0:00:07 > 0:00:08Welcome to the Tate Britain.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11Today, we'll be exploring the work of a revolutionary artist,
0:00:11 > 0:00:15John Constable, who was inspired by one particular county,
0:00:15 > 0:00:18Suffolk, the home of our valuation day.
0:00:18 > 0:00:20Welcome to "Flog It!"
0:00:42 > 0:00:46Later in the show, we'll be back at the Tate Britain to
0:00:46 > 0:00:49investigate a special exhibition dedicated to John Constable.
0:00:49 > 0:00:52But first, it's time to head to the county which
0:00:52 > 0:00:55stimulated his artistic fervour.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59Constable was deeply inspired by some of the most fertile
0:00:59 > 0:01:02and rich farming land in England.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04From the green fields of East Bergholt
0:01:04 > 0:01:06to the running water of Flatford Mill,
0:01:06 > 0:01:08the architectural landscape
0:01:08 > 0:01:12and the open skies of Suffolk have changed very little over the years.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17And at the heart of all that glorious countryside
0:01:17 > 0:01:20is the rather splendid Ickworth House.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22The home of our valuations today.
0:01:25 > 0:01:31Ickworth House is nestled in 1,800 acres of beautiful parkland.
0:01:31 > 0:01:33It's an architectural delight in the Italianate style
0:01:33 > 0:01:36designed by the fourth Earl of Bristol, who must have been
0:01:36 > 0:01:40an extremely busy man because he only visited the place twice.
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Luckily enough for us today, hundreds of people have turned up
0:01:43 > 0:01:45laden with antiques and collectibles,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48all hoping for a favourable valuation from our experts.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51And if you're happy with that valuation, what are you going to do?
0:01:51 > 0:01:53ALL: Flog it!
0:01:53 > 0:01:58But first, they've got to be spotted by our eagle-eyed experts.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01Fluttering around the "Flog It!" fans today with their precious
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- stickers is Adam Partridge. - That's an owl, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:02:04 > 0:02:05I've got lots of owl jokes.
0:02:05 > 0:02:08An owl went out and got married and he came and told his mum,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- "I got married," and she said, "You twit-twoo."- Oh!
0:02:11 > 0:02:14And our own wise owl, Philip Serrell,
0:02:14 > 0:02:17who's always happy to take others under his wing.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19Haven't you got someone you'd like to go and see?
0:02:19 > 0:02:23- Um...I'm interested in following you because...- Look and learn.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- On work experience. - Yeah. No likey, no lighty.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29LAUGHTER
0:02:30 > 0:02:33We'll be having a look inside this magnificent house
0:02:33 > 0:02:35a little later on in the show.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38But first, we've got to get our magnificent crowd
0:02:38 > 0:02:40inside their own wing, the West Wing.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43- So, are you ready to go inside, everyone?- ALL: Yes!- Yes.
0:02:43 > 0:02:45Well, let's get busy valuing and get on with the show.
0:02:53 > 0:02:57Coming up, Adam gets an unusual proposition.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00- It's so sexy.- Yeah.- You know you'd love to wear it.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02What do you think I am?
0:03:02 > 0:03:05Other suggestions don't go down quite so well.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09You don't like saucy postcards, then. Not really. No. No!
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- Definitely no.- No!
0:03:11 > 0:03:15But noes soon turn to yes later in the auction room.
0:03:15 > 0:03:18- 1,000.- I don't believe it! It's not true, is it?- It is.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20Are you all done?
0:03:20 > 0:03:22But before all of that, we've got to get valuing.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27Ickworth House boasts a stunning collection of fine art
0:03:27 > 0:03:30and antiques, Neoclassical paintings and sculptures, furniture,
0:03:30 > 0:03:34not to mention one of the best silver collections in the country.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Well, right now, it's time to find out what the good people of Suffolk
0:03:37 > 0:03:39have brought along to our valuation day.
0:03:39 > 0:03:42It's time for these people to make their own history.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46Let's catch up with our first expert at the tables, Mr Philip Serrell.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51- Time flies, doesn't it? - It does, doesn't it?
0:03:51 > 0:03:55Well, I hope it's going to. Tell me about your clock. Where's it come from?
0:03:55 > 0:03:58It's my parents' clock and my parents want to sell it.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00They're trying to get rid of a few bits
0:04:00 > 0:04:02- and redecorate the house, really. - Yeah.
0:04:02 > 0:04:05Originally, my grandparents' clock.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08They had it as a wedding gift some years ago.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10In 1918, some time like that.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12My grandfather came out of the war
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- and they seemed to get married quite quickly then.- Yeah.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18I think this is possibly a little bit earlier than that,
0:04:18 > 0:04:20but only perhaps by 10 or 15 years or so.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24Somebody must have thought something of them because this would have been an expensive thing.
0:04:24 > 0:04:27Just as a very quick rule of thumb,
0:04:27 > 0:04:30If something's got glass in it, if they go to the trouble
0:04:30 > 0:04:32to bevel the sides of the glass,
0:04:32 > 0:04:34by and large, that means it's a quality item.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- Yeah.- And they've done that, and on the sides here.
0:04:37 > 0:04:39Do you know what wood this is?
0:04:39 > 0:04:41- I'm not sure, no.- It's walnut.- Yeah.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44And a lot of these are in oak, some are in mahogany. This is in walnut.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47Straight grain walnut, which is an expensive timber.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49And if we open the dial up,
0:04:49 > 0:04:52these little things on the corners are called spandrels.
0:04:52 > 0:04:55Do you know, I like things that tell you all about them.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58Because I can tell instantly where this was made because it's got,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01"Made in Germany," just here, look. And then you've got slow and fast.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04And that basically regulates the movement.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07We can't have a watch movement that keeps perfect time all the time.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09And that slow and fast just regulates the movement
0:05:09 > 0:05:12depending on how it's operating and functioning.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14It's a well-made clock, this.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Let's have a look at the movement at the back.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20It strikes on Westminster chimes and you've got just stamped in here,
0:05:20 > 0:05:25"RSM," which is Reinhold Schnekebburger Muhlheim.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27And they were a firm of German clockmakers.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- It's an interesting thing. Are you happy to sell it?- Yeah, yeah.
0:05:31 > 0:05:32It's an imposing piece
0:05:32 > 0:05:37and a clock like this 10 or 15 years ago might have been worth £300-£500.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- Whereas now, I think it's going to be worth 150-250.- Yeah.
0:05:41 > 0:05:43I think you should reserve it at £150,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46but give the auctioneer perhaps 10% discretion if he gets close.
0:05:46 > 0:05:51- That's what I would do.- You don't have a centrepiece in a house, like a clock any more like you used to.
0:05:51 > 0:05:53- They do, they call it a television. - Oh, yeah.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57How right you are, Phil.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00Although Adam's next item could make for a lovely centrepiece.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05Well, Sheila, it's lovely to see you. How are you today?
0:06:05 > 0:06:07I'm very good, thank you.
0:06:07 > 0:06:10And what a lovely watercolour of the Lake District.
0:06:10 > 0:06:13- A fabulous part of the world.- Yeah. It is beautiful.- Isn't it?- Yeah.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16Now, can you tell me how you came to own this?
