0:00:04 > 0:00:08"The fairies really own this house or so the children say,
0:00:08 > 0:00:11"In fact they, all of them, moved in on the same self day."
0:00:11 > 0:00:16Now that's a fanciful poem to write about a house but, then again,
0:00:16 > 0:00:19this is no ordinary house.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21This is the House in the Clouds!
0:00:23 > 0:00:25We're in Suffolk. Welcome to "Flog It!"
0:00:48 > 0:00:52Later on, I'll be exploring the mysterious House in the Clouds
0:00:52 > 0:00:56but first it's time to head to our valuation day venue,
0:00:56 > 0:00:59itself one of the most extraordinary buildings in Suffolk.
0:00:59 > 0:01:03Ickworth House, a neoclassical mansion.
0:01:03 > 0:01:08It was begun in 1795 by the fourth Earl of Bristol, a bishop
0:01:08 > 0:01:12who didn't go to church but had a passion for Italian architecture.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16So much so he diverted revenues from his diocese
0:01:16 > 0:01:20to indulge his excesses and fund the house of his dreams.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25For one day only, Ickworth House is home to "Flog It!"
0:01:25 > 0:01:28People are walking through the wonderful Italianate gardens
0:01:28 > 0:01:30ready to join our early birds,
0:01:30 > 0:01:34hundreds of people in the queue, already laden with antiques and collectables,
0:01:34 > 0:01:37all hoping for a favourable valuation from our experts.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41If they're happy with that valuation, what are you going to do?
0:01:41 > 0:01:43ALL: "Flog It!"
0:01:46 > 0:01:51And amongst the crowd, our experts are already hard at work.
0:01:51 > 0:01:54What about the other one? Now he's gone, pull out the Picasso.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57Today, we have the charming Philip Serrell.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00- What have we got in here, then? - Oh, it's a train set.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- Was that yours as a child? - Mine and my older brother's.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- So it's at least 100 years old, then?- Absolutely!
0:02:05 > 0:02:06LAUGHTER
0:02:06 > 0:02:09And the equally beguiling Will Axon.
0:02:09 > 0:02:11Oh, look at that, a real box of treasure.
0:02:11 > 0:02:13It says "Cheltenham Spa".
0:02:13 > 0:02:15That might mean it's something like, Regency.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17Ooh, I'm a bit out of my depth here!
0:02:19 > 0:02:21So it's time for the "Flog It!" Crowd
0:02:21 > 0:02:24to make their way into the west wing and for our experts to head
0:02:24 > 0:02:29to their tables because there is plenty to fit in.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31Oh, how lovely!
0:02:31 > 0:02:35On today's show, these items were bought for a song.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- I paid £1 for it.- Oh!- I think they were just trying to clear the stall.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41Well, good for you.
0:02:41 > 0:02:45- They're working out at 14 pence each.- 14p a go?
0:02:45 > 0:02:46I'll need to come and see you.
0:02:46 > 0:02:49110 downstairs. 120...
0:02:49 > 0:02:52But which will hit the high notes over at the auction?
0:02:52 > 0:02:55130... 140... 150...
0:02:55 > 0:02:58160... 170... 180...
0:02:58 > 0:03:02190... 200... 220... 240...
0:03:06 > 0:03:10With the good people of Suffolk settling into their seats,
0:03:10 > 0:03:13it's time to get on with the valuations and where better
0:03:13 > 0:03:19to start than an intriguing 19th century bundle on Philip's table?
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- Sheena, how are you? - I'm good, thank you.
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- It's a lovely day, isn't it? - It's beautiful.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26And you've brought along a little eclectic mix, here.
0:03:26 > 0:03:28- I have, yeah.- Are they yours? - Two of them are.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31The brooch actually was left to my daughter.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- Who by?- Auntie Bessie.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- A family auntie?- She was, yeah. She was a character.
0:03:37 > 0:03:39She used to like to go to auctions.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43So this little lot here is part of her eclectic mix that she might have bought through the years?
0:03:43 > 0:03:48It's possible. I mean, I had a lot more things but, when she died, we sent off to an auction.
0:03:48 > 0:03:50- Did they do well? - They did, actually.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54- I was gobsmacked. - Really? Let's hope that continues, shall we?- Please!
0:03:54 > 0:03:56Right, let's see what you've got.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00These are a pair of French opera glasses.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03- They fold up and then that just fits in your bag.- That's it, yep.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07- And these are a pair of little pince-nez, aren't they? - They are, yeah.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09- Here goes.- You'll do yourself a mischief.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14Gordon Bennett!
0:04:14 > 0:04:16How are they supposed to see through those?
