Exactly, yes.
0:38:33 > 0:38:39Things with beards in salerooms are irresistible, so people will put their hands in the air for this.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43- Why are you selling this? - It's sitting around doing nothing.
0:38:43 > 0:38:47- Where did it come from?- It was one of Dad's things from his father.
0:38:47 > 0:38:50- Did he collect then? - No, he was just a hoarder.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55It's a lovely example, bit of damage, but these things used to fetch good money.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58They used to be £300 or £400, but those days have gone.
0:38:58 > 0:39:04The damage held me back, but I hope someone will see it and think it's a really fine quality carving.
0:39:04 > 0:39:11- And it's a bearded gentleman, so I've got to have it!- Let's find out what the bidders think right now.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18Lot 60 is the late 19th century, large meerschaum pipe
0:39:18 > 0:39:20with a bearded gentleman.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23Absolutely stunning pipe, this. Great example...
0:39:23 > 0:39:26I love the way Robert sells things.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Poetry!
0:39:28 > 0:39:31Looking for 55 on this pipe. It's worth all of that.
0:39:31 > 0:39:3455. 58. £60, I'm out.
0:39:34 > 0:39:38Looking for 65. I've got 60. I'm looking for 65.
0:39:38 > 0:39:42- Are we all done?- He's selling, isn't he?- Yes.- Selling the pipe at £60...
0:39:42 > 0:39:45- It's sold - £60. - That's all right.- Happy?- Yeah.
0:39:45 > 0:39:50- It's better than losing it somewhere in the house.- Definitely, yeah.
0:39:50 > 0:39:53- Thanks for bringing it in. - Thank you.
0:39:53 > 0:39:59'Right on the reserve. That was close. Now it's Carol's two Chinese porcelain vases.'
0:39:59 > 0:40:02£60 to £80, maybe a bit more?
0:40:02 > 0:40:05There's a tiny chip or two on them, but they're fine.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08- Not quite a pair.- A near pair.
0:40:08 > 0:40:12If you had them at either end of the mantelpiece, you wouldn't notice.
0:40:12 > 0:40:17Yes, it wasn't until we looked at them closely that we realised they weren't a pair.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21Good luck. Let's find out what the bidders think. Here we go.
0:40:22 > 0:40:28Lot 240, two 19th century, blue and white, classic design vases.
0:40:28 > 0:40:32Lovely little lot. The bid's with me at £32.
0:40:32 > 0:40:37Looking for 35 on these. They're worth all of that. I've got 35.
0:40:37 > 0:40:3935, I'm out. Looking for 38.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42I've got £35 at the back of the room. Are we all done?
0:40:42 > 0:40:44- He's struggling.- Yes.
0:40:44 > 0:40:47At £35... Not sold.
0:40:47 > 0:40:51- Oh, well...- The good news is Kate put a fixed reserve on that,
0:40:51 > 0:40:55so we haven't given them away. They're going home.
0:40:55 > 0:41:01Enjoy them. If you do decide to sell them, do it in six months' or a year's time.
0:41:01 > 0:41:06- Don't put them straight back on the market. Have you had a good day? - We've had a good day.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10- It's been a good Flog It experience. - Yes. Thanks very much.- Thank you.
0:41:10 > 0:41:16'Auctions really are full of highs and lows. I hope Carol gets a great price next time.
0:41:16 > 0:41:22'Now it's time for our final item, that gold bracelet that caught auctioneer Robert's eye.'
0:41:22 > 0:41:26Jean, we had a chat to the auctioneer about your bracelet.
0:41:26 > 0:41:32Michael, he said 18-carat gold. He thinks it's going to double that estimate.
0:41:32 > 0:41:38- On the day, I thought it might be 9 or 12-carat gold.- You weren't sure.- We couldn't test it.- No.
0:41:38 > 0:41:44- If he's had time to test it...- It wasn't marked either.- ..weigh it and it comes out at that, that's fine.
0:41:44 > 0:41:49That's a bonus for everybody. Let's find out what the bidders think. Good luck.
0:41:51 > 0:41:55Lot 550, really nice lot. It's an 18-carat gold bangle
0:41:55 > 0:41:59with a scroll and twist design, foliage relief.
0:41:59 > 0:42:04And it's got to start with a bid with me of £80 only on this.
0:42:04 > 0:42:07- Straight in.- Yeah. - Looking for 85. 85. £90.
0:42:07 > 0:42:1195. 100. And 10.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13120. 130. 140.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15- Wow!- 150, I'm out.
0:42:15 > 0:42:20Looking for 160... 160 there. 170.
0:42:20 > 0:42:23180 I need. 180 there then.
0:42:23 > 0:42:27190 at the back of the room. £200 I want.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31£200 I've got. Looking for 210. Are we all done?
0:42:31 > 0:42:35Front of the room at £200 on this bracelet...
0:42:35 > 0:42:37- Top money, Jean!- Great, lovely.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41- I think someone has bought that to wear it.- Yes.- That's great.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44- I'm pleased.- We're all happy. Job done.
0:42:44 > 0:42:50'What a super result for Jean! It even went for more than Robert's estimate.'
0:42:50 > 0:42:54That's it for another day. It's all over for our owners.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57The auction is still going on, but that was fast and furious.
0:42:57 > 0:43:03All credit to our experts, but also to that man on the rostrum - Robert Dodd.
0:43:03 > 0:43:08He sold our items with verve, passion and enthusiasm and at the speed of light.
0:43:08 > 0:43:14Not only has he done our lots, but he's done 600 lots here today. Where does he get his energy from?
0:43:14 > 0:43:18I need a rest, but he needs a well-earned rest. See you next time.
0:43:36 > 0:43:40Subtitles by Subtext for Red Bee Media Ltd 2011
0:43:40 > 0:43:43Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk