0:00:07 > 0:00:10Today, we're in Leicester, a vibrant, multicultural city
0:00:10 > 0:00:12in the heart of the East Midlands.
0:00:12 > 0:00:15It's the birthplace of legendary footballer Gary Lineker
0:00:15 > 0:00:17and controversial playwright Joe Orton.
0:00:17 > 0:00:20It's also the place where the remains of one of history's
0:00:20 > 0:00:22most famous kings was discovered.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24Let's hope our experts can measure up to the great
0:00:24 > 0:00:26and the good of this city.
0:00:26 > 0:00:27Welcome to "Flog It!".
0:00:48 > 0:00:52King Richard III was killed in battle in Leicestershire in 1485.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56It has since been a mystery as to where he was laid to rest...
0:00:56 > 0:00:59until 2012, when archaeologists began excavating
0:00:59 > 0:01:01beneath a car park in Leicester.
0:01:01 > 0:01:03Human remains were unearthed
0:01:03 > 0:01:07which were later confirmed as those of King Richard.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10Leicester has claimed Richard III as one of their own.
0:01:11 > 0:01:14Imagine if we had a royal relic through the door today.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18Here at De Montfort Hall, we've already got an impressive turnout.
0:01:18 > 0:01:20The more people, the more antiques we see,
0:01:20 > 0:01:24and the greater chance of finding something special.
0:01:24 > 0:01:28And scouring the crowds today are our very own regal couple,
0:01:28 > 0:01:29experts Thomas Plant...
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- Do these work?- Yes.- Look at those.
0:01:32 > 0:01:34..and Catherine Southon.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37- Lovely. And you're "Hottie", are you?- Was!
0:01:37 > 0:01:38LAUGHTER
0:01:38 > 0:01:42They are on a mission to find antiques unusual, intriguing
0:01:42 > 0:01:43and priceless.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45Basically, anything fit for a king.
0:01:46 > 0:01:48Yeah, we've got The Mouth.
0:01:48 > 0:01:50You've got The Mouth? Is that what you call him?! The Mouth!
0:01:50 > 0:01:52LAUGHTER
0:01:52 > 0:01:54Well, it's time to get the doors open,
0:01:54 > 0:01:58get this big crowd inside and hopefully find a few gems.
0:01:59 > 0:02:01Whilst the crowds are still pouring in,
0:02:01 > 0:02:05Thomas has already found his first item - some unusual glassware.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09- OK, girls, you're sisters, aren't you?- We are indeed.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12- But there's four years' difference. - Four years' difference? OK.
0:02:12 > 0:02:13She's the oldest!
0:02:13 > 0:02:15THEY CHUCKLE
0:02:15 > 0:02:17- So, it's Jane...- Yes. - ..and Sue.- Yes.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20- There's no other siblings?- No. - No, I can see you're quite close.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23There wouldn't be room for anybody else, would there?
0:02:23 > 0:02:27So, tell me about these. What do you know about these things here?
0:02:27 > 0:02:29They are marvellous.
0:02:29 > 0:02:32They've been in the family for ever, I think.
0:02:32 > 0:02:33Well, it feels as though for ever.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35Certainly, when I was a child,
0:02:35 > 0:02:38they were always on the mantelpiece or on the hearth.
0:02:38 > 0:02:41- I think Mum thought they were French.- Oh, really?
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- Yes, but, erm, we're here to find out.- I don't think they're French.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48I call these, funny enough, Norfolk glass dumps.
0:02:48 > 0:02:52Only because I heard the late, great David Barby once call them Norfolk glass dumps.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54So I've always called them that.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56- But people just call them doorstops, really.- Yeah.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58How old do you think they are?
0:02:58 > 0:03:03Interestingly, you have got quite a bit of wear on this base here.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06I would say they are going to be late 19th century.
0:03:06 > 0:03:11- So you're looking at the 1890s. - Really?- Yeah, 1900s.
0:03:11 > 0:03:12The thing about glass, it is difficult...
0:03:12 > 0:03:15You can fake it, you can make it look old easily.
0:03:15 > 0:03:20- But to get that honest wear on the base, you can't fake.- Right.
0:03:20 > 0:03:25And to have a trio is marvellous, isn't it? Absolutely marvellous.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29And this technique of getting the flowers within the actual
0:03:29 > 0:03:30dump itself...
0:03:30 > 0:03:33How do they make the flowers so uniform, almost?
0:03:33 > 0:03:37I have no idea. When they blow glass, literally... I can't...
0:03:37 > 0:03:41I did a bit last year and it is just amazing. So hot, you know.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44A bit of blowing and back in the glory hole and then out.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47And they only use a limited amount of tools. It's brilliant.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50- It's absolutely brilliant.- Mm.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53Why have you brought them to "Flog It!"?
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- To find out the value. - Do you want to sell them?
0:03:57 > 0:03:59- For the right price, yes.- Oh, yes!
0:04:01 > 0:04:05- Is that always the wrong answer?! - Oh, the pressure!
0:04:05 > 0:04:06The pressure, you two!
0:04:06 > 0:04:10I feel I'm being ganged up on. What is the right money?
0:04:10 > 0:04:12Do you know, we have no idea.
0:04:12 > 0:04:16We've looked on the internet and never seen anything quite like them.
0:04:16 > 0:04:18I think they have got to be worth between 30 and 40 each.
0:04:18 > 0:04:22So, as a holistic lot, it's £100.
0:04:24 > 0:04:26£100... That's quite disappointing.
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- Is it?- Mm.
0:04:28 > 0:04:32Yes. Because it's got to be split two ways, you see.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35I think...£100, with a fixed reserve at 100.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- So give that a wide estimate. 100 to 200, £100 reserve.- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:04:39 > 0:04:42- Are you going to agree?- Yes.- Yes.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45Yes! We're there. I don't want to disappoint you.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- No, we don't want you to! - No, you don't!- No!
0:04:48 > 0:04:52Thomas is feeling the pressure, but he needs to keep his cool.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54There are plenty more people to see.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56We've got a packed main hall here.
0:04:56 > 0:04:59I've been told the queue goes outside, so let's have a look.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03We might go through a bit of darkness to get there, so follow me.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08Hello, everyone. We'll get you seated in just a moment.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11Thank you so much for turning up today.
0:05:11 > 0:05:15Without you, we would not have a show. How many outside?
0:05:15 > 0:05:17PAUL CHUCKLES
0:05:17 > 0:05:21Oh, my gosh, look. What a lot of people!
0:05:21 > 0:05:24I tell you what, it's going to be a long day.
0:05:24 > 0:05:25But a good one.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29There's bound to be some treasure in all of those bags and I am hoping
0:05:29 > 0:05:32for the crown jewels, but silver is a great start for Catherine.
0:05:34 > 0:05:40Now, Paul, I see silver christening cups constantly,
0:05:40 > 0:05:43but nothing quite as special as this.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- I want to know where you got this from.- Car-boot sale.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47How much did you pay for it?
0:05:47 > 0:05:50About £3.50.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53Erm, we used to go to 'em Sunday mornings.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55It was just something to do.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57And I just... I came across this.
0:05:57 > 0:06:02But obviously, when I seen it, it wasn't... It didn't look like that.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- It was black.- It was black, right. - It was black. It's about 20 years ago.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10Why now are you coming to "Flog It!" to sell it?
0:06:10 > 0:06:14Cos...my partner doesn't like it.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- Right, OK.- I do. So...
0:06:17 > 0:06:22..I'd like to sell it and reinvest the money into another collectable,
0:06:22 > 0:06:25but one that I can have on show at home and be proud of.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29Well, I think you should keep this, but then I'm a little bit biased.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31Let's have a look at this.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33First of all, a silver christening cup.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35And you were drawn to it as a piece of silver?
0:06:35 > 0:06:38I had a feeling it could be silver.
0:06:38 > 0:06:40- Right, OK, but it was all covered in black?- Yes.
0:06:40 > 0:06:46Now, what I am so interested in with this is these little
0:06:46 > 0:06:49figures around the bottom of the christening cup,
0:06:49 > 0:06:55which are all figures of sailors, and they are all holding a ship.
0:06:55 > 0:07:00And then you've got this swag detail going round,
0:07:00 > 0:07:04which you quite often find on silver pieces of this era.
0:07:04 > 0:07:08But they are actually made up like they're pieces of rope,
0:07:08 > 0:07:11so you have this whole nautical theme.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13Perhaps it was made for...
0:07:13 > 0:07:15a baby of a nautical family,
0:07:15 > 0:07:18- perhaps the family were sailors or something.- Yes.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22But it is just so lovely. So you're appealing to two different markets -
0:07:22 > 0:07:24you're appealing to the silver buyers
0:07:24 > 0:07:28and also to those who are interested in nautical works of art.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32Now, we've got a lovely, crisp hallmark here.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35We've got the maker's initials, DF...
0:07:36 > 0:07:39..for David Fullerton, and the letter A.
0:07:39 > 0:07:44So we can date that precisely to 1916, which is lovely.
0:07:44 > 0:07:50- What worries me about this is that you bought it and it was black.- Yes.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- And what did you do to it?- The worst thing that I could do.- You did!
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- The one thing that you tell us... - I'm glad you recognise that!
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- The one thing you tell us not to do - clean.- Right. You've cleaned it.
0:08:00 > 0:08:02And you've really, really polished it.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06It looks like to me that you've got a very abrasive pad
0:08:06 > 0:08:09and given it a good scrub.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- At the time, I didn't realise that. - Naughty boy!
0:08:14 > 0:08:18I mean, it's nice to be able to see the detail, but really,
0:08:18 > 0:08:21we should keep it in its original condition.