0:06:16 > 0:06:20I got it left in a will. Every time I went to the house, I used to say,
0:06:20 > 0:06:23- "I love that painting, Auntie Bessie."- Auntie Bessie, was it?
0:06:23 > 0:06:24- Auntie Bessie, yeah.- Auntie Bessie.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26And you've got an accent of that area, have you?
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- Are you from...?- Yes, I am, yeah. I'm from Kendal.
0:06:30 > 0:06:33- But now you're down here in Suffolk. - Yeah.- Do you miss it?
0:06:33 > 0:06:35Yeah. I go back up quite often.
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Well, this is a lovely watercolour of...
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- Is it Rydal Water by FV Fullerton-Smith.- Yeah.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44We assess art on several factors.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47One of the main ones is the name of the person who painted it.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51And FV Fullerton-Smith isn't a big name in the art world.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53He's recognised.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58He's a listed artist, so he mainly did lake scenes in England
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- and Italy end of the 19th century sort of time.- I was wondering when.
0:07:02 > 0:07:04- It's not dated, is it?- No.
0:07:04 > 0:07:06But I think it's late 19th to early 20th century.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08It's a good representation of the area, isn't it?
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- It's beautiful.- I presume you know this area quite well.- Yeah.
0:07:11 > 0:07:13- I've walked all them fells. - Have you?- Yeah.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15I love walking up there, as well.
0:07:15 > 0:07:17- Now, the artist doesn't make big money.- No.
0:07:17 > 0:07:20- So its value's going to be fairly limited.- OK.
0:07:20 > 0:07:23It's in the original gilt frame still with the mount.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26It's all nice and genuine, been 100 years there.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28I think it's going to fetch £50-£80.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32- OK.- You look sad.- No, it's fine.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- Honestly.- Are you sure? - I'm positive, yeah.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- Should we put a reserve on it?- Yeah, 50.- £50? If it doesn't make 50...
0:07:39 > 0:07:42- I'm taking it home. - You're taking it home.
0:07:42 > 0:07:43Now, if two people are like us
0:07:43 > 0:07:46and they fall in love with it and they have a little bid at it
0:07:46 > 0:07:51and it makes £150-£200, would you put that towards something specific?
0:07:51 > 0:07:52- Yeah.- Good on you.- On a cow.
0:07:52 > 0:07:55On a cow? Is that what you're going to do?
0:07:55 > 0:07:58All the money I can get, with other things, as well,
0:07:58 > 0:08:00- are going towards a cow.- So this...
0:08:00 > 0:08:02HE LAUGHS
0:08:02 > 0:08:03- A Dexter.- A Dexter? Oh, great.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- A small cow.- A small cow. - Dexters are really...
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- Have you got a smallholding, then? - My daughter has.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- Has she?- Yeah. Just moved there. - So that's great.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15I've asked people for years, "What will you do with the money?"
0:08:15 > 0:08:19- And I don't think I've ever had, "a cow," before.- Yeah. A Dexter cow.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21So art "mooveau", then.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23No, sorry, that's terrible.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Thanks for coming. I'll go now.
0:08:28 > 0:08:32And after that awful pun, I think we should escape outside.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38Now, Ickworth was built for the fourth Earl of Bristol,
0:08:38 > 0:08:41who was passionate about Italian architecture.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44But his passion wasn't restricted just to the house.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51I'm standing in what's known as the South Pleasure Gardens.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53This Italianate style of gardening
0:08:53 > 0:08:56is the oldest of its kind in this country.
0:08:56 > 0:08:58And it predates the 19th-century fashion
0:08:58 > 0:09:02for this style of Italianate planting by a good 50 years.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06It was designed by the fourth earl and finally completed by his son.
0:09:06 > 0:09:08And there are several rooms,
0:09:08 > 0:09:11which takes the viewer from light to shade.
0:09:11 > 0:09:12It is extremely clever
0:09:12 > 0:09:17and it was inspired by the classical ideals of order and beauty.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20The Italianate gardens create quite a contrast
0:09:20 > 0:09:22with the surrounding Suffolk countryside.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26And wandering around, you feel you could be on the Continent.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32But before I get lost in my thoughts,
0:09:32 > 0:09:35it's time to head back inside to the West Wing,
0:09:35 > 0:09:39where Philip's next piece brings to mind a great postcard artist.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44- Hermione, how are you?- I'm well, thank you. How are you, sir?
0:09:44 > 0:09:46Well, I'm pretty good, actually.
0:09:46 > 0:09:47You look at cards like this
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- and you always think of Donald McGill, don't you?- You do indeed.
0:09:50 > 0:09:52I mean, this is sort of, not risque,
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- this is more a poke at a henpecked husband, isn't it?- Certainly is.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- Do you remember Peggy Mount? - Unfortunately, I do.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00- That shows my age, doesn't it? - And mine.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03- That looks like Peggy Mount, doesn't it?- Yes, it does.
0:10:03 > 0:10:06And that's her poor downtrodden husband.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08This is a postcard, not a saucy one,
0:10:08 > 0:10:12- but a postcard by Dudley Buxton, I think his name is.- Right.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15- It is a piece of original artwork. - It is.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18So originally, this was the design for a postcard.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22It's got here, he's complaining that there's a hair in his lunch
0:10:22 > 0:10:24and his rather fearsome wife is saying,
0:10:24 > 0:10:27"Well, if there is a hair in the pastry,
0:10:27 > 0:10:29"it's one of yours off the rolling pin."
0:10:29 > 0:10:30So she's clearly given him a...
0:10:30 > 0:10:32- A clout.- ..a good clout with the rolling pin.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- She's an intimidating lady, isn't she?- I'd say so.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- I wouldn't want to meet her on a dark night.- How did you come by it?
0:10:38 > 0:10:43It was a present that was given by my brother-in-law to my husband.
0:10:43 > 0:10:46He picked it up in an auction and just saw it there and thought,
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- "Jimmy would like that." Jimmy passed away seven years ago.- Right, yeah.
0:10:50 > 0:10:53And it appealed to his sense of humour.
0:10:53 > 0:10:54And he did, he absolutely loved it.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57It doesn't necessarily appeal to mine, I'm afraid.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00- So it's time to move it on, isn't it?- Indeed.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02Have you ever given any thought as to what it might be worth?
0:11:02 > 0:11:05I have absolutely no idea what it's worth.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07If only it was a Donald McGill.
0:11:07 > 0:11:09- That's what we're thinking, isn't it?- Oh!
0:11:09 > 0:11:14- I think it's going to make probably in the order of £50-£80.- Right.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17And I'd put a reserve on it of £40. A fixed reserve of 40.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- OK.- That's what I would do.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22- I think it will appeal to someone with Jimmy's sense of humour.- Right.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25I think it's almost like the wheel's turned full circle
0:11:25 > 0:11:26and it's going to go on and...
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- It needs to go to somebody who'll appreciate its humour.- Yeah.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32It'd make a great wedding present for someone.