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- It's not going to do it for me, is it?- No, not a good look.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23These are going to be back-end of the 19th century.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26Then we've got a mourning brooch.
0:04:26 > 0:04:29This has got a nine-carat gold mark on the back
0:04:29 > 0:04:31like a little target brooch.
0:04:31 > 0:04:36Again, back-end of the 19th century but what's interesting
0:04:36 > 0:04:39about this is that, in the back, there's the remains of someone's hair.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43A lock of the dead person's hair would have been
0:04:43 > 0:04:47taken before they were buried and very often it was woven,
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- lattice-like, and put into the back and they became mourning brooches.- Right.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Very often, the front is enamelled black, you can have dates of
0:04:54 > 0:04:58when the person was alive, but I think they're quite interesting.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- It's quite a fun Aunt Bessie lot that, isn't it?- They are, yeah.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- I think that we should sell it as one lot.- Altogether, yeah.
0:05:05 > 0:05:11And I think auctionary value is going to be £50 to £100.
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- So a leg for a cow?- A leg for a cow? What does that mean?
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Well, I want a cow.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19Right, OK. Is there a doctor near you?
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- Because I think you might need help. - I've lost the plot, yeah. - It's gone, completely.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- It's because I moved. - Really, you want to buy a leg for a cow?- I want the whole cow.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32So you've got a little smallhold and you want a cow? How much does a cow cost?
0:05:32 > 0:05:34- I haven't a clue. - About £500 or £800, isn't it?
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- Yeah, so going to have to do really good with these!- We're going to have to do really well.
0:05:38 > 0:05:43- Let's put it in, estimate £50 to £100, fixed reserve, £40.- Yep.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46Good on you. Let's hope we can go and get a cow.
0:05:50 > 0:05:54Well, people bring their possessions along for all sorts of reasons,
0:05:54 > 0:05:57although buying a cow might be a first.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01I was very pleased to see our next item walk through the doors.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06Tracey, thank you so much for bringing a piece of furniture in.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- We brought it in for you.- Thank you! - That was the whole idea.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13We just don't see enough! Please bring furniture in because this is the only piece
0:06:13 > 0:06:14we have here today.
0:06:14 > 0:06:17I'm absolutely in love with it as well.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20I think this is a little treat and if I just go like that,
0:06:20 > 0:06:24you can see it flattens out into a good working surface.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26But if you do this...
0:06:26 > 0:06:28and put that up...
0:06:28 > 0:06:31you've got a lectern or a little easel.
0:06:31 > 0:06:33It's portable, you can fold it up.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37It's almost like a little bit of campaign furniture.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42Right, I like this, I'm off! How long have you had this?
0:06:42 > 0:06:45I've only had it about six months. Because we live in a modern place,
0:06:45 > 0:06:48I'm not allowed to have furniture like this in the house.
0:06:48 > 0:06:50So I buy stuff, photograph and measure it and everything
0:06:50 > 0:06:53- and then I sell it on to buy another piece.- 1930s, I would say.
0:06:53 > 0:06:56It's made by Hatherley in Gloucestershire.
0:06:56 > 0:07:00Now this design was patented by Charles Allen Jones
0:07:00 > 0:07:03in the 1880s, this whole geometric bracing.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05And you can see it in Hatherley stepladders.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07Do you know the good old Victorian stepladders?
0:07:07 > 0:07:12Well, I've had a couple of those myself, just to look at and monitor kind of thing.
0:07:12 > 0:07:13My dad has one as well!
0:07:13 > 0:07:18Sadly, we don't have it any more but it had exactly the same thing, made of English oak.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20I think it's faultless as well, it's had a lot of use, its nice
0:07:20 > 0:07:22and dry, but look at the top.
0:07:22 > 0:07:27Somebody has put something here that's stained the oak. I like that.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30That's part of this table's use and social history.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32It's got character and personality and I'm sure,
0:07:32 > 0:07:36with a bit of polish, this will look absolutely beautiful.
0:07:36 > 0:07:40Well, I think that's superb and just look at the lines on that.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43- Yes, it's classic, I think.- That's 20th century modern at its best.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- How much did you pay for this? £20. Is that all?- Oh, yes.
0:07:47 > 0:07:49I think you could easily double your money at auction.
0:07:49 > 0:07:52- That would be great. - Would you like to sell this?
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Yes, I need to sell it and buy the next piece.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57OK, well, let's put this into auction with a valuation
0:07:57 > 0:08:00of maybe £40 to £60 with a reserve on at £40.
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- That would be great.- I'm sure you'll get that and hopefully you'll get the top end because somebody
0:08:04 > 0:08:07that loves design will absolutely love playing with this.