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- Now, you paid £3.50 for this?- Yes.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28I would put that into auction at £100 to £150.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32- But I can see it doing well. - Can we put a reserve on it?
0:08:32 > 0:08:35We can put a reserve. What do you want your reserve to be?
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- The bottom end of the estimate. - £100. I think that is very sensible.
0:08:38 > 0:08:42We'll put a reserve on of £100. I think this is going to do well.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- I think you're going to get a lot of people interested in it.- Great.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47It's all go here at our valuation day
0:08:47 > 0:08:49and it looks like the whole of Leicester has turned out.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52Even the local radio station has turned up.
0:08:52 > 0:08:53..Paul Martin now.
0:08:53 > 0:08:56We are Flogging It between now and midday on BBC Radio Leicester...
0:08:56 > 0:09:00But DJ Tony Wadsworth has found a moment to chat to me
0:09:00 > 0:09:03about this lovely piece of local memorabilia.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07Tony, I absolutely love this photograph. It sums up Beatlemania.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Look at this, screaming fans going, "Aaaaaah!"
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- You couldn't hear the concert. - You're absolutely right.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- You saw The Beatles, didn't you? - I did indeed, yeah.
0:09:14 > 0:09:16- Did you hear any music? - Not at all, no.
0:09:16 > 0:09:17I was screaming alongside the girls,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20but I was screaming at the girls to stop screaming!
0:09:20 > 0:09:21PAUL LAUGHS
0:09:21 > 0:09:23How funny. But that picture really sums up Beatlemania
0:09:23 > 0:09:26and the frenzy everybody got into.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28I love the ticket stub, I love everything about that.
0:09:28 > 0:09:30Did you put this together?
0:09:30 > 0:09:33I bought this ticket from a well-known internet auction website.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35I know the one!
0:09:35 > 0:09:37This picture here was taken by the local paper at the time,
0:09:37 > 0:09:40so this was taken in this very concert hall.
0:09:40 > 0:09:42I thought it would be nice to put it in a frame like that.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44I like what you've done. You've mounted it up
0:09:44 > 0:09:47and created a little bit of history here, you know,
0:09:47 > 0:09:50connected to De Montfort Hall, which I really like.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Now, did you get this set of autographs?
0:09:53 > 0:09:55I wish I could say I did.
0:09:55 > 0:09:59- Because, you know, provenance and authenticity...- I know!
0:09:59 > 0:10:02..with The Beatles' autographs is key. It's crucial.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06The story goes that the mentioned Mrs Glenn there,
0:10:06 > 0:10:10she was employed as an outside catering contractor to serve
0:10:10 > 0:10:12The Beatles sandwiches in their dressing room.
0:10:12 > 0:10:17And got the Fab Four's signature and the rest, as they say, is history.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19That's incredible.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22- So this signature came with this piece of paper to you?- Indeed.
0:10:22 > 0:10:24I bought it just like that.
0:10:24 > 0:10:25Is it something you want to sell?
0:10:25 > 0:10:28No, I don't want to flog it, Paul!
0:10:28 > 0:10:30You know, I'm a Leicester lad born and bred, and for me,
0:10:30 > 0:10:34this is a little bit of local history. And I was there.
0:10:34 > 0:10:37I was at that very concert in 1964.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39And I remember it as if it was yesterday.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41You really can't put a price on memories,
0:10:41 > 0:10:45and for Tony, the value of this just isn't important.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48But in the past, we've seen authentic Beatles autographs
0:10:48 > 0:10:51which have sold for thousands of pounds.
0:10:51 > 0:10:532,500, then.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56- Ohhh!- Yes!
0:11:01 > 0:11:03- Julie.- Hi.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07You've brought along a very decorative clock garniture,
0:11:07 > 0:11:10- as I like to call it.- Yeah.- Tell me, how have you come to have it?
0:11:10 > 0:11:13I was left it in my uncle's will ten years ago.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- And did he leave you other things? - This is the main thing he left.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18The main thing he left you. So why have you brought it here?
0:11:18 > 0:11:21Because I've had it for ten years in the house
0:11:21 > 0:11:25and I just live in an ordinary three-bed semidetached house
0:11:25 > 0:11:27and it just doesn't fit anywhere.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30I've tried it on shelves and tables and cupboards
0:11:30 > 0:11:32and it just doesn't fit.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35This wouldn't fit in my house, cos everything's got
0:11:35 > 0:11:40- so much smaller now.- Yes.- This is for a grand, palatial mansion.- Yeah.
0:11:40 > 0:11:46It's a very beautiful 19th-century French mantel garniture clock
0:11:46 > 0:11:47- with a spelter top.- Yep.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50This looks like bronze, like it's been bronzed,
0:11:50 > 0:11:52- but it is spelter, isn't it?- Yes, it is.
0:11:52 > 0:11:55- And it's signed Clehter, isn't it, or Cleehter.- Yes.
0:11:55 > 0:11:58Somebody like that. 1842.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00I wouldn't say this is 1842,
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- I'd say more like late 19th century. - Right.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06- Do you have it working? - It does work.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09You wind it up and it goes for eight days and it rings on the hour
0:12:09 > 0:12:11and the half an hour.
0:12:11 > 0:12:12And do you like it?
0:12:12 > 0:12:17I do like it but it just doesn't look right in my house.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20It looks like something out of the Ride of the Valkyries, doesn't it?
0:12:20 > 0:12:21That's right, yes.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25With this polished, polished slate and then the beautiful white dial.
0:12:25 > 0:12:27It's quite ostentatious but extremely decorative,
0:12:27 > 0:12:29and you can imagine it with the candles.
0:12:29 > 0:12:31Have you ever had candles in there?
0:12:31 > 0:12:34I have had candles and I put them on the table at Christmas,
0:12:34 > 0:12:36but because they're so big you couldn't see the people
0:12:36 > 0:12:39opposite when you're eating your meal.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41And so they're just not practical. You need a huge table.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44- Yeah, absolutely, some great big mahogany number.- Yeah.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- Do you have any idea of the value? - No, I've no idea.
0:12:47 > 0:12:51I've always thought maybe 50-100. Or very often on "Flog It!"
0:12:51 > 0:12:53they say 80-120, so...
0:12:53 > 0:12:55That's our favourite auctioneer's estimate, isn't it?
0:12:55 > 0:12:57Yeah, so I've always, always thought maybe that.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00I think it's worth over £100.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03I would say 120-180 as an estimate.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- Yes.- Reserve it at £100.- Yes.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08Or do you not want to reserve it? Do you want to sell it?
0:13:08 > 0:13:11I don't mind if it doesn't have a reserve, I just need it to go.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- Shall we let the auctioneers use their own discretion?- Yes.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- I don't think they'll give it away. - No, I'd be happy with that.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20- Well, I really look forward to seeing it in the auction.- Yeah.
0:13:20 > 0:13:25And hopefully... I can see nowadays this being in a big hotel.
0:13:25 > 0:13:27Oh, right, yes.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29Who's going to lift it off?
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- It's me, isn't it? - Yes, I think so!- It's me!
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Catherine is valuing a silver tea set which the owner is more
0:13:37 > 0:13:39than happy to part with.
0:13:39 > 0:13:42June, this is a lovely little shiny tea set that you've
0:13:42 > 0:13:45brought in to "Flog It!" today. Tell me about it.
0:13:45 > 0:13:46Where did you get it from?
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Well, it was an inheritance
0:13:48 > 0:13:52and I very much appreciate being left it, but I'm afraid it's
0:13:52 > 0:13:56been sitting in the attic for about ten years, or more.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- You inherited from...? - From a friend.- From a friend, OK.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- But still was not quite your thing. - It's not quite my thing.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07- China is a little bit more my cup of tea.- Right.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- My house is full of different china. - Right, OK.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12Well, let's have a little look at this.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16I mean, it's very typical of the period - late Victorian -
0:14:16 > 0:14:21with this sort of half fluted design on the sugar bowl,
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- the milk jug and also on the teapot.- Yeah.
0:14:23 > 0:14:25Now, I have had a little look at them
0:14:25 > 0:14:28and they have got slightly different dates.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33One is 1899 and the other two are slightly later - 1901.
0:14:33 > 0:14:35But they are all of that sort of period
0:14:35 > 0:14:38- and they do go together as a set. - Yes, yes.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41Now, on it it has some initials on the front,
0:14:41 > 0:14:45like an interlocking initials, each piece.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48With an R and... I can't quite make out the other initials.
0:14:48 > 0:14:50Do you know where they come from?
0:14:50 > 0:14:51I think they must have been family pieces.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55I'm quite sure that they had been passed down through the family.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Right, but it's nice that you've got this gilding inside as well.
0:14:58 > 0:14:59It's a really nice quality.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01I mean, the sad thing is,
0:15:01 > 0:15:05when people buy these today they're often scrapped, which is very sad.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09- I know.- But there's a nice lot of silver there,
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- a good heavy weight of silver.- Yes.
0:15:11 > 0:15:15And the value of it, as such, would be about £300-£500.
0:15:15 > 0:15:16Would it really?
0:15:16 > 0:15:18What do you think of that?
0:15:18 > 0:15:21That sounds a lot more than I was expecting, because this
0:15:21 > 0:15:24sort of thing is not really desired much these days, is it?
0:15:24 > 0:15:26Well, it's not. I mean, that's the thing,
0:15:26 > 0:15:29you wouldn't use something like this today.
0:15:29 > 0:15:33You wouldn't really have it on your table when you have people round.
0:15:33 > 0:15:37I would put this in with an estimate of £300-£500,
0:15:37 > 0:15:41and as you're quite happy to sell we'll put a reserve on of 250.