0:11:32 > 0:11:33- Possibly, yes.- I think it's funny.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39In the early 1930s, cartoon-style postcards became widespread.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42And at their peak, the sale of saucy postcards
0:11:42 > 0:11:46reached a massive 16 million a year.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50The most famous postcard artist was Donald McGill,
0:11:50 > 0:11:53a skilled artist and renowned humorist.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57Original McGill postcards can now command very high prices
0:11:57 > 0:12:02at auction, which is exactly where we're heading off to right now.
0:12:02 > 0:12:03Our experts have now found
0:12:03 > 0:12:06their first three items to put under the hammer.
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Right now, we're heading over to Diss
0:12:08 > 0:12:10and here's what's coming with us.
0:12:12 > 0:12:14A wedding gift to Stuart's grandparents.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17Will the collectors spot this quality German timepiece?
0:12:20 > 0:12:22Sheila's watercolour has great appeal,
0:12:22 > 0:12:25especially to lovers of the Lake District.
0:12:27 > 0:12:29And Hermione's comic artwork
0:12:29 > 0:12:32is sure to raise a few smiles in the saleroom.
0:12:32 > 0:12:34Will that translate into a few bids?
0:12:41 > 0:12:45Diss is just a few miles northeast over the border into Norfolk
0:12:45 > 0:12:47and is home to our auction house, TW Gaze,
0:12:47 > 0:12:51run by a regular "Flog It!" expert, Elizabeth Talbot.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54290 in the room. At 290, I'm out.
0:12:54 > 0:12:58And in front of this packed auction house, it's time for our first lot.
0:12:58 > 0:12:59Fingers crossed, Stuart.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02We're just about to sell the walnut bracket clock, with a valuation of
0:13:02 > 0:13:06150 to, hopefully, 250, if we get that top end.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08- Does the clock still work? - It did some years ago.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- We haven't tried it for some while. - Not recently.- OK.
0:13:11 > 0:13:14Well, good luck. And good luck Phillip, as well. Here we go.
0:13:14 > 0:13:17Lot 170 is next.
0:13:17 > 0:13:20We have the late 19, early 20th century walnut bracket clock
0:13:20 > 0:13:22and I start at £120.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24Just 120. Bids are in at 120.
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- Looking for 30. - Come on, that's all we need.
0:13:27 > 0:13:28I have 120, I'm looking for 30.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31It's for nothing - it's a super clock.
0:13:31 > 0:13:32At 120.
0:13:32 > 0:13:34130. 140.
0:13:34 > 0:13:36150. 160.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38170. 180.
0:13:38 > 0:13:39190. 200.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41210. 220.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44Are you all done at 220?
0:13:46 > 0:13:48- It's gone. £220.- Yep. Very good.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- Happy?- Yep, happy with that. - Good. Good.
0:13:51 > 0:13:52Not a bad start.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55Now, can the beauty of the Cumbrian fells
0:13:55 > 0:13:58arouse the interest of the bidders?
0:13:58 > 0:14:00We're just about to put under the hammer
0:14:00 > 0:14:02the watercolour of the Lake District
0:14:02 > 0:14:04which you have walked all over? Literally.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- Yes. Yes, I have.- Not the image itself, but...- No, no, no.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12If it does sell, have you got your eye on anything in the sale room, at all?
0:14:12 > 0:14:13Have you been looking around?
0:14:13 > 0:14:17Well, we've been looking, but I know what I want. A cow.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Oh, OK. Right.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22- She was after buying a Dexter cow. You know, the mini ones?- Oh, yes.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26We just bought this... My daughter's bought this place, a smallholding.
0:14:26 > 0:14:27A smallholding. Oh, brilliant.
0:14:27 > 0:14:31- Has anyone saved up for a cow on Flog It! before?- I don't think so.
0:14:31 > 0:14:32- No.- No.- No.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35Well, look, good luck with that! Good luck.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37Let's find out what this lot think, shall we?
0:14:37 > 0:14:40I hope the auctioneer really milks it.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42PAUL LAUGHS
0:14:42 > 0:14:45Lot 50. Pretty little watercolour there.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48Start me at £50?
0:14:48 > 0:14:51Good artist's work there, £50.
0:14:51 > 0:14:54- Cue dramatic music.- It's nothing for an original piece of work, is it?
0:14:54 > 0:14:57You'd pay that for a photo.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59Starting then at £30. Wave if I miss you.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Lovely English scene. 30, sir. 30, I have. I'll take two.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04It's a maiden bid of £30 here.
0:15:04 > 0:15:0532.
0:15:05 > 0:15:0635. 38.
0:15:06 > 0:15:0840. 42.
0:15:08 > 0:15:0945.
0:15:09 > 0:15:1148.
0:15:11 > 0:15:12One more, sir.
0:15:12 > 0:15:14You'll get a cheer from the corner. At £48 bid.
0:15:14 > 0:15:1650's the wink. At 50.
0:15:16 > 0:15:18A 50 I have, to my left, now.
0:15:18 > 0:15:19Lost you all further back.
0:15:19 > 0:15:20Where's five?
0:15:20 > 0:15:22It's a good buy at £50. Are you all done?
0:15:22 > 0:15:24At 50?
0:15:24 > 0:15:26Just! £50.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28Someone bought it with a wink.
0:15:28 > 0:15:30A nod's just as good as a wink.
0:15:30 > 0:15:31I didn't think that happened any more.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33Thought you had to put your bidding paddle up.
0:15:33 > 0:15:36- No...! There's all sorts. - Can you still go...?- Yeah!
0:15:36 > 0:15:40"When I take my headscarf off, I've finished bidding," one lady said to me.
0:15:40 > 0:15:44- Hey, look, are you happy? - I am, yes.- It's gone.- Yes.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47- It's an experience, anyway. - Oh, bless you.
0:15:48 > 0:15:52And part of the experience of an auction is the preview day,
0:15:52 > 0:15:55which is when I caught up with our auctioneer Elisabeth.
0:15:55 > 0:15:58Having a chuckle over Hermione's lot.
0:15:58 > 0:16:00I like this.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02This made me smile as soon as I saw it.
0:16:02 > 0:16:03The humour behind this is lovely.
0:16:03 > 0:16:07Now Dudley Buxton was born in 1884.
0:16:07 > 0:16:09By 1908 this gentleman had become engaged
0:16:09 > 0:16:13and he started sending little watercolours and postcards
0:16:13 > 0:16:16to his fiancee, and gradually his career took off.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19He also then directed some silent cartoons
0:16:19 > 0:16:22in the early part of the 20th century, as well.
0:16:22 > 0:16:26So, for collectors, apart from being hilariously funny, I think,
0:16:26 > 0:16:28it's quite a little collectors' piece, this.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Do you know what they've sold for in the past at auction?
0:16:31 > 0:16:33Most of them seem to make three figures.
0:16:33 > 0:16:36- So it's an £80-£120. - I would've said.
0:16:36 > 0:16:39She says(!) I hope so. I hope so. I certainly hope so.
0:16:39 > 0:16:40PAUL LAUGHS
0:16:40 > 0:16:42So, will Dudley's Pastry Hair
0:16:42 > 0:16:45tickle the funny bone of today's bidders? Let's find out.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48If something can make you laugh,
0:16:48 > 0:16:51- for not a lot of money, it's worth buying, isn't it?- Absolutely.