0:08:09 > 0:08:13And I'm not the only one who's having fun with today's items.
0:08:13 > 0:08:19Let's head over to Will Axon in the appropriately-named pleasure grounds.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21Well, you know what?
0:08:21 > 0:08:24I think I could see myself in the shoes of the third marquis,
0:08:24 > 0:08:27perhaps taking a stroll in my Italianate gardens
0:08:27 > 0:08:32with my rather fine, white metal-topped cane but Richard,
0:08:32 > 0:08:35this belongs to you, not me, and I'm not the third marquis.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39Unfortunately I don't live here, but you can't have everything!
0:08:39 > 0:08:42- No, that's quite correct.- Tell me, where has this come from, Richard?
0:08:42 > 0:08:44Handed down, I think, from my father.
0:08:44 > 0:08:48Do you ever remember him with it, taking a stroll, perhaps?
0:08:48 > 0:08:49No, he never did, I don't think.
0:08:49 > 0:08:55He probably got it in an auction cos he was an auctioneer as well at one time.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58When I first saw it in the queue I thought, what we've got here
0:08:58 > 0:09:03is a typical Malacca cane with this white metal top, I thought possibly silver.
0:09:03 > 0:09:05Now, bog-standard swordsticks,
0:09:05 > 0:09:08we see a lot of them in the sale rooms but what interested me
0:09:08 > 0:09:11on this one is if I draw it somewhat dramatically...
0:09:11 > 0:09:14- Steady!- ..That's what I like about it.
0:09:14 > 0:09:18Look, we've got this crossguard here, spring-loaded,
0:09:18 > 0:09:20that opens up as you draw the sword.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22Now, that's a really nice touch
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- and I haven't seen that before on a swordstick.- Haven't you?- No.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28This is just a little bit, shall we say, a cut above the rest?
0:09:28 > 0:09:31Now I've had a closer look at the blade.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- Have you ever noticed this before? A little inscription, "Toledo." - No, I didn't notice that.
0:09:36 > 0:09:40So there's a Spanish connection there, so I'm thinking this could
0:09:40 > 0:09:45possibly be a souvenir piece, late 19th century, that sort of period.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48I just like it. It's good quality, unusual.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52I think the sort of standard swordstick with a white metal top,
0:09:52 > 0:09:57you're looking at £50 to £80, maybe up to £100, that sort of level.
0:09:57 > 0:10:01But I think because of the crossguard, this is going to be a little bit more unusual,
0:10:01 > 0:10:05so I would like to use that £100 as a starting figure
0:10:05 > 0:10:07and hope that it would make more than that.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11So I'm thinking perhaps an estimate of £100 to £200,
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- would you be happy with that? - I think so, yes.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17Well, I'll tell you what. Someone out there, a collector of swordsticks,
0:10:17 > 0:10:20they're going to find it as interesting as I have
0:10:20 > 0:10:22and I'm sure on the day we won't have any trouble selling it.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27£100 to £200, let's reserve it at £100 with a bit of discretion
0:10:27 > 0:10:30just in case, but I don't think we're going to need it,
0:10:30 > 0:10:33and I think Elizabeth is going to be pleased to have this in her
0:10:33 > 0:10:37sale and I think the bidders are going to respond positively.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Well, Will, it's time to find out if you're right.
0:10:45 > 0:10:47We've certainly had a busy morning so far.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49Our experts have been working flat-out
0:10:49 > 0:10:51and they've found their first items to take off to auction.
0:10:51 > 0:10:54This is where it gets exciting, anything can happen,
0:10:54 > 0:10:57but right now let's find out what the bidders think.
0:10:57 > 0:10:59They can determine what it's worth.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01While we make our way over to the sale room, here's a quick
0:11:01 > 0:11:04recap of all the items that are going under the hammer.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08There's Sheila's mixed 19th century lot.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11Will it raise enough for a leg for a cow?
0:11:11 > 0:11:14With this metamorphic table, there's a chance for someone to own
0:11:14 > 0:11:16a piece of great 20th century design.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24And will Richard's unusual swordstick have the edge
0:11:24 > 0:11:26over in the sale room?
0:11:28 > 0:11:31We've headed northeast to Diss for today's auction,
0:11:31 > 0:11:36to be in the capable hands of a regular "Flog It!" Expert,
0:11:36 > 0:11:38auctioneer Elizabeth Talbot.
0:11:39 > 0:11:44And the first lot going before the bidders is Sheila's three items.