0:15:41 > 0:15:43- How does that sound? - Yes, that sounds...
0:15:43 > 0:15:44- Are you happy with that?- Yes.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47So, June, I'll see you at the auction in a couple of weeks' time.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- Raring to go?- Yes. - Does that sound good?
0:15:50 > 0:15:51It does, it just sounds the job.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53And I'm quite familiar with auctions -
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- I started my working life in an auctioneers.- Oh, did you?- Yes.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- Oh, right! Well, you'll be well at home there, then, won't you?- Yes.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04It's time for me to take the opportunity
0:16:04 > 0:16:05for a look around the area.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20Nancy Lancaster had a profound and lasting effect on interior design.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25She was a taste-maker, a flamboyant, feisty American woman who,
0:16:25 > 0:16:27ironically, with her passion
0:16:27 > 0:16:31and natural flair for interior design, pioneered a style which
0:16:31 > 0:16:35we now know as the English country house look,
0:16:35 > 0:16:38which is clearly evident here at her beloved Kelmarsh Hall.
0:16:43 > 0:16:47Having married not one but three very wealthy men,
0:16:47 > 0:16:50Nancy led a rich and extravagant lifestyle.
0:16:50 > 0:16:54And every year, Nancy and her second husband, Ronald Tree, would travel
0:16:54 > 0:16:57from America to Leicestershire to take part in the hunt.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Travelling by ocean-going liner, they would bring everything
0:17:00 > 0:17:04with them from horses to servants, cars to the very best table linen.
0:17:04 > 0:17:09And in 1926, Ronnie was invited to become joint master of the hunt
0:17:09 > 0:17:13here in Northamptonshire, a chance that he jumped at.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15So they both moved over to England.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28Nancy and Ronnie took out a ten-year repairing lease
0:17:28 > 0:17:32on Kelmarsh Hall, which is situated just outside of Market Harborough.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35This architectural gem was built in 1728
0:17:35 > 0:17:38and it's said to be the favourite of all of Nancy's homes.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41And as she put it herself, she loved it for its good bones
0:17:41 > 0:17:45and relished at the chance of having free rein to stamp her mark
0:17:45 > 0:17:47on the interior of this grand house.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59Betty West, a volunteer at Kelmarsh Hall,
0:17:59 > 0:18:03grew up just down the road, and her mother knew Nancy Lancaster.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07Hi, Betty. So, where do we start? With the lady herself?
0:18:07 > 0:18:11Well, she was very knowledgeable on history and art and politics.
0:18:11 > 0:18:17She was very lively. She was a good raconteur and she had a wry smile.
0:18:17 > 0:18:21And if something was amiss, her eyebrow raised,
0:18:21 > 0:18:25so you knew that something had been said that was not quite correct.
0:18:25 > 0:18:28- But she was really a superb lady. - Mm.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32When Nancy came here to the house she found it very cold.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35We're talking now 1927, 1928,
0:18:35 > 0:18:39and this room that we're standing in was a dreadful green.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44She wanted to have this sort of pinkish wash on the walls.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- This is a lovely colour, isn't it? - Yes.- It embraces you, doesn't it?
0:18:47 > 0:18:50I feel quite at home already
0:18:50 > 0:18:52and I've only just got into the entrance hall.
0:18:52 > 0:18:55She loved furniture and she acquired a lot of her
0:18:55 > 0:18:59thoughts on furniture from her mother and her grandmother.
0:18:59 > 0:19:04They were at one stage quite poor and her mother had to make do
0:19:04 > 0:19:06- and mend.- Mixing and matching.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Mixing and matching was very evident.
0:19:09 > 0:19:13And she used different types of materials as well.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15She clearly had a passion for antiques.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19Yes, but she did adapt them to her own use as well.
0:19:19 > 0:19:24- For example, we have some celadon vases that are now lamps.- Mm.
0:19:24 > 0:19:27And they're very beautiful as lamps,
0:19:27 > 0:19:31but perhaps they were also beautiful as celadon vases!
0:19:31 > 0:19:35- And she certainly liked to paint her antique furniture.- Did she?
0:19:35 > 0:19:38- And many an antique dealer has said...- "Oh, you've ruined it."
0:19:38 > 0:19:40- That's right.- "You've gilded up the legs and you've changed this
0:19:40 > 0:19:42"and you've done that."
0:19:42 > 0:19:45- But I guess that's what a decorator does, though.- Yes.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47She saw that these things had a different dynamic
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- if she could alter them slightly.- Yes.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51And I guess there's nothing wrong with that as long as you're not
0:19:51 > 0:19:54buying purist pieces which shouldn't be touched.
0:19:54 > 0:19:58That's true, that's very true, and if a chair looked very new
0:19:58 > 0:20:00she had been known to put it out in the rain.
0:20:00 > 0:20:03Horrified me when I first heard of it,
0:20:03 > 0:20:06but certainly, it had the effect that she desired.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09Well, it had a personality, then, rather than being contrived
0:20:09 > 0:20:13and just plonked there by a curator of a big stately home.
0:20:13 > 0:20:17So she was able to mix the grandeur with the modest look as well.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- Shall we have a quick tour? - Yes, do follow me.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22Most of Nancy's decoration
0:20:22 > 0:20:24and styling still remains here at Kelmarsh.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35This is the Chinese room that I'd like to show you.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40Nancy used this room for cocktails before dinner and then perhaps
0:20:40 > 0:20:44after dinner, people might like to come and play bridge in here.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47Gosh, this is beautiful. All hand-painted wallpaper.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49Nancy had seen it advertised
0:20:49 > 0:20:53and she realised that with a bit of tweaking it would fit this room.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56And it's on hessian and on batons.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59- So it's been backed and then panelled back on.- Yes, that's right.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01It fits perfectly, doesn't it?
0:21:01 > 0:21:03Apart from over the chimney breast, where it's had to be...
0:21:03 > 0:21:06I can see there. Has that been over-painted there?
0:21:06 > 0:21:08- A rock formation or something.- Yes!
0:21:08 > 0:21:10Obviously the furniture's mixed and matched.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13We haven't gone down the whole chinoiserie thing.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16No, no, and this is sort of thing that she loved.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- I mean, well-worn, the furniture. - Shabby chic.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23Shabby chic is the correct word, yes. But this is her furniture.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27And this is quintessentially the English country house look.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Yes, yes.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33Where you had the sort of elegant furniture mixed with the more modest
0:21:33 > 0:21:38and where you had a mixture of patterns and design.
0:21:38 > 0:21:40And periods of furniture as well.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42Things from the late 17th century, the 18th,
0:21:42 > 0:21:44right through to some 19th-century pieces.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47- That's right, so mix and match is the order of the day.- Sure.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50In its day, this was very pioneering, wasn't it?
0:21:50 > 0:21:52Oh, yes, it was.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03In 1938, the Trees' lease on Kelmarsh Hall had expired
0:22:03 > 0:22:06and pretty much most of the furniture that they
0:22:06 > 0:22:08acquired for the house was sold off in auction.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11Fortunately, the owner of the hall acquired most of it
0:22:11 > 0:22:14and much of it is still here today.
0:22:14 > 0:22:17The Trees turned their attention to their new home,
0:22:17 > 0:22:20but Nancy's love affair with Kelmarsh was far from over.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28In 1944, Nancy's passion for interior design was taken to
0:22:28 > 0:22:31a new level when she became the co-owner of Colefax and Fowler,
0:22:31 > 0:22:34an influential British decorating firm.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37Her work with the company was so profound that the English
0:22:37 > 0:22:41country house look was recognised and inspired many,
0:22:41 > 0:22:46although Nancy always believed that a room should never look decorated.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50She created a list of rules to follow to make a room comfortable.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54In restoring a house, one must first realise its period,
0:22:54 > 0:22:58feel its personality and try to bring out its good points.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01Understatement is extremely important and crossing too many Ts
0:23:01 > 0:23:05and dotting too many Is makes a room look overdone and tiresome.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09One needs light and shade because if every piece is perfect,
0:23:09 > 0:23:12the room becomes a museum and lifeless.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15But it must be a delicious mixture that flows and mixes well.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17It's a bit like mixing a salad.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19I'm better at mixing rooms than salads!
0:23:21 > 0:23:25In 1947, Nancy and Ronald's marriage came to an end and just over
0:23:25 > 0:23:29a year later she married her third husband, Colonel Lancaster,
0:23:29 > 0:23:31who happened to be the owner of Kelmarsh Hall.
0:23:33 > 0:23:36Nancy was back in her precious home, but it transpired that she
0:23:36 > 0:23:40was far more in love with the hall than her husband.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43It was a short-lived and turbulent relationship.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46Nancy clung onto the house but was finally forced to leave
0:23:46 > 0:23:49when Colonel Lancaster turned off the electricity.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52Her relationship with Kelmarsh was finally over.
0:23:52 > 0:23:55But Nancy's passion for interior design lives on in the way
0:23:55 > 0:23:57we decorate houses today,
0:23:57 > 0:24:01from grand country estates to the eclectic mix of furniture
0:24:01 > 0:24:03we find in our own homes.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07Nancy's spirit is clearly still here at Kelmarsh Hall.
0:24:07 > 0:24:10Her touch was an absolute delight.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13This is and always will be Nancy Lancaster's home.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28And now a quick reminder of what is going off to auction.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30We're taking those pretty glass dumps.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32I hope they sell or Thomas will be in trouble.
0:24:35 > 0:24:36The christening cup is gorgeous
0:24:36 > 0:24:39but has Paul scrubbed the life out of it?