0:16:51 > 0:16:53So why are you selling it?
0:16:53 > 0:16:55Because it was a present to my late husband.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57It appealed to his sense of humour.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59I can't say that it actually appeals to mine,
0:16:59 > 0:17:01so I want to buy something more of a landscape.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05Do you know it reminds me of when I went on holiday the first time with my parents,
0:17:05 > 0:17:07and you go to these seaside piers and see all the saucy postcards.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10- What it was all about. - Donald McGill, wasn't it.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12- Yes!- Absolutely.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15You don't like saucy postcards, then? Not really.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- No! Definitely, no!- I don't.
0:17:17 > 0:17:18Sorry. OK, let's sell it.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20That's why it up for sale right now.
0:17:20 > 0:17:23Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26Lot 90. Dudley Buxton, I like this.
0:17:26 > 0:17:27It'll bring a smile to your face.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29Little cartoon.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Original watercolour for the design of a postcard.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34Start me at £50.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37Well-collected artist, that.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39£50. 30 I'll take.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41Come on, it is worth it for the smile. £30.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44Come on. Anybody want this one?
0:17:44 > 0:17:46£30, the lady.
0:17:46 > 0:17:47- 32.- We're in.
0:17:47 > 0:17:4838. And 40.
0:17:48 > 0:17:5042. 45.
0:17:50 > 0:17:5248. And 50.
0:17:52 > 0:17:53It's going now.
0:17:53 > 0:17:5550 - the lady's bid at 50.
0:17:55 > 0:17:56Five, new bidder.
0:17:56 > 0:17:5860. 65.
0:17:58 > 0:17:5970. 75.
0:17:59 > 0:18:0180. 85
0:18:01 > 0:18:0390. 95.
0:18:03 > 0:18:05100 - through a grimace!
0:18:05 > 0:18:06110.
0:18:06 > 0:18:07120.
0:18:07 > 0:18:09- Now you like it.- I do!
0:18:09 > 0:18:10Lady's bid upstairs, 120.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12I'm looking for 30.
0:18:12 > 0:18:13Very collectable piece.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15Here at 120. Any advance?
0:18:15 > 0:18:17£120. Hammer's gone down.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- Job done. - Thank you very much.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21- Now you're smiling? - Absolutely.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Well, I don't think Hermione was expecting that.
0:18:28 > 0:18:32Well, there you are, a few surprises in our first visit to the sale room today.
0:18:32 > 0:18:34We are coming back later on.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37Now, the county of Suffolk has produced many great artists,
0:18:37 > 0:18:41the most famous on the tip of your lips has to be John Constable.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44So to find out more about him and his work,
0:18:44 > 0:18:47I took a trip to the Tate Britain in London.
0:18:54 > 0:18:55It's a long way from East Anglia,
0:18:55 > 0:18:57but the Tate Britain in London
0:18:57 > 0:18:59holds the national collection of British art,
0:18:59 > 0:19:03so if you want to see some of the major works by Constable,
0:19:03 > 0:19:07one of Suffolk's most famous sons, this is the place to come.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16And if you do, you'll be rewarded with works of art like this.
0:19:16 > 0:19:19This is absolutely stunning - it's Flatford Mill -
0:19:19 > 0:19:22and it's a good place to start Constable's work.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24It is possibly his most recognisable image,
0:19:24 > 0:19:27in fact, it has been replicated in print
0:19:27 > 0:19:32on tea towels and biscuit tins thousands of times the world over.
0:19:32 > 0:19:34It's a large, generous canvas
0:19:34 > 0:19:38and Constable wanted to paint more naturally than his predecessors.
0:19:38 > 0:19:42And in order to do that, what you see here,
0:19:42 > 0:19:45mostly had to be painted outdoors.
0:19:49 > 0:19:52It depicts a working rural scene from Suffolk,
0:19:52 > 0:19:57as two light barges progress up the River Stour from Dedham Lock.
0:19:58 > 0:20:00In the distance is the village
0:20:00 > 0:20:04that Constable was born and grew up in - East Bergholt.
0:20:04 > 0:20:07For me, when you look at this painting,
0:20:07 > 0:20:10it has the feeling of everything being right with the world.
0:20:10 > 0:20:12And that's what John Constable must have felt
0:20:12 > 0:20:15when he painted it in 1816.
0:20:15 > 0:20:17He'd just escaped becoming part of the family business,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20and became an artist instead of a corn merchant.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24It was also the same year that he engaged and married
0:20:24 > 0:20:26the love of his life, Maria Bicknell.
0:20:26 > 0:20:29He'd been courting her for many years against the odds -
0:20:29 > 0:20:32her family disapproved of the match.
0:20:32 > 0:20:35And what you don't realise when you look at this work of art is,
0:20:35 > 0:20:39at the time it was painted, this was deemed radical.
0:20:43 > 0:20:46To find out what was so ground-breaking,
0:20:46 > 0:20:49I met up with art critic and author Martin Gayford,
0:20:49 > 0:20:52to look at a whole room of Constable's paintings
0:20:52 > 0:20:55housed in Tate Britain's Clore Gallery.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01Martin, when you look at paintings like this of Flatford Mill,
0:21:01 > 0:21:04the seem conservative to our eyes, so what was Constable doing
0:21:04 > 0:21:07that was different at the time, that hadn't been done before?
0:21:07 > 0:21:09Well, I suppose what's happened
0:21:09 > 0:21:13is we now look at the English countryside through his eyes.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16When this was done, what people would've seen was a rather
0:21:16 > 0:21:20daringly ordinary working landscape, not picturesque.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23The kind of things that attracted attention
0:21:23 > 0:21:26in the Royal Academy exhibitions then were dramatic -
0:21:26 > 0:21:28the Alps, the Lake District,
0:21:28 > 0:21:31storms, waterfalls, battles.
0:21:31 > 0:21:33Paintings with a lot of ingredients.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36And here he was showing you a bit of hedge, a few people in the field...
0:21:36 > 0:21:38It would've seemed...
0:21:38 > 0:21:41It would've seemed daringly everyday.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48This picture of East Bergholt Church
0:21:48 > 0:21:52also seems everyday, but it really is full of hidden drama.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54For years and years, Constable courted
0:21:54 > 0:21:58the granddaughter of the church's rector, Maria Bicknell,
0:21:58 > 0:22:03but the Rector declared Constable to be a feckless, useless painter,
0:22:03 > 0:22:06who couldn't possibly support his granddaughter.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11However, although his finances never improved much,
0:22:11 > 0:22:15as we know, he did eventually manage to marry Maria.
0:22:15 > 0:22:16He was a late starter.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20He was over 30 when he really got going at the Royal Academy.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24He was over 50 by the time he became a Royal Academician.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28He never did more than just about get enough
0:22:28 > 0:22:31to support his family in a sort of middle-class life from it.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33Whereas Turner, in contrast,
0:22:33 > 0:22:37was hugely successful from his early 20s - made a fortune -
0:22:37 > 0:22:40before he started doing daring and avant-garde works.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43Constable's always pushing a bit against the tide.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45Was he always in Turner's footsteps?