0:11:44 > 0:11:47Are these the sort of things that have been left to you over the years
0:11:47 > 0:11:50- and they've been stuffed away in the attic?- Yeah, they're Auntie Bessie's.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52I think this could be a trade lot.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- By keeping it together, hopefully it will attract some more. - Makes it more buy-able, yeah.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59Here we go, we're going to find out what it's worth.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02We have three 19th century items.
0:12:04 > 0:12:11For those lovely items, all in the lot together, start me at £50.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14£50, surely. Some good, collectable pieces there at £50.
0:12:16 > 0:12:2040 bid, 40 I have with the lady, now I'll take two.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23£40 only, I'm looking for two now.
0:12:23 > 0:12:2842... 45... 48... 55... 60...
0:12:28 > 0:12:3060 with the lady to my left.
0:12:30 > 0:12:34I'm looking for five elsewhere. 65 now, where's 70? Any advance?
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- 70, back again. I'm looking for five.- This is good..
0:12:48 > 0:12:51I think we hit the nail on the head. A dealer will buy that.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54As you say, somebody that part-time trades will buy that
0:12:54 > 0:12:58and split it and sell it in the fair later on. We're happy, you're happy.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- I'm happy.- And I hope you're happy as well.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07It's a good start. Now, who'll be strolling off with Richard's lot?
0:13:10 > 0:13:13I really like this swordstick, which is
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- disguised as a bamboo walking cane. - Well, you better buy it then!
0:13:17 > 0:13:18I'd love to, we're not allowed to buy.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- I'd like to see it do around £200. - I'll be happy.- Oh, I would.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25It's going under the hammer now. You've heard what we have to say about it,
0:13:25 > 0:13:27you've probably got your own opinions,
0:13:27 > 0:13:30but let's find out what this lot think in the sale room, shall we?
0:13:30 > 0:13:35The late 19th century bamboo-encased swordstick, there it is...
0:13:35 > 0:13:37- It's all gone quiet.- .. Fine piece, marked "Toledo".
0:13:37 > 0:13:42I have interest on the sheet shown and I'll start here at £100.
0:13:42 > 0:13:45- £100 I have.- Straight in.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49110... 120... 130... 140... 150... 160...
0:13:49 > 0:13:54170... 180... 190... 210... 220...
0:13:54 > 0:13:56I have 220, looking for 30.
0:13:59 > 0:14:01230... 240... 250... 260...
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- I think we're in the room, now.- This is good, 260.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08260, I'm looking for 70.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10260, the phone is out. Any advance?
0:14:14 > 0:14:16- Fantastic.- Good price, very good price.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- It was unusual. Well done.- Thank you.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22And if you've got anything like that, we would love to see it.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25Bring it along to one of our valuation days.
0:14:30 > 0:14:36Right, now it's my turn to be the expert in this jam-packed sale room.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39Going under the hammer we've got that wonderful metamorphic
0:14:39 > 0:14:41table that I valued, belonging to Tracey.
0:14:41 > 0:14:46Unfortunately, he's not very well, so he can't make it today. Fingers crossed you get well soon.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48I hope you enjoy watching this because Elizabeth
0:14:48 > 0:14:51is on the rostrum and, fingers crossed, she's going to sell it.
0:14:51 > 0:14:55We're looking for round about £40. Here we go, this is it.
0:14:55 > 0:14:57And now I'm feeling nervous!
0:14:58 > 0:15:02The early to mid-20th Century oak metamorphic table converting
0:15:02 > 0:15:04to an easel. Very clever piece of furniture.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- This is a good piece. - I do hope you're right.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08I have interest on the sheet shown here
0:15:08 > 0:15:12and I start at lower end of estimate at £40. 40, I'll take two...
0:15:12 > 0:15:14Straight in at 40!
0:15:14 > 0:15:16This is lovely at 40, now I'm looking for 2.
0:15:16 > 0:15:1842... 45... 48...
0:15:18 > 0:15:1950... 5 and 60...
0:15:19 > 0:15:21Oh, great! Tracey will be pleased.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24I'm just taking the gentleman further behind, sir. 65 and 70...
0:15:24 > 0:15:275 and 80.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29They love it!
0:15:29 > 0:15:3385, new bidder. 90... 5, 100... 110... 120...
0:15:33 > 0:15:36130... 140... 150.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39I'm now out. It's in the room at 150, I'm looking for 60.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43It's by the door at 150, any advance?
0:15:46 > 0:15:49£150 and that hammer's gone down!
0:15:49 > 0:15:53That's a great sale and I hope you enjoyed that moment watching this at home, Tracey.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56That's a good result,
0:15:56 > 0:15:59especially when you remember you only paid £20 for this table!