0:24:40 > 0:24:43And June's tea set is definitely worth its weight in gold.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45Well, silver, actually.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50The clock weighs an absolute tonne, so fingers crossed it sells.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52I'm sure Julie doesn't want to take it home.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56Our auction today comes from Market Harborough on
0:24:56 > 0:24:58the Leicestershire/ Northamptonshire border.
0:24:58 > 0:25:02The town is located in an area which was formerly part of
0:25:02 > 0:25:05Rockingham Forest, a royal hunting ground used by
0:25:05 > 0:25:07the medieval monarchs.
0:25:07 > 0:25:09Well, here we are. Gildings auction room.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13It may be quiet outside, but hopefully it's buzzing inside.
0:25:13 > 0:25:18The commission to pay at Gildings is 15% plus VAT.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22And Mark Gilding takes to the rostrum as our first lot
0:25:22 > 0:25:23goes under the hammer.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26Here's hoping he makes one of our owners a king's ransom.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29Going under the hammer right now we have three glass dumpy weights
0:25:29 > 0:25:31belonging to Jane and Susan,
0:25:31 > 0:25:35sisters who join me right now here in this very exciting atmosphere.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37- Are you looking forward to this? - Very much.- Indeed.
0:25:37 > 0:25:40It's the moment of truth. Wants £200, Thomas.
0:25:40 > 0:25:41Yes.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44I think they're worth £150 any day of the week for three of them.
0:25:44 > 0:25:46I like them a lot.
0:25:46 > 0:25:47They were very popular
0:25:47 > 0:25:49when we first started doing this show 12 years ago.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52- Everybody was collecting these. - Now they're not?
0:25:52 > 0:25:53Well, we don't know.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56This is the problem with antiques, fashions change, you see,
0:25:56 > 0:25:58and prices fluctuate.
0:25:58 > 0:26:01And we've got to sell them because they can't be divided up.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03Two sisters, and there's three of them.
0:26:03 > 0:26:05You could keep one each and sell one.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08- But it's too late now, isn't it? - Yes, it is.
0:26:08 > 0:26:09- We'll wait and see.- OK.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11Let's put them under the hammer, shall we?
0:26:11 > 0:26:13Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:26:13 > 0:26:14Here we go. This is it.
0:26:14 > 0:26:15SHE GASPS
0:26:15 > 0:26:18Bidding opens at £55.
0:26:18 > 0:26:2055. I'm bid at 65.
0:26:20 > 0:26:2275.
0:26:22 > 0:26:2380. 90.
0:26:23 > 0:26:25100. 110.
0:26:25 > 0:26:26110 I'm bidding.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28You're out at my left at 110.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30120. 120 online now.
0:26:30 > 0:26:32And you're still out over here.
0:26:32 > 0:26:34It's 120 online.
0:26:34 > 0:26:35Online bidding, then.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37And selling away. Fair warning at 120.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39£120. Good result.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42Look, it was better than £100, wasn't it?
0:26:42 > 0:26:44That extra 20 helps.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46Yeah, it's fine. That's good.
0:26:46 > 0:26:48It wasn't the top end, unfortunately, but...
0:26:48 > 0:26:50It was worth it for the experience.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52Yes. Your first auction as well.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55There's nothing quite like your debut sale for excitement
0:26:55 > 0:26:56and exhilaration.
0:26:56 > 0:26:59Let's hope we keep the buzz going for our next lot.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03Going under the hammer right now we have a silver christening cup
0:27:03 > 0:27:06with a value of £100-£150, brought along by Paul.
0:27:06 > 0:27:07Was it yours as a christening cup,
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- or just yours because you acquired it?- No, I acquired it.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12- Where from?- A car-boot sale.
0:27:12 > 0:27:14I think somebody's in for a lot of profit here.
0:27:14 > 0:27:16But you know what he's done?
0:27:16 > 0:27:18He's polished it to death.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21- Oh, dear.- With an abrasive pad.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24Oh, no. Oh, that's a no-no. You do not do that.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26- You don't touch it, do you? - Good luck.
0:27:26 > 0:27:27Let's hope we get the top end.
0:27:27 > 0:27:29Here we go. This is it.
0:27:29 > 0:27:34And bidding opens with me here on my books at £95.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37£95 I'm bid.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40At 95. 100 in the room.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42Now at 100. And all my bids are lost.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44£100 I'm bid.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46We're at 100.
0:27:46 > 0:27:51The internet's out. The book's out. Selling to the room at £100.
0:27:51 > 0:27:54It's gone, but the damage let it down a bit.
0:27:54 > 0:27:56- I think it was the scrubbing. - It was that over-polishing.
0:27:56 > 0:27:59I shouldn't have polished it. I should have left it alone.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02Next time you will know - when you go to your boot fair,
0:28:02 > 0:28:04you find your bit of silver, you leave it.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08- Leave it to the experts.- Yes.
0:28:08 > 0:28:13But even so, what a great find and an amazing return on just £3.50.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16Well, if you're looking for a centrepiece,
0:28:16 > 0:28:19something a bit showy, you need to be right here, right now,
0:28:19 > 0:28:22to get this next lot - this massive French mantel clock with a spelter
0:28:22 > 0:28:25figure on the top, accompanied by a pair of candlesticks.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28- I mean, it has the wow factor and there's no reserve.- No.
0:28:28 > 0:28:30- So it's got to go, hasn't it? - I want it to go, yes.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32You do not want to take this home, do you?
0:28:32 > 0:28:34I really don't want to go home with it, no.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36We are erring on the side of caution.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38Julie has a pushchair in the car because it's
0:28:38 > 0:28:43- so heavy she can't carry it. Push it along. Big, isn't it?- Massive.
0:28:43 > 0:28:48- But it deserves a grand mantelpiece. - Well, a hotel lobby, I was thinking.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51- Something where it can get lost but still be very useful.- Yes.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54And there's plenty of big hotels around here that could do with this,
0:28:54 > 0:28:58so without further ado, let's try and find it a new home, shall we?
0:28:58 > 0:29:00It's going under the hammer right now.
0:29:00 > 0:29:04Now it's a French marble mantel clock with a pair of matched
0:29:04 > 0:29:07five-light candelabra. Bidding starts with me here at £100.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10110. 120.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12120 bid now.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14- It's gone, hasn't it?- Sold.
0:29:14 > 0:29:15It's gone, there's no reserve.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18140, 150 online. 160.
0:29:18 > 0:29:19160, I'm bid, 160.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23Selling away at £160.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25It's gone, £160.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29That's a lot of kit for £160, a showy item.
0:29:29 > 0:29:33- Yep, but it's gone.- It's gone! - Great, yes, thank goodness.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42Now let's see if Catherine has any luck with her next lot.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44You inherited this from a good old friend
0:29:44 > 0:29:46and there's quite a lot of it here.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48We're talking a fair bit of money here, fair bit of weight.
0:29:48 > 0:29:52There is a bit of weight there, which is where the value is.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Well, let's hope we're valuing this for its artistic merits
0:29:55 > 0:29:58rather than its scrap value because, you know, this deserves to be saved.
0:29:58 > 0:30:00- This is the problem, yeah. - This is the problem.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02I'd feel happier if it wasn't scrapped.
0:30:02 > 0:30:05Well, fingers crossed it won't be, OK? June has a fascinating story.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08If this sells, we'll tell you about it in just a moment.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12But first, let's see some hammer action. Here we go.
0:30:12 > 0:30:14Late Victorian three-piece silver tea set.
0:30:14 > 0:30:17Sheffield, '89 to 1901.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20- Bidding opens with me here at £360.- Lovely.
0:30:20 > 0:30:23Well, we've sold it, haven't we, straight away?
0:30:23 > 0:30:25420 in the room now, 420.
0:30:25 > 0:30:29And all my bids are lost here at 420. We're bidding in the room.
0:30:29 > 0:30:32420. And a quick sale, then, at 420.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34- £420. Now, that was short and sweet.- Very quick.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38Sold on its artistic merits, I think. That was a good result.
0:30:38 > 0:30:43- It was, I'm very pleased.- Now, with the money - this is so interesting.
0:30:43 > 0:30:44I'm going to hand it over to you.
0:30:44 > 0:30:46Come on, tell me this story cos it's wonderful.
0:30:46 > 0:30:50I would like to spend some of it in going to Holland.
0:30:50 > 0:30:55Now, 56 years ago I threw a bottle in the sea, in the English Channel,
0:30:55 > 0:30:59and it was picked up about six weeks later on one of the Frisian Islands,
0:30:59 > 0:31:03the largest Frisian Island, Texel, by a beach comber.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06And we've been friends, corresponded ever since.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08I've been over there, he's been over here,
0:31:08 > 0:31:10but I'd heard earlier this year that he'd died
0:31:10 > 0:31:13and I'd thought that was the end of a nice friendship,
0:31:13 > 0:31:17but his son, who I haven't seen for 41 years,
0:31:17 > 0:31:20has got in touch with me and has been over
0:31:20 > 0:31:24and wants to continue the association and has invited me over.
0:31:24 > 0:31:25I'd like to go over.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27- Isn't that fabulous? - It's an amazing story.
0:31:27 > 0:31:29That's a great story, isn't it?
0:31:29 > 0:31:31So you're going to use some of the money to go over there.
0:31:31 > 0:31:33- Visit over there.- That's brilliant.
0:31:37 > 0:31:40Well, there you are, that concludes our first visit to the saleroom,
0:31:40 > 0:31:42as the curtain comes down on our first lots.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45And right now I'm off to the city of London, to the West End,
0:31:45 > 0:31:49to theatreland, to find out about one of the most influential
0:31:49 > 0:31:51playwrights of the 20th century.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53And he was a Leicester lad - Joe Orton.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08Joe Orton was born in Leicester in 1933 into a working class family,
0:32:08 > 0:32:12but it was here in the West End that he made his name.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14He wrote some of the modern era's
0:32:14 > 0:32:16most controversial and challenging plays,
0:32:16 > 0:32:20including Entertaining Mr Sloane, What The Butler Saw and Loot.