0:22:45 > 0:22:47We're in the Clore Gallery
0:22:47 > 0:22:50surrounded by works by his contemporary Turner,
0:22:50 > 0:22:53in the next room. Were they good friends? Did they get on?
0:22:53 > 0:22:55That's an interesting question.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59They met for the first time at a banquet at the Royal Academy in 1830.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02They were seated next to each other.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05And Constable was so excited that he wrote the next day
0:23:05 > 0:23:06to his fiancee, his wife-to-be,
0:23:06 > 0:23:09saying he'd met Turner and he said
0:23:09 > 0:23:12"He's uncouth but he has a wonderful range of mind."
0:23:12 > 0:23:15So I think Constable was rather impressed,
0:23:15 > 0:23:18but there was also a bit of tension there, I suspect.
0:23:18 > 0:23:22Turner was championed by Ruskin, and the other academics of the Academy.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25Was nobody really behind Constable at the time?
0:23:25 > 0:23:26The French.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29He was very much admired abroad,
0:23:29 > 0:23:31but, unfortunately, he was such a stay-at-home,
0:23:31 > 0:23:33he was given a gold medal by the French king
0:23:33 > 0:23:36but refused to travel to Paris to accept it in person.
0:23:36 > 0:23:39He'd have been much more successful, and much richer
0:23:39 > 0:23:41if he'd been prepared to cross the Channel, but he wasn't.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44Never left England, unlike Turner.
0:23:44 > 0:23:48Constable might've been a stay-at-home
0:23:48 > 0:23:51because he didn't want to spend time away from his beloved Maria
0:23:51 > 0:23:53whose health was failing,
0:23:53 > 0:23:55and their seven children.
0:23:56 > 0:24:00Constable said, for him, painting is all about feeling,
0:24:00 > 0:24:02and when you look at this example,
0:24:02 > 0:24:05this oil sketch of Hadleigh Castle on the Essex coastline
0:24:05 > 0:24:07you know that statement is true.
0:24:07 > 0:24:11Just look at the whole picture - the desolate, ruined castle,
0:24:11 > 0:24:13this barren landscape
0:24:13 > 0:24:16with the dramatic sky sweeping across.
0:24:16 > 0:24:21All of this adds to the intense atmosphere of the image.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25And no wonder, for this is all about grief.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27Maria, the love of his life,
0:24:27 > 0:24:31died of consumption the same year he painted the sketch.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35Constable said, "The base of the world has totally changed for me,"
0:24:35 > 0:24:38and this powerful image says it all.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46Constable's desire for self-expression on canvas
0:24:46 > 0:24:48was his driving force, and is amply evident
0:24:48 > 0:24:50in one of my favourite pictures
0:24:50 > 0:24:52Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59What I really admire is the dramatic sky, low horizon,
0:24:59 > 0:25:00great foreground interest,
0:25:00 > 0:25:03but look at the wind blowing against that tree there.
0:25:03 > 0:25:07- Yes, it's a marvellous little picture.- It's drama!- Yes!
0:25:07 > 0:25:10And, also, look at that wild loose brushwork.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13I think that's why I like it - it's very loose, very impressionistic.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16Yeah, this actually shows you how radical...
0:25:16 > 0:25:19We were saying earlier, he has a rather unfair reputation, Constable,
0:25:19 > 0:25:21of being a bit chocolate box,
0:25:21 > 0:25:23a bit tame and conservative -
0:25:23 > 0:25:26this is a really radical picture for the time.
0:25:26 > 0:25:28This isn't chocolate box,
0:25:28 > 0:25:30it's Jackson Pollock, it's heading towards modern art!
0:25:30 > 0:25:33Did Constable inspire many artists?
0:25:33 > 0:25:34Well, again, in France.
0:25:34 > 0:25:38Delacroix repainted one of his pictures
0:25:38 > 0:25:41when he saw a Constable exhibited in a Paris salon.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44So, yeah, he had an immediate effect on French painters,
0:25:44 > 0:25:46more than he did on English painters.
0:25:46 > 0:25:50People kept saying, in London, that his paintings looked unfinished.
0:25:50 > 0:25:53They were too rough, too many brushstrokes,
0:25:53 > 0:25:55too much messing around with the paint.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58But actually that was the way French painting,
0:25:58 > 0:26:00a lot of modern painting, went.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02- So this is best.- Yes.
0:26:02 > 0:26:05- I could live with this, I love it! - Yeah, well, me too!
0:26:07 > 0:26:09It was only after his death
0:26:09 > 0:26:11that Constable's work was really appreciated.
0:26:11 > 0:26:14And you can't help wishing he could've known about
0:26:14 > 0:26:16the huge impact his work would have
0:26:16 > 0:26:19and the lasting legacy he left for us all to enjoy.
0:26:26 > 0:26:28Welcome back to Ickworth house.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31It's becoming a bit of a tight squeeze in the west wing,
0:26:31 > 0:26:34with the crowd continuing to arrive for their valuations.
0:26:34 > 0:26:37Let's now catch up with our experts
0:26:37 > 0:26:40and see what else we can find to take off to auction.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44- Anne, how are you?- Fine, thank you.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46- So you've bought a box along. - Yes.
0:26:46 > 0:26:49I don't know what's inside. Could be 101 different things.
0:26:49 > 0:26:51It could be many things, yes.
0:26:51 > 0:26:53- It's Coromandel wood, isn't it? - Is it? I don't know.- Yeah.
0:26:53 > 0:26:57This very deep brown and sandy coloured fleck, is Coromandel.
0:26:57 > 0:26:59So, a box that opens up - it's either going to be...
0:26:59 > 0:27:03- a dressing table box or a games box.- Yes...- Shall we find out?
0:27:03 > 0:27:05Let's have a look.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07Oh, wow. Look at that.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09Isn't that just lovely!
0:27:09 > 0:27:11We've got a chess set here,
0:27:11 > 0:27:13and we've got draughts in here,
0:27:13 > 0:27:15and we've got bone dominoes,
0:27:15 > 0:27:17and these trays lift out.
0:27:17 > 0:27:19It's incomplete, isn't it?
0:27:19 > 0:27:21You wouldn't have two draughts sets.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- No.- And there's a board missing from here.- Mm-hm.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26You probably would've had a pegging board.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Looking there, we've got a maker's name just in there
0:27:29 > 0:27:30in that tablet on the back,
0:27:30 > 0:27:34which is... WH Kramer Jr, 10 Regent Street, London.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36So, in date, I think it's probably
0:27:36 > 0:27:39towards the end of the 19th century.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42I mean, the thing about it is, this is quite an expensive item.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46We tend to look at these things through today's eyes.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49Now, we've all got flatscreen televisions and music systems
0:27:49 > 0:27:52and we've got this, that and t'other.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54- When this was around, this was your entertainment.- Yes.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57And so, I won't say every home would've had one of these...
0:27:57 > 0:27:59This is a very upmarket one,
0:27:59 > 0:28:02- because Coromandel wood is an expensive wood.- Yes.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04You might have found a games box in oak,
0:28:04 > 0:28:07but this is really the Rolls-Royce of boxes.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10- Oh, well.- So, it's a really lovely thing.- Yes.
0:28:10 > 0:28:11How long have you had it?
0:28:11 > 0:28:15I inherited it from my father when he died 15 years ago,
0:28:15 > 0:28:18but where he got it from I don't know.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20He might've got it from his father, I don't know.
0:28:20 > 0:28:21So we don't know if it came down the line
0:28:21 > 0:28:24- or was bought on a whim before you were born.- We don't.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28- This is a lovely thing, but what do you do with it?- I don't do anything.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31I used to play games with him when he was alive -
0:28:31 > 0:28:33chess and mah-jongg and things like that,
0:28:33 > 0:28:36and when he died there was nobody else to play with.
0:28:36 > 0:28:37Oh, that's sad.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39Well...
0:28:39 > 0:28:42- Have you any idea what it might be worth?- I've got no idea, at all.
0:28:42 > 0:28:44It's got a few inherent problems.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- First problem is that it's incomplete.- Yes.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51This chess set may have been matched up to it, but it's incomplete.
0:28:51 > 0:28:52OK, let's just shut that up.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54The next problem...
0:28:54 > 0:28:57Doesn't show you when it's like this, but...
0:28:59 > 0:29:03You've just got a bit of a split forming along there.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05Which is a problem.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08You've got bits of veneer missing and chips around the side.
0:29:08 > 0:29:11- Not major.- No? - It's all minor problems, you know.
0:29:11 > 0:29:15I think at auction it'll make between £100 and £200.
0:29:15 > 0:29:16- Is it really?- Yeah.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19- So, are you happy to put it into auction?- I am. Yes.
0:29:19 > 0:29:22- So 100 to 200 as an estimate.- Yes.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26And I think if we put a fixed reserve on it of £80,
0:29:26 > 0:29:28and let's keep our fingers crossed and hope it does well.
0:29:28 > 0:29:29- Great.- Good.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35And just like the games compendium,
0:29:35 > 0:29:40the inside of Ickworth House, home to the Earls of Bristol,
0:29:40 > 0:29:42really is a box of delights,
0:29:42 > 0:29:44full of fascinating antiques.
0:29:45 > 0:29:47I've come here to talk to Chloe the housekeeper,
0:29:47 > 0:29:49about one particular collection.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54Geraldine Anson, the third Marchioness of Bristol,
0:29:54 > 0:29:57was well-known in Victorian times for her collection of fans
0:29:57 > 0:30:02which became a must-have accessory amongst the upper classes in Europe,
0:30:02 > 0:30:05even developing its own language.
0:30:07 > 0:30:10So it wasn't just really a decorative accessory,
0:30:10 > 0:30:14there was a lot behind this as regards our social history
0:30:14 > 0:30:16- and the way to behave? - Yes, definitely.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19Originally they were used as cooling devices,
0:30:19 > 0:30:22but by the 16th century they were more about this intricate language,
0:30:22 > 0:30:25and being able to talk to people in secret
0:30:25 > 0:30:27and sharing these messages at parties.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31- It was a proper code, wasn't it? - It was.- Used by the upper echelons.
0:30:31 > 0:30:35Absolutely. It was very particularly in high society. Amongst the ladies.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38You couldn't be brash and say, "Oi, you! You've pulled. Follow me."
0:30:38 > 0:30:40No! Give someone a quick wink! Never!
0:30:41 > 0:30:43There were many different ways
0:30:43 > 0:30:46of showing your secret message to your suitor, for example,
0:30:46 > 0:30:50you might have said, "Will you be mine? I love you."
0:30:50 > 0:30:51- OK. Offering it out.- Yes.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54Or, "You've got my heart."
0:30:54 > 0:30:55One in particular, might be -
0:30:55 > 0:30:59you'd put it across your face like this - that'd be, "Follow me."
0:30:59 > 0:31:01Just sort of hiding behind it.
0:31:01 > 0:31:04You had to be very careful not to send somebody the wrong message, I think.
0:31:04 > 0:31:06- This one... "Kiss me."- Really?
0:31:06 > 0:31:09Yes, flutter your eyes at someone. Yeah.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11How interesting!
0:31:11 > 0:31:14That's a fascinating part of our social history, isn't it?
0:31:14 > 0:31:15Absolutely. Yes.
0:31:15 > 0:31:18Gosh, well, talking about fans, I know Adam Partridge has got is.
0:31:18 > 0:31:20So why don't we catch up with him right now -
0:31:20 > 0:31:21back at the valuation tables.
0:31:23 > 0:31:26Now, have we met before? Because you look kind of familiar.
0:31:26 > 0:31:29- Well...- Have you been on television, or...- No, but...
0:31:29 > 0:31:33You do have the same surname - Partridge - that was my maiden name.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37- Really?- Yes. So, I came to see you, really.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41So, somewhere along the line, we could have some...
0:31:41 > 0:31:45Yes. My father has researched the family back to 1517.
0:31:45 > 0:31:47- OK.- So I think probably we could be.
0:31:47 > 0:31:49I've got an idea, then.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51- I'll bring mine to the auction, you bring yours.- OK.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53And we'll meet before and do a bit of a compare.
0:31:53 > 0:31:56- That'd be brilliant.- See if we can find out if we're related or not.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58Yeah.
0:31:58 > 0:32:00Well, Sally, this is the first time ever in more than 10 years
0:32:00 > 0:32:03on Flog It! that I've been presented with a bathing suit.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06Yes, and I don't even think it will suit you.
0:32:06 > 0:32:07How dare you!
0:32:09 > 0:32:11Now, tell me a bit about this.
0:32:11 > 0:32:16Well, I bought it from a vintage clothing shop 20, 25 years ago.
0:32:16 > 0:32:17- Oh, right.- Maybe 30 years ago.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20Because it's all the rage now, isn't it? Vintage clothes?
0:32:20 > 0:32:23- I don't know, but it won't fit me, so...- Why did you buy it?
0:32:23 > 0:32:26What attracted you? It's obviously very pretty and everything, but...
0:32:26 > 0:32:29- It is. It's so sexy. Look at that shape!- Yeah.
0:32:29 > 0:32:32- It's absolutely amazing.- Yeah.
0:32:32 > 0:32:35On a lady's body, that's just going to look...
0:32:35 > 0:32:38- It'll squeeze in all the right places...- Is it?
0:32:38 > 0:32:41- Yes, it is very pretty, isn't it? - It is, yes.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44- It really screams of the period, of the 1950s.- Yes.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46There is a little label in there -
0:32:46 > 0:32:49"Demoiselle, London. Size 32/33."
0:32:49 > 0:32:52Yes. That's why it doesn't fit me any more!
0:32:52 > 0:32:55Is that right? The right size? It looks tiny!
0:32:55 > 0:32:59- But it's really, really stretchy. - OK.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02To hold us ladies in in all the right places.
0:33:02 > 0:33:04So it looks really sexy!
0:33:04 > 0:33:05You see?
0:33:05 > 0:33:09Right, down to the value side of things.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11- Do you remember what you paid for it?- Oh, I don't.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13It was quite a while ago,
0:33:13 > 0:33:15so I don't really remember what I paid for it.