0:32:20 > 0:32:24But the road from the council estate to the West End
0:32:24 > 0:32:25would be a bumpy one.
0:32:26 > 0:32:28Orton had a fascination with the theatre
0:32:28 > 0:32:30and writing from an early age
0:32:30 > 0:32:33and was actively involved in amateur dramatics.
0:32:33 > 0:32:34In 1951,
0:32:34 > 0:32:39he won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43It was during this time at RADA that he met his long-term partner,
0:32:43 > 0:32:45Kenneth Halliwell.
0:32:45 > 0:32:47The pair were both aspiring writers,
0:32:47 > 0:32:49but never really had a great deal of success,
0:32:49 > 0:32:51and Orton had a few failed novels.
0:32:51 > 0:32:54They both took menial jobs for six months of the year to fund
0:32:54 > 0:32:57their lives so they could return to their typewriters to write
0:32:57 > 0:32:59for the rest of the year.
0:32:59 > 0:33:01But it wasn't their writing that first brought them
0:33:01 > 0:33:03to the attention of the public.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06It was a prolonged and elaborate practical joke.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11I'm leaving theatreland to head to North London,
0:33:11 > 0:33:13to the local history museum in Islington,
0:33:13 > 0:33:16and I'm here to meet manager Mark Aston.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19- Mark, pleased to meet you. - Hello, Paul, likewise.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21- Thanks for talking to me today. - Not at all.
0:33:21 > 0:33:23What was the practical joke all about?
0:33:23 > 0:33:24What exactly did they do?
0:33:24 > 0:33:26Well, Joe Orton and Kenneth Halliwell
0:33:26 > 0:33:28would go to their local libraries.
0:33:28 > 0:33:31They would steal library books, take them back to their flat
0:33:31 > 0:33:35and start doctoring the covers by adding alternative images
0:33:35 > 0:33:37and narrative - bit of text, as well.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39Occasionally changing the dust jacket blurb.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43The would then sneak the library books back onto the library shelves
0:33:43 > 0:33:46from those same libraries and just wait for drama to unfold.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49Let's look at the original of John Betjeman, I'm a big fan.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53OK. I think the full effect of the covers, the collage,
0:33:53 > 0:33:55is to see the originals.
0:33:55 > 0:33:59And here we have a facsimile of the original cover,
0:33:59 > 0:34:02which is a very basic cover showing Betjeman there in a boater.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06When you look at that, I mean, that's so typical Betjeman, really.
0:34:06 > 0:34:07But that puts a smile on your face.
0:34:07 > 0:34:09It certainly does. Look at that.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12And we've got there the Collins Guide To Roses.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14Lots of wonderful, pretty roses.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16Very simple cover.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19An English rose, what could be more institutional?
0:34:19 > 0:34:24But to cause a little bit of havoc, a simple monkey pasted on the rose,
0:34:24 > 0:34:27- put back on to the shelves... - How long did this go on for?
0:34:27 > 0:34:30This went on for two and a half years.
0:34:30 > 0:34:33From 1959 to mid-1962.
0:34:33 > 0:34:35How many books in total, do you think?
0:34:35 > 0:34:37We believe they doctored hundreds of books
0:34:37 > 0:34:41as well as cutting out pictures to wallpaper their flat wall with.
0:34:41 > 0:34:46Now that Orton is well-known, a very famous playwright,
0:34:46 > 0:34:49these are quite rare, there's a lot of value attached to these now.
0:34:49 > 0:34:51There is a lot of value attached.
0:34:51 > 0:34:53We only have 42 originals.
0:34:53 > 0:34:55They are priceless because they're irreplaceable.
0:34:55 > 0:34:57Thank you very much for talking to me today.
0:34:57 > 0:34:59You're very welcome, Paul.
0:34:59 > 0:35:02This is Essex Road library in North London
0:35:02 > 0:35:04and it's the scene of the crime.
0:35:04 > 0:35:06Orton and Halliwell would come here
0:35:06 > 0:35:10and replace their defaced books on the shelves and sit and wait
0:35:10 > 0:35:14until an unsuspecting member of the public picked them up.
0:35:14 > 0:35:15Like all practical jokers,
0:35:15 > 0:35:19they wanted to see the results of their work.
0:35:19 > 0:35:22A lot of the staff here at the library used to look forward
0:35:22 > 0:35:24to their latest creations,
0:35:24 > 0:35:26but not everyone saw the funny side.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28In fact, a lot of the changes that Orton
0:35:28 > 0:35:30and Halliwell made were pretty racy,
0:35:30 > 0:35:33especially for the 1950s, early 1960s.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36This may have been a bit of fun for Orton and Halliwell,
0:35:36 > 0:35:41but for many it was hugely shocking and blatant vandalism.
0:35:41 > 0:35:44This was an attack on our books.
0:35:44 > 0:35:46Our book stock, of which we are very proud,
0:35:46 > 0:35:49was being attacked by predators.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52The authorities took defacing public property very seriously,
0:35:52 > 0:35:55and the joke drastically backfired.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59And eventually in 1962 they were caught and both men were sentenced
0:35:59 > 0:36:03to six months' imprisonment for malicious damage.
0:36:06 > 0:36:10One person who knew Joe Orton and Kenneth Halliwell back then
0:36:10 > 0:36:14was their next-door neighbour, Elena Salvoni, who still lives here today.
0:36:14 > 0:36:17I always used to call them "the boys next door".
0:36:17 > 0:36:19I remember quite a lot.
0:36:19 > 0:36:25My son-in-law, he said, "Mum, what they've done is unbelievable."
0:36:25 > 0:36:27I said, "What have they done?"
0:36:27 > 0:36:29He said, "They've defaced library books."
0:36:29 > 0:36:32The boys were very mischievous.
0:36:32 > 0:36:34I mean, they used to banter off each other.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38And then Ken would say, "Joe, now behave yourself."
0:36:38 > 0:36:40I said, "It's about time you behaved yourself
0:36:40 > 0:36:41"after what you've been up to."
0:36:41 > 0:36:44And Elena clearly remembers the day they were arrested.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49I found out by coming out of the door, off to go shopping,
0:36:49 > 0:36:52and Mrs Gordon was seeing to her flowers, and she said,
0:36:52 > 0:36:55"Elena, isn't it disgraceful?" I said, "What?"
0:36:55 > 0:36:57"The boys have been arrested."
0:36:57 > 0:36:59I said, "What do you mean?"
0:36:59 > 0:37:01She said, "They've defaced the library books.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03"Didn't you see the blue van?"
0:37:03 > 0:37:04I said, "No.
0:37:04 > 0:37:05"Lewis saw the blue van,"
0:37:05 > 0:37:08and I tell her I didn't have time to come to the window
0:37:08 > 0:37:09because I was busy cooking.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11Orton's time alone in prison
0:37:11 > 0:37:14allowed him to find his style as a writer.
0:37:14 > 0:37:18He later described his spell inside as his most formative.
0:37:18 > 0:37:20And after his release he had a new lease of life.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23And over the next few years he went from a struggling writer
0:37:23 > 0:37:26to become to the toast of the West End.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29In 1960s Britain, the working classes were on the rise,
0:37:29 > 0:37:33and that suited Orton's background, his writing style
0:37:33 > 0:37:35and his dislike for the middle classes.
0:37:35 > 0:37:37The timing was absolutely perfect.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41And his first play was a huge success, Entertaining Mr Sloan.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44And that continued for his second play, Loot,
0:37:44 > 0:37:46which won the London Evening Standard theatre award.
0:37:46 > 0:37:50Orton's career as a playwright and celebrity continued to grow,
0:37:50 > 0:37:52but his partner, Kenneth Halliwell,
0:37:52 > 0:37:54found his fame difficult to cope with
0:37:54 > 0:37:57and there was an increasing distance between them.
0:37:57 > 0:38:00Their relationship ended tragically.
0:38:00 > 0:38:04In August 1967, Halliwell, suffering from depression,
0:38:04 > 0:38:08murdered Joe Orton before taking his own life in that flat just there.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11He was only 34 years old.
0:38:11 > 0:38:14In a few short years, Orton wrote some of the most important plays
0:38:14 > 0:38:16of the last century.
0:38:16 > 0:38:18Tackling and challenging social issues of the day.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22Themes that had never been put on stage before.
0:38:22 > 0:38:23He was truly pioneering.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32Now let's head back to the valuation day,
0:38:32 > 0:38:34where we're still finding some great items.
0:38:35 > 0:38:39And Thomas has hunted out some very intriguing tribal artefacts.
0:38:39 > 0:38:42Let's see what owner John can tell us about them.
0:38:43 > 0:38:49- These were the property of my father's youngest brother.- Right.
0:38:49 > 0:38:54And he was in Kenya for I don't know how many years...
0:38:54 > 0:38:58- In which army? - No, on a tea plantation.- Oh, really?
0:38:58 > 0:39:04And he brought them home with him and they used to be in the old house
0:39:04 > 0:39:08that I lived in, always in the hall, standing up there.
0:39:08 > 0:39:10And so I'd see these in the corner and think,
0:39:10 > 0:39:13"Wow," you know, "I wonder who used these."
0:39:13 > 0:39:15Yeah, absolutely, absolutely.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17And have you got any information on what they are?
0:39:17 > 0:39:19No, I haven't.