0:33:15 > 0:33:16Any guess?
0:33:16 > 0:33:18Oh, I'd like to think it's worth about 20 quid,
0:33:18 > 0:33:19but I've no idea, really.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23- I think it must be, mustn't it? - Hope so.- Yeah.- I mean, it's gorgeous.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26- It's gorgeous.- Look at that, you know you'd love to wear it.
0:33:26 > 0:33:27- I... - SHE LAUGHS
0:33:27 > 0:33:29Who do you think I am?!
0:33:29 > 0:33:31Um, I kind of would, though.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37So, what estimate? £20-30?
0:33:37 > 0:33:39- And you never know, might make a bit more.- OK.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42It's the sort of thing that perhaps the young ladies were wearing
0:33:42 > 0:33:44when Philip Serrell first started dating,
0:33:44 > 0:33:47- all those years ago. - We'll have to ask him!
0:33:51 > 0:33:54Well, I'm sure Philip would have a few things to say about that.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57Fortunately, he's too busy chatting at the next table.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02- Betty, how are you? - Very well, thank you.
0:34:02 > 0:34:04I think you deserve a medal.
0:34:04 > 0:34:06How long have you been sitting here today?
0:34:06 > 0:34:08We got here at ten to nine.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10Thank you for sticking it out.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13What do you know about this? Because it's interesting.
0:34:13 > 0:34:15I really don't know anything about it.
0:34:15 > 0:34:18My husband's uncle, I think, had it,
0:34:18 > 0:34:22and it's been in my mother-in-law's desk, which I've inherited.
0:34:22 > 0:34:26So it was a buy one, get one free. You got a desk and you got a medal.
0:34:26 > 0:34:27- Yes!- Well, that's lovely.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30It's a medal from the Battle of Seringapatam,
0:34:30 > 0:34:33which was a battle between the Mysore Kingdom
0:34:33 > 0:34:35and the British East India Company.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37This battle took place on the 4th of May,
0:34:37 > 0:34:40which is what we've got here, 1799.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- And the British East India Company won.- 1799?- 1799.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48And what's interesting is that they struck about 50,000 of these medals.
0:34:48 > 0:34:52- Oh!- And every rank got one.- Oh. - Every rank got one.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54So, rare, they're not.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58But some were gold, some were silver, some were tin.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01And this one is silver gilt.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03What's interesting about it for me
0:35:03 > 0:35:06is that this is designed by Matthew Boulton,
0:35:06 > 0:35:10and Matthew Boulton was a Birmingham entrepreneur, really,
0:35:10 > 0:35:14who was credited with founding the Birmingham Assay Office,
0:35:14 > 0:35:21- and it was also engraved by a man called Conrad Kuchler.- German?- Yeah.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24And if you look really carefully,
0:35:24 > 0:35:28there are three initials just above the date, CHK.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31And this is this man Kuchler, who engraved it.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34Now, in terms of value, what do you think it might be worth?
0:35:34 > 0:35:36Oh, I don't know.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38About £100, perhaps?
0:35:38 > 0:35:41I think it would be of great interest to a medal collector,
0:35:41 > 0:35:45and I think we'd put a £200-400 estimate on it. That's what I think.
0:35:45 > 0:35:49- I'm delighted. - And we'll put a £200 reserve.- Yep.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51But we'll give the auctioneer 10% discretion.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54- You're happy to sell it? - Oh, yes, I am.
0:35:54 > 0:35:55The children don't want it.
0:35:55 > 0:35:58Well, I shall look forward to seeing you at the auction.
0:35:58 > 0:35:59- OK.- Good.
0:35:59 > 0:36:03Lovely. Gorgeous to meet you, I'm a great enthusiast of "Flog It!".
0:36:03 > 0:36:07Oh, well done, and it's lovely to get you on the programme.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11Absolutely, and thank you, Betty for making the journey to Ickworth.
0:36:15 > 0:36:19Well, what a fantastic day we have had here at Ickworth House.
0:36:19 > 0:36:21Literally hundreds of people have turned up,
0:36:21 > 0:36:23and I wish they could all come to auction with us,
0:36:23 > 0:36:26but our experts have singled out the chosen few.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29They've now made their final choices for the items to
0:36:29 > 0:36:31take of for auction, so sadly it's time to say goodbye to
0:36:31 > 0:36:33Ickworth House and all these lovely people.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35You had a great time, everyone?
0:36:35 > 0:36:37- ALL: Yes!- Yeah, that's what it's all about, as well.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39We thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope you have,
0:36:39 > 0:36:42but we've got some unfinished business right now.
0:36:42 > 0:36:44We've got to get over to the auction room for the last time,
0:36:44 > 0:36:45and here's what's coming with us.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51Even though it's incomplete, you can have hours of fun
0:36:51 > 0:36:54with this games compendium from the late 19th century.
0:36:55 > 0:36:58With vintage fashion a growing area of interest,
0:36:58 > 0:37:02it will be revealing to see what Sally's costume sells for.
0:37:04 > 0:37:09And Betty found this medal hiding inside a desk she inherited.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11Will she also be surprised over in the auction?
0:37:16 > 0:37:17Welcome back to Diss,
0:37:17 > 0:37:20where the auction room is packed to the rafters.
0:37:26 > 0:37:29Now we've got a games compendium going under the hammer,
0:37:29 > 0:37:31belonging to Anne. I really rate this,
0:37:31 > 0:37:34and I was quite jealous when Phil was valuing this on the day,
0:37:34 > 0:37:36because I saw all those chess pieces,
0:37:36 > 0:37:38and I thought, "Quality, quality, quality."
0:37:38 > 0:37:40I know the board's not there,
0:37:40 > 0:37:42but generally the boards are missing anyway.
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- Yes.- This is really nice.- Yes. - Do you play chess?
0:37:45 > 0:37:48I used to, but I don't have a chess partner now.
0:37:48 > 0:37:50Oh, surely you must know someone you could play chess with!
0:37:50 > 0:37:52Is that why you're selling?
0:37:52 > 0:37:54And space. It seems such a waste
0:37:54 > 0:37:57- when somebody could be getting so much fun out of it.- Yeah.
0:37:57 > 0:38:01- Cos I think this is quality, I love it.- Good!- And I play chess.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03Hopefully there's some chess players here.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05It's going under the hammer right now.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09Lot 120, the late-19th century Coromandel Games Compendium.
0:38:09 > 0:38:13I have interest on the sheet shown, and I start at £75.
0:38:13 > 0:38:17At £75, bids are in at 75 now.
0:38:17 > 0:38:2085. 95, 100, 110.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23120, 130, 140, 150, 160,
0:38:23 > 0:38:26170, 180, I'm out.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29It's now £180, seated to my right at 180.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31I'm looking for 90.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33At £180 it will sell.
0:38:34 > 0:38:37It's gone. £180, so you're spot on.
0:38:37 > 0:38:39Well, I sort of thought that just reflected
0:38:39 > 0:38:40the condition of the box, really.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- Yeah.- Cos it was just a bit tired in places, wasn't it?- Yes.
0:38:43 > 0:38:45I know just how it felt.