0:39:19 > 0:39:20- We think they are Maasai.- Maasai.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22We have been having a chat here, Maasai,
0:39:22 > 0:39:25and they're obviously for hunting, aren't they?
0:39:25 > 0:39:27I think certainly that would do some damage.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30This one looks like it's more sophisticated somehow.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33A little bit more sophisticated, with the blood drain,
0:39:33 > 0:39:35- isn't it, with these grooves here? - Yes.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38Because the blood would drain off this one quite quickly, wouldn't it?
0:39:38 > 0:39:39- Yes.- Which is quite useful.
0:39:39 > 0:39:44And these lovely, lovely bits of hickory or whatever they are,
0:39:44 > 0:39:46shafts. I mean, they are so nice.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50- And these would be the little branches, would they?- Yeah.
0:39:50 > 0:39:54It's got a real strength but a real bend to it
0:39:54 > 0:39:56- so it would sail through the air. - Yes.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58And spin and probably, you know, do some real damage.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00If you were hunting, you know,
0:40:00 > 0:40:03something to eat, a wildebeest or something...
0:40:03 > 0:40:08Well, African tribal works of art, weapons, clubs,
0:40:08 > 0:40:11fertility things, are so widely collected.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13People want to know where they are from
0:40:13 > 0:40:16and these actually are probably ones that have been used.
0:40:16 > 0:40:17I should say so.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20And the provenance you have, from your father's brother...
0:40:20 > 0:40:22Working actually in Kenya.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25In the tea plantation, that would have been, what, in the '40s?
0:40:25 > 0:40:30I think he probably went out either very late '20s or early '30s.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33- That's marvellous, doesn't it?- And then came back around about 1940.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36I think they are worth a good couple of hundred pounds.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38- What do you think?- Each? - I'd like to think they're worth
0:40:38 > 0:40:40a good couple of hundred pounds each.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44I wouldn't want to put them in at £200 each, I think maybe 150 each.
0:40:44 > 0:40:46- £150, £200 each.- Each, yeah.
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- And a reserve?- £100 each.- OK.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52- Yeah?- Yeah, that's...- They've got a good chance, haven't they?
0:40:52 > 0:40:56- Because they are beautiful things and I like them very much.- Good.
0:40:56 > 0:40:59- Thank you for bringing them along. - Not at all. Glad I've made my point!
0:41:09 > 0:41:15Janet, there's one word, and one word only, to describe this.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17And that's fabulous.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19Oh. Amazing.
0:41:19 > 0:41:24Fabulous. It is a beautiful object.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28Predominantly, probably a pillbox, I would say.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31Tell me first of all how you got this beautiful box.
0:41:31 > 0:41:34Well, my late first husband,
0:41:34 > 0:41:38he just liked looking around antique shops and buying what he wanted.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41May I say that your husband had a fantastic eye?
0:41:41 > 0:41:45Because this is superb quality, and it is of the very, very best.
0:41:45 > 0:41:47Oh, good.
0:41:47 > 0:41:53When I look at it, to me, it looks...Swiss.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57- Oh.- Because it looks like the musical boxes of a similar period.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01Similar small musical boxes that had little flip-up lids
0:42:01 > 0:42:04with birds singing. Like singing bird boxes.
0:42:04 > 0:42:08They were made in Switzerland towards the late 19th century.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11If you look inside, there's this little mark here.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16- A tiny little mark, which is a little bit rubbed.- Yeah.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19And I think... I've got a feeling that mark may actually be French.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22So it could be Swiss or it could be French.
0:42:22 > 0:42:25But it's so rubbed it's very difficult to be sure.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27The box itself...
0:42:27 > 0:42:30is rose gold.
0:42:30 > 0:42:31Oh, right.
0:42:31 > 0:42:34And all of this around the outside is enamel.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37I thought it was enamel.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39All this blue work. This blue here, that's all enamel.
0:42:39 > 0:42:44- But what I love is this lovely central panel here.- Yes.
0:42:44 > 0:42:47This has been overlaid onto the gold.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49We have this lovely central urn.
0:42:49 > 0:42:50Yeah.
0:42:50 > 0:42:55And this here is platinum. And then we've got the yellow gold
0:42:55 > 0:42:57and the little rose gold...
0:42:57 > 0:42:59all around the outside, the leaves and the flowers.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02It's absolutely exquisite.
0:43:02 > 0:43:04The detail is just second to none.
0:43:05 > 0:43:09Even on the sides there you've got the little...urns
0:43:09 > 0:43:11and with the flowers.
0:43:11 > 0:43:13And all these wonderful panels, everywhere.
0:43:13 > 0:43:15It's just lovely quality.
0:43:16 > 0:43:19Is it not something you would like to keep?
0:43:19 > 0:43:21Well, I would like to keep it
0:43:21 > 0:43:24but I would like to travel a bit and do one or two things.
0:43:24 > 0:43:28Probably a second youth, sort of thing!
0:43:28 > 0:43:30Why not? Why not?
0:43:30 > 0:43:32It's the sort of thing that
0:43:32 > 0:43:34people will get very excited about at auction.
0:43:34 > 0:43:36- Oh, right.- Really because of the pure quality of it.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39It's just untouched.
0:43:39 > 0:43:42I mean, it looks... Apart from a little rubbing inside,
0:43:42 > 0:43:44which is really not the end of the world...
0:43:44 > 0:43:46the condition, I think, is perfect.
0:43:47 > 0:43:49Do you have any ideas on prices?
0:43:49 > 0:43:51I haven't a clue, no.
0:43:51 > 0:43:53It must've been in the '70s when he bought it.
0:43:53 > 0:43:56I would absolutely love to rewind to the '70s
0:43:56 > 0:43:58and find out what he paid for it.
0:43:58 > 0:44:00I haven't a clue, to be honest.
0:44:00 > 0:44:02It would just be wonderful to know.
0:44:02 > 0:44:04- Well, I would love to put this in auction.- Thank you.
0:44:04 > 0:44:07I would like to put this in with an estimate of £2,000-£3,000.
0:44:07 > 0:44:09Golly, that much!
0:44:09 > 0:44:10How does that sound?
0:44:10 > 0:44:12Well, I could have a good holiday on that!
0:44:12 > 0:44:15You could have a jolly good holiday. I could come, too!
0:44:15 > 0:44:20Well, shall we put it in with an estimate of £2,000-£3,000?
0:44:20 > 0:44:24- Yeah.- And let's put a reserve on of £1,800.
0:44:24 > 0:44:26- Right.- Just to protect it.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29- And I hope that it does very, very well.- Thank you.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31And you can go round the world a few times.
0:44:31 > 0:44:33Well, I don't know about that!
0:44:33 > 0:44:35What a beautiful find for Catherine!
0:44:35 > 0:44:37And now it's my turn and I've discovered something
0:44:37 > 0:44:39with a brilliant local connection.
0:44:41 > 0:44:43Corinne, is this yours?
0:44:43 > 0:44:45Well, it was my husband's.
0:44:45 > 0:44:47He was the locomotive enthusiast, was he?
0:44:47 > 0:44:49Absolutely. Not me.
0:44:49 > 0:44:51It's a lovely, lovely image, isn't it?
0:44:51 > 0:44:54You see that steam locomotive rolling down the tracks.
0:44:54 > 0:44:57Has this been on the wall in pride of place?
0:44:57 > 0:45:00It's been on the wall, not necessarily in pride of place.
0:45:00 > 0:45:03- How long has it been on the wall for?- Oh, years. Years and years.
0:45:03 > 0:45:05When you took it off this morning to come to the valuation day,
0:45:05 > 0:45:08- did it leave a sort of mark behind? - It's left a mark.
0:45:08 > 0:45:10Now, it is signed Weston. It is by David Weston.
0:45:10 > 0:45:14And look...there it is, there's the date - 1968.
0:45:14 > 0:45:16So it's one of his earlier works.
0:45:16 > 0:45:18He sadly died in 2011.
0:45:18 > 0:45:21He was born in...1935.
0:45:21 > 0:45:24- Leicester-based artist.- Yes, yes.
0:45:24 > 0:45:28And his work is exhibited at the London Transport Museum.
0:45:28 > 0:45:31- Right. I didn't know that. - It's highly sought-after.
0:45:31 > 0:45:34- I know it's highly sought-after. - Especially in this area.- Yes.
0:45:34 > 0:45:35Especially with railway enthusiasts.
0:45:35 > 0:45:37I mean, that's a nice image, isn't it?
0:45:37 > 0:45:39You've got this wonderful tank locomotive
0:45:39 > 0:45:41steaming down the track,
0:45:41 > 0:45:43smoke bellowing everywhere,
0:45:43 > 0:45:45pulling the Pullman carriage.
0:45:45 > 0:45:49His work, I think, is quite popular with his acrylics on board.
0:45:49 > 0:45:52This is slightly different, this is an oil on canvas.
0:45:52 > 0:45:53- Yes, it is.- And it's quite big.
0:45:53 > 0:45:56- Yes.- Have you any idea of the value?
0:45:56 > 0:46:00Well, I've been told £200, but I'd got no idea, prior to that.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03You bought this in the '60s?
0:46:03 > 0:46:04Er... No, later than that.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07- I would say it was later than that.- OK.
0:46:07 > 0:46:09- And I don't know how much it cost. - OK, right.
0:46:09 > 0:46:11I'm confident with you on £200.
0:46:11 > 0:46:14- There's a lot of paint in there for £200.- Mm-hm.
0:46:14 > 0:46:16Yeah.
0:46:16 > 0:46:20Can we put it in for a sale with a value of 250 to 350?
0:46:20 > 0:46:22Would you be happy?
0:46:22 > 0:46:25I'd be very pleased. I would be very pleased with that!