0:38:45 > 0:38:47Look, let's hope it's gone to a new home
0:38:47 > 0:38:50- where someone will use it and enjoy it.- I hope so.
0:38:50 > 0:38:53- Rather than shut the lid and put it in the wardrobe or something.- Yes.
0:38:53 > 0:38:54- It was great to meet you.- Yes.
0:38:54 > 0:38:57- And hopefully you'll find a chess partner soon...- Oh, I hope so.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59- ..and start playing again. - I'll have to buy it back!
0:38:59 > 0:39:01Well, just buy a smaller...
0:39:01 > 0:39:04Buy one of those little travelling chess sets, if you're decluttering.
0:39:04 > 0:39:06You can always put it in your pocket then.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09Well, you could easily fit the next lot into your pocket
0:39:09 > 0:39:12if you fancied a quick trip to the beach.
0:39:12 > 0:39:14Sally, fingers crossed.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17- Yes!- Our next item's not worth a great deal of money, £20-30.
0:39:17 > 0:39:19Hopefully a little bit more, but I love it.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22- Oh.- It's a very sexy vintage bathing costume, isn't it?
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- Yes!- Now, something happened at the valuation,
0:39:25 > 0:39:29- because your maiden name is Partridge, isn't it?- It is indeed.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Yes, and your expert was our Adam Partridge.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33And they got talking about Partridges...
0:39:33 > 0:39:35- Yes.- ..and - distant relations.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38I think we might we have some connection somewhere along the line.
0:39:38 > 0:39:39- Isn't that fabulous?!- Great!
0:39:39 > 0:39:42I didn't know all the money's going towards a wedding -
0:39:42 > 0:39:44- you're off to Cyprus soon? - Yes.- Who's getting married?
0:39:44 > 0:39:48It's my son. Yes, my son's getting married in Cyprus.
0:39:48 > 0:39:52So any money I get will go towards a new costume!
0:39:54 > 0:39:58- It's a lovely object, though, isn't it?- Great, it really is nice.
0:39:58 > 0:39:59Really shows the period.
0:39:59 > 0:40:01Let's put it under the hammer right now.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05Lot 130 now, the vintage bathing suit.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08A fine piece for the east coast's beaches, look.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12- I have interest on the sheet shown...- Great!
0:40:12 > 0:40:14- ..and I start this one here at £20. - Ooh!
0:40:14 > 0:40:16£20 bid.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18It's this season's colour and this season's style.
0:40:18 > 0:40:2122, 25, 28 and 30.
0:40:21 > 0:40:2432, 35, 38? 35, with me at 35.
0:40:24 > 0:40:2638, and 40.
0:40:26 > 0:40:2842, 45.
0:40:28 > 0:40:2945, with me at 45.
0:40:29 > 0:40:31- At 45 - I'll take the 8.- £45!
0:40:31 > 0:40:33Have another look.
0:40:33 > 0:40:34At 45 now.
0:40:35 > 0:40:38Any advance? At £45...
0:40:40 > 0:40:44- Sally, it's just done £45! - That's fantastic!- Hot stuff.
0:40:44 > 0:40:45Excellent, isn't it?
0:40:45 > 0:40:48- Really pleased with that. - So am I, so am I.
0:40:50 > 0:40:51And from haute couture
0:40:51 > 0:40:55to what could be described as the ultimate decoration.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58Going under the hammer right now we've got a silver gilt medal
0:40:58 > 0:41:00belonging to Betty, who's right next to me,
0:41:00 > 0:41:03and we have our expert Philip as well.
0:41:03 > 0:41:05And I know you waxed lyrical about this on the day.
0:41:05 > 0:41:08- I think it's quite a unique bit of Indian history.- Sure.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11And I'm just hopeful that the collectors will have found out
0:41:11 > 0:41:12that it's available.
0:41:12 > 0:41:14OK, let's see what we can do for you.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17- Lovely!- Let's see if we can get the top end of the estimate.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19- Is it coming up now? - Yeah, this is your lot right now.
0:41:19 > 0:41:21Goodness.
0:41:21 > 0:41:24We have here Lot 300.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27Very unusual lot this, the East India Company medal awarded
0:41:27 > 0:41:30from the battle on the 4th of May 1799.
0:41:30 > 0:41:32And I have interest here,
0:41:32 > 0:41:34and I start at just £110.
0:41:34 > 0:41:37At 110, bids are in.
0:41:37 > 0:41:38120, 130.
0:41:38 > 0:41:41140, 150, 160, 170,
0:41:41 > 0:41:43180, 190, 200, 210...
0:41:43 > 0:41:44- It's gone...- It's gone...
0:41:44 > 0:41:46230, 240, I'm out.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48250, new bidder.
0:41:48 > 0:41:52260, 270, 280, 290, 300,
0:41:52 > 0:41:54320, 340, 360, 380...
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- 400...- Lord!- 400!- Lord!
0:41:57 > 0:41:59460, 480, 500, 520...
0:41:59 > 0:42:01- Oh, wow, they want this. - Where are they?!
0:42:01 > 0:42:03580, 600.
0:42:03 > 0:42:04650, 700,
0:42:04 > 0:42:06750, 800, 850.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08- 900...- 900!
0:42:08 > 0:42:11- 1,000. - 1,000!- I don't believe it!
0:42:11 > 0:42:12- It's not true, is it?- It is!
0:42:12 > 0:42:14Listen to this! Still going!
0:42:14 > 0:42:17At 1,400. 1,500.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19I... You're joking, aren't you?
0:42:19 > 0:42:221,500, now looking for 1,600. At 1,500 - 1,600, new bidder.
0:42:22 > 0:42:23Who wants it?
0:42:23 > 0:42:25Obviously two or three people,
0:42:25 > 0:42:27right now bidding against each other.
0:42:27 > 0:42:31At £1,600 in the middle, at 1,600, now looking for 1,700.
0:42:31 > 0:42:341,700 has moved to my left, again at 1,700, looking for 1,800.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37At £1,700, are you all done?
0:42:39 > 0:42:43That hammer went down, and I'll just remind you, £1,700!
0:42:43 > 0:42:45APPLAUSE
0:42:45 > 0:42:49Betty, that is such a lot of money for you!
0:42:49 > 0:42:53- I'm 91!- You're never 91. - I am.- Are you really?
0:42:53 > 0:42:56- My gosh, you look fabulous!- I thought you were keeping it secret!
0:42:56 > 0:42:58Well, I don't care now!
0:42:58 > 0:43:00What a lovely present.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03And I told you there'd be a surprise at the end, didn't I?
0:43:03 > 0:43:05- Lord!- Two or three bidders really wanted that.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07What are you going to put that money towards?
0:43:07 > 0:43:11- Well, the children.- The children. How many grandchildren have you?
0:43:11 > 0:43:14I'm about to have the ninth, I think.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16Gosh! Well, every penny will help.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21Oh, enjoy, won't you? Thank you so much for bringing that medal in.
0:43:21 > 0:43:23- Thank you! - I hope you've enjoyed today's show.
0:43:23 > 0:43:27We've had a fabulous time here in Diss, and I can't wait to come back.
0:43:27 > 0:43:29But until the next time, it's cheerio,