0:46:25 > 0:46:27So, I think your husband made a wise investment back then in the day.
0:46:27 > 0:46:29He did, didn't he?
0:46:29 > 0:46:30Fixed reserve at 250?
0:46:30 > 0:46:33If you were going to take £200, then I'd just up the ante a bit.
0:46:33 > 0:46:36- Yes. - I think this will be jolly exciting.
0:46:36 > 0:46:38It's full steam ahead and we're on the right track.
0:46:38 > 0:46:39- Yes. I'm with you.- OK?- Yes.
0:46:39 > 0:46:41See you at the auction room.
0:46:41 > 0:46:44Oh, I love a good pun, so, how about this one?
0:46:44 > 0:46:47Thomas has found a collection which could light up the room!
0:46:49 > 0:46:52Fiona, tell me about your collection of pipes, "peeps" -
0:46:52 > 0:46:54whatever you want to call them.
0:46:54 > 0:46:57They were passed down to me from my grandfather.
0:46:57 > 0:47:01He died about 12 years ago, and I inherited them from him.
0:47:01 > 0:47:05And I think they came from his great-grandfather.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08- Do you know what they are called? - I know they're meish...
0:47:08 > 0:47:09- Meerschaum.- ..meerschaum.
0:47:09 > 0:47:11- Meerschaum pipes.- Yeah.
0:47:11 > 0:47:13Was your father a pipe smoker?
0:47:13 > 0:47:16- Never smoked in his life. - Really? Do you smoke?
0:47:16 > 0:47:18- No.- Never in your life?- No.
0:47:18 > 0:47:21Meerschaum pipes from...probably Austria, these ones.
0:47:21 > 0:47:25Or that mid-continental European bloc.
0:47:25 > 0:47:27And this is sea foam.
0:47:27 > 0:47:30- They are late 19th, early 20th century.- Right.
0:47:30 > 0:47:34It's carved and they are brilliant, brilliant white
0:47:34 > 0:47:36- when you first buy them.- OK.
0:47:36 > 0:47:38And as the tobacco
0:47:38 > 0:47:43stains the pipe as you're smoking it,
0:47:43 > 0:47:45it colours the pipe.
0:47:46 > 0:47:49And it creates these lovely patterns, doesn't it, really?
0:47:49 > 0:47:50Yeah.
0:47:50 > 0:47:53And patination within these marvellous things.
0:47:53 > 0:47:57And, of course, because it's quite a soft material - chalky, almost -
0:47:57 > 0:47:59it's easy to carve.
0:47:59 > 0:48:04So you get lots of different faces and heads and objects, etc.
0:48:04 > 0:48:06Where are they at home?
0:48:06 > 0:48:08They're kept in a cabinet in the lounge.
0:48:08 > 0:48:09Are they?
0:48:09 > 0:48:12- Do you like looking at them? - Yes, I do. Yes.
0:48:12 > 0:48:13So why have you brought them along?
0:48:13 > 0:48:15Well, I've got nobody to leave them to
0:48:15 > 0:48:18and I can let someone else have some enjoyment out of them.
0:48:18 > 0:48:20Which one is your favourite one?
0:48:20 > 0:48:23I like the one with the lady with the colours.
0:48:23 > 0:48:26Where it is all mottled.
0:48:26 > 0:48:27Yeah, it's good, that, isn't it?
0:48:27 > 0:48:30It's got a lovely richness to the colour.
0:48:30 > 0:48:32This is my favourite one. I like the Cossack.
0:48:32 > 0:48:34- Yes.- He's got a really expressive face.
0:48:34 > 0:48:36Let me just pick him up.
0:48:36 > 0:48:39Have a look at him - he's rather handsome, isn't he?
0:48:39 > 0:48:41Almost a bit sort of Sherlock Holmes-y, isn't he?
0:48:41 > 0:48:44I've always thought that these are lovely things.
0:48:44 > 0:48:46We do see them quite often.
0:48:46 > 0:48:48You do get lots of faces.
0:48:48 > 0:48:51You get, erm, interesting objects such as the acorn.
0:48:51 > 0:48:55The more racy ones are obviously the more valuable ones.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57Because they were more risque.
0:48:57 > 0:48:59So you get naked ladies, and stuff.
0:48:59 > 0:49:01- Yes.- Have you got an idea of value?
0:49:01 > 0:49:03Probably between 100 and 200.
0:49:03 > 0:49:06Yeah. I mean, there's one here with a bit of damage to it,
0:49:06 > 0:49:09which will knock it down.
0:49:09 > 0:49:11You're in the right ballpark.
0:49:11 > 0:49:14There's no moment here when I can surprise you and say,
0:49:14 > 0:49:17"Actually, madam, they're going to be worth £50,000."
0:49:17 > 0:49:19- It's not one of those. - It'd be nice if you could!
0:49:19 > 0:49:22I know. It'd be lovely, but it's not.
0:49:22 > 0:49:24If we sort of base this around that £100 bracket
0:49:24 > 0:49:27and we sort of use our typical auctioneer's estimate -
0:49:27 > 0:49:29- can we use that one?- You can.
0:49:29 > 0:49:31IN UNISON: £80 to £100!
0:49:31 > 0:49:34Because I think that's fair.
0:49:34 > 0:49:36Reserve at £80.
0:49:36 > 0:49:37I think they should do rather well.
0:49:44 > 0:49:48What a truly eclectic venue De Montfort Hall is.
0:49:48 > 0:49:49It's played host to everything -
0:49:49 > 0:49:52from the Philharmonia Orchestra to The Beatles.
0:49:52 > 0:49:56But now it's time to head back to the saleroom for the last time.
0:49:56 > 0:49:58And here's what we're taking with us.
0:49:58 > 0:50:00One of the finest little boxes I've ever seen.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06The painting which I hope will tempt in not just the locals,
0:50:06 > 0:50:08but the train enthusiasts.
0:50:10 > 0:50:11And the pipes!
0:50:11 > 0:50:15Quirky items often do well, so I'm keeping everything crossed.
0:50:16 > 0:50:18John's spears are so beautiful,
0:50:18 > 0:50:22I'm sure they'll have more than a fighting chance of selling.
0:50:27 > 0:50:30Welcome back to Gildings Auction Rooms in Market Harborough.
0:50:30 > 0:50:32Let's now catch up with our experts
0:50:32 > 0:50:34and get on with our next lots.
0:50:34 > 0:50:37Hopefully, we'll have one or two big surprises.
0:50:38 > 0:50:41We've got some bearded gentlemen going under the hammer
0:50:41 > 0:50:43in the form of meerschaum pipes belonging to Fiona.
0:50:43 > 0:50:45We've seen these before.
0:50:45 > 0:50:47- And the characters are wonderful, Thomas?- Absolutely.
0:50:47 > 0:50:49So, have these been in the family a long time?
0:50:49 > 0:50:51Who's been collecting these?
0:50:51 > 0:50:54They came from either my great-grandad or great-great-grandad.
0:50:54 > 0:50:55Not sure which.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58Hopefully, we'll get the top end of Thomas's estimate,
0:50:58 > 0:51:00I think there's one or two that are quite delightful.
0:51:00 > 0:51:02- They are delightful. - Yes.- We have to wait and see.
0:51:02 > 0:51:05Well, we can't really say any more about it,
0:51:05 > 0:51:08let's hand proceedings over to Mark Gilding on the rostrum. Here we go.
0:51:08 > 0:51:10Bidding opens here with me at 35.
0:51:10 > 0:51:1345...55...
0:51:13 > 0:51:14£55, I'm bid.
0:51:14 > 0:51:17At £55. I'm bid at 55.
0:51:17 > 0:51:1860. Do I see it? 55.
0:51:18 > 0:51:20Then 60. 65.
0:51:20 > 0:51:2165? Bid at 65.
0:51:21 > 0:51:2270 online.
0:51:22 > 0:51:2475 bid now. At 75.
0:51:24 > 0:51:27At 75. 80, I'm bid. At 80.
0:51:27 > 0:51:29At £80 I'm bid.
0:51:29 > 0:51:31At 80 now, at 80. Online at 80.
0:51:31 > 0:51:32You're all out in the room?
0:51:32 > 0:51:35At £80 I'm bid. Selling to the internet at £80.
0:51:35 > 0:51:37- It's gone!- Lovely. Wonderful.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40- Well done, Thomas.- I'm really pleased about that.- Yeah, so am I.
0:51:40 > 0:51:42Because we kind of said, you know,
0:51:42 > 0:51:44these were in vogue about 10-15 years ago,
0:51:44 > 0:51:46and the fashion has really dropped.
0:51:46 > 0:51:49- But they've got away. Thank goodness.- That was a good job.
0:51:49 > 0:51:52I'm glad. I've filled the space in the cabinet already!
0:51:54 > 0:51:56And now time for another pun.
0:51:57 > 0:52:00OK, well, we seem to be chugging along quite nicely,
0:52:00 > 0:52:02which brings me to one of my valuations.
0:52:02 > 0:52:04Yes, it is the oil painting by David Weston.
0:52:04 > 0:52:07The wonderful locomotive under steam belonging to Corinne,
0:52:07 > 0:52:09- who has just joined me.- That's true.
0:52:09 > 0:52:11And we're looking at £250-£350.
0:52:11 > 0:52:15He's a local artist, so hopefully the word is out there
0:52:15 > 0:52:16and there's a bit of interest.
0:52:16 > 0:52:20- Let's hope for the best.- Yeah, let's hope. Fingers crossed.- Yes!
0:52:20 > 0:52:22And I know you've brought some support along today.
0:52:22 > 0:52:23Yes, my son's here. Yes.
0:52:23 > 0:52:24OK, good luck.
0:52:24 > 0:52:27Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:52:27 > 0:52:30- Let's see if we're on the right track!- Let's hope so.- Here we go.
0:52:32 > 0:52:33And this is the David Weston.
0:52:33 > 0:52:35With Michael here on my right -
0:52:35 > 0:52:39the steam tank locomotive, signed and dated '68, an oil on canvas.
0:52:39 > 0:52:43And, understandably, quite a bit of interest in this.
0:52:43 > 0:52:44- 120.- Good!
0:52:44 > 0:52:46130, 140, 160, 180, 200...
0:52:46 > 0:52:48Someone in the room's bidding in the front.
0:52:48 > 0:52:50..240, 250 I'm bid.
0:52:50 > 0:52:51250 I'm bid.
0:52:51 > 0:52:53He's got it away at 250.
0:52:53 > 0:52:54Yeah.
0:52:54 > 0:52:57It should fetch more than that, really.
0:52:57 > 0:52:59- ..280. - That's encouraging - a phone bid.
0:52:59 > 0:53:01Yes, yes.
0:53:01 > 0:53:03300 on the telephone. At 320?
0:53:06 > 0:53:08340 with the telephone.
0:53:08 > 0:53:10360 with me.
0:53:12 > 0:53:14360 with me, then.
0:53:15 > 0:53:18The telephone is out and walking away.
0:53:18 > 0:53:20360, then. Selling at 360.
0:53:21 > 0:53:24- Top end of the estimate.- Yeah.
0:53:24 > 0:53:27- We wanted to fetch more, but it's gone.- We did, a bit, didn't we?
0:53:27 > 0:53:29But it's gone, I didn't want to take home.
0:53:29 > 0:53:31- But money is tight at the moment. - Yes, it is.
0:53:31 > 0:53:34- But nevertheless, it's gone and you didn't want it, did you?- No.
0:53:34 > 0:53:36- I didn't want it back home. - We did it.- Thank you very much.
0:53:36 > 0:53:38Thank you for bringing it in.
0:53:44 > 0:53:47You certainly wouldn't want to be on the pointed end of one of these.
0:53:47 > 0:53:50We've got two spears going under the hammer, belonging to John,
0:53:50 > 0:53:52- courtesy of your uncle.- Yes. - Living out in Kenya.
0:53:52 > 0:53:54I particularly like one of them.
0:53:54 > 0:53:57We're splitting these into two lots and the first lot is my favourite,
0:53:57 > 0:54:00but I think both of them would look stunning on the wall.
0:54:00 > 0:54:02You can imagine it sailing through the air.
0:54:02 > 0:54:04No, I couldn't no, I want to see it fixed to the wall, quite safe,
0:54:04 > 0:54:06somewhere out of harm's way.
0:54:06 > 0:54:09Why are you selling these now?
0:54:09 > 0:54:13Well, it's because I had my loft insulated and all kinds
0:54:13 > 0:54:16of things came down, and I thought it's about time I got rid of them.
0:54:16 > 0:54:18So they were tucked up in the loft.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20Well, they were on my bedroom wall at one time
0:54:20 > 0:54:23and then I put them in the loft and then they've came down again.
0:54:23 > 0:54:25Oh, that's a shame, I'm pleased they're back out.
0:54:25 > 0:54:29OK, so, 291 is the next lot, the tribal fishing spear.
0:54:29 > 0:54:33What do we say for this? Bids on the book open at 45.
0:54:33 > 0:54:3555. 65.
0:54:35 > 0:54:37Come on, come on, come on.
0:54:37 > 0:54:4065. 70, do I see? 65. Thought this would make more than this.
0:54:40 > 0:54:43- So did I.- Yeah.
0:54:43 > 0:54:45£65 I'm bid. Here with me then at 65.
0:54:47 > 0:54:50Didn't sell. OK. Spear number two.
0:54:50 > 0:54:51Not quite as big, this one,
0:54:51 > 0:54:55and I'm going to start again and stand on here at £65.
0:54:55 > 0:54:58Standing on at 65, at 65 bid.
0:54:58 > 0:54:59At 65.
0:55:01 > 0:55:02- I'm surprised.- Well, yeah.
0:55:02 > 0:55:05No bidders here today, nobody online, nobody on the phone.
0:55:05 > 0:55:07I mean, that is auctions for you.
0:55:07 > 0:55:10You know, sometimes these things get geared up and they race away,
0:55:10 > 0:55:13two or three people bidding against each other takes it
0:55:13 > 0:55:16- to a different level, but here, nobody wanted in on the day.- Yeah.
0:55:16 > 0:55:19- Didn't even reach the reserve. I'm ever so sorry.- No, that's OK.
0:55:21 > 0:55:24And finally Janet's beautiful gold pillbox.
0:55:24 > 0:55:27Catherine valued it at £2,000-£3,000,
0:55:27 > 0:55:31but on the auction preview day I asked Mark Gilding what he thought.
0:55:31 > 0:55:34It's absolutely exquisite. It really is.
0:55:34 > 0:55:35It's about as good as you'd find
0:55:35 > 0:55:38from the period these were made - the 1840s.
0:55:38 > 0:55:39Yeah.
0:55:39 > 0:55:40What I want to know is,
0:55:40 > 0:55:43has this been picked up and handled plenty of times
0:55:43 > 0:55:44along the viewing days?
0:55:44 > 0:55:47Not only that, it's been picked up through the internet
0:55:47 > 0:55:51- and lots of interest - from the UK and abroad.- Brilliant!
0:55:51 > 0:55:53Can we see the top end of that two to three?
0:55:53 > 0:55:54Can we see that and that more?
0:55:54 > 0:55:57Well, I think we can be certain of it selling.
0:55:57 > 0:56:00OK, the market will dictate later on.
0:56:00 > 0:56:03If three or four people really want this, they might pay over the odds.
0:56:04 > 0:56:07So, without further ado, let's see how it does.
0:56:07 > 0:56:11Every now and then our valuation days throw up a real gem.
0:56:11 > 0:56:13And we certainly had one back at De Montfort Hall
0:56:13 > 0:56:15in the form of Janet,
0:56:15 > 0:56:18and also in her beautiful little rose gold and enamel box.
0:56:18 > 0:56:22This is a delight! An absolute treasure!
0:56:22 > 0:56:26- You were gobsmacked.- Stunning. - Really.- It's absolutely beautiful!
0:56:26 > 0:56:29Had a chat to the auctioneer - he said he's had phone bids,
0:56:29 > 0:56:33we've got internet booking on it, and hopefully interest in the room.
0:56:33 > 0:56:35Oh, good.
0:56:35 > 0:56:38- We're here to enjoy the moment, aren't we?- I'm interested.
0:56:38 > 0:56:40OK, well, let's see what the bidders think. Here we go.
0:56:40 > 0:56:44This is it. Good luck, both of you.
0:56:44 > 0:56:47So, this is the rose gold, enamelled, rectangular snuffbox.
0:56:47 > 0:56:50And I think you'd struggle to find a better one
0:56:50 > 0:56:52in many other places.
0:56:53 > 0:56:56Lots of interest in this throughout all of the viewing.
0:56:56 > 0:57:00I'm going to open the bidding here at £1,000.
0:57:00 > 0:57:021,000 I'm bid.
0:57:02 > 0:57:03It's not enough!
0:57:03 > 0:57:041,100. 1,200,
0:57:04 > 0:57:071,300. 1,400.
0:57:07 > 0:57:081,500.
0:57:08 > 0:57:091,600.
0:57:10 > 0:57:111,700.
0:57:12 > 0:57:14£1,800, I'm bid now.
0:57:14 > 0:57:161,900.
0:57:16 > 0:57:19Two phone lines ready to battle it out. See those two gentlemen?
0:57:19 > 0:57:21- Oh, yeah. - ..2,200.
0:57:22 > 0:57:252,300. 2,400.
0:57:25 > 0:57:27- 2,500. - (Amazing. It's wonderful.)
0:57:27 > 0:57:29- 2,600. - (It's a great thing.)
0:57:29 > 0:57:312,700.
0:57:32 > 0:57:342,700 I'm bid, then.
0:57:34 > 0:57:362,800 - new bidder.
0:57:37 > 0:57:392,900.
0:57:39 > 0:57:41£3,000.
0:57:41 > 0:57:44- Did you know it was worth this much? - Not really. No.
0:57:44 > 0:57:46- Are you OK?- It's very nice...
0:57:46 > 0:57:483,400.
0:57:49 > 0:57:513,600.
0:57:52 > 0:57:543,800.
0:57:55 > 0:57:57£4,000 I'm bid.
0:57:57 > 0:57:59So, £4,000 we're bid.
0:58:01 > 0:58:03No bidding with the internet, as well.
0:58:03 > 0:58:05With the telephone, then. £4,000?
0:58:05 > 0:58:08Last chance - selling at £4,000.
0:58:09 > 0:58:13- Well done.- Wow. What a wonderful way to end today's programme!
0:58:13 > 0:58:16- You don't really know what to say, do you?- No.- No.
0:58:16 > 0:58:18I enjoyed it.
0:58:18 > 0:58:19You enjoyed it!
0:58:19 > 0:58:22- Thank you so much for bringing that in.- Thank you.
0:58:22 > 0:58:23It's been a real delight to see.
0:58:23 > 0:58:25Our experts love things like that.
0:58:25 > 0:58:28If you've got anything like that, we'd love to see it.
0:58:28 > 0:58:30But for now, from Market Harborough and from all of us,
0:58:30 > 0:58:33it's goodbye from a wonderful, wonderful "Flog It!".