0:15:59 > 0:16:01A great find.
0:16:04 > 0:16:06Earlier on in the show we saw Ickworth House,
0:16:06 > 0:16:08our magnificent venue for our valuation day.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11That was one man's vision to create that house.
0:16:11 > 0:16:16Not far from here in Suffolk, one man's vision created a whole
0:16:16 > 0:16:18village as I had the pleasure in finding out.
0:16:27 > 0:16:33In 1908, a Scottish barrister called Glencairn Stuart Ogilvie
0:16:33 > 0:16:37inherited the village of Thorpeness on the Suffolk coast.
0:16:38 > 0:16:40Originally a small fishing hamlet,
0:16:40 > 0:16:44Ogilvie decided to carry out an extraordinary experiment -
0:16:44 > 0:16:49to transform Thorpeness into a fantasy holiday destination.
0:16:52 > 0:16:56His vision was to create a place of dreams with whimsical architecture,
0:16:56 > 0:17:01fairy tale features and unique elements I'll be exploring later.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04Here, people could enjoy a traditional English
0:17:04 > 0:17:08holiday in surroundings that would stimulate the adults
0:17:08 > 0:17:10and fire the imagination of the children.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15Ogilvie had holiday homes built in the Jacobean
0:17:15 > 0:17:16and Tudor revival styles,
0:17:16 > 0:17:19and they're all furnished with everything a holiday-maker
0:17:19 > 0:17:23would require for the perfect wholesome break.
0:17:23 > 0:17:25Tennis courts, a golf club,
0:17:25 > 0:17:29a church and even a pub were all centred around the boating lake.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33Today, the Ogilvies still have a strong presence in the village
0:17:33 > 0:17:36and Glencairn's great grandson, the current Glen Ogilvie,
0:17:36 > 0:17:39is a font of knowledge about this enchanting place.
0:17:42 > 0:17:47His idea was to have a village where there was something for everybody,
0:17:47 > 0:17:51and he's famously quoted as having said, "If children are happy, parents
0:17:51 > 0:17:56have a holiday," and I think that's as true today as it was back in 1910.
0:17:56 > 0:17:57It certainly was with our children
0:17:57 > 0:18:01and indeed with our grandchildren now.
0:18:01 > 0:18:07At the heart of the village, the Meare is an enormous boating lake covering over 60 acres.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11But this is not a natural lake. It's completely man-made
0:18:11 > 0:18:15and was designed by the creative Ogilvie to be full of make-believe
0:18:15 > 0:18:18features inspired by Charles Dickens
0:18:18 > 0:18:23and a friend of the family, JM Barrie of Peter Pan fame.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26The construction of the lake started in 1911
0:18:26 > 0:18:30and was completed two years later in 1913.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34It was dug out all by hand by local men, some of them local fishermen
0:18:34 > 0:18:36when they couldn't get off to sea,
0:18:36 > 0:18:40but it's nowhere more than three feet deep so it's safe for children,
0:18:40 > 0:18:44although we've had hundreds of wet muddy children,
0:18:44 > 0:18:47including me, my children, my grandchildren...
0:18:48 > 0:18:53In August 1912, the very first regatta took place on the Meare
0:18:53 > 0:18:57and continues to this day as an annual tradition in the same
0:18:57 > 0:19:00way that many of the families who come here for their holidays
0:19:00 > 0:19:03have been doing so for generations.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07But there's one particular tourist attraction in the village
0:19:07 > 0:19:11that I've come to take a closer look at today, and you can't miss it.
0:19:11 > 0:19:12You can spot it a mile off.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18Seemingly floating over the rest of Thorpeness,
0:19:18 > 0:19:22one can see what appears to be a cottage lodged in the trees.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25But all is not quite as it seems.
0:19:25 > 0:19:30Back in 1923, Ogilvie built a steel water tower to provide
0:19:30 > 0:19:32a basic water supply to the Thorpeness village.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36The result was, well, a great big blot on the landscape, something
0:19:36 > 0:19:40horrible on the horizon that you could literally see for miles away.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42He didn't know what to do with it but there was a solution.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46A friend of his, Mrs Mason, actually said, "If you turn
0:19:46 > 0:19:51it into a house, I will live in it." and that's exactly what happened.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53There is the end result.
0:19:56 > 0:19:58With the help from an architect,
0:19:58 > 0:20:01Ogilvie carried out an ingenious disguise.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03The tank was clad in wood
0:20:03 > 0:20:07and even fitted with windows to make it look like a small house.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11And the supporting steel structure was boarded in to provide
0:20:11 > 0:20:13unique living accommodation below the tank.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18It really is The House In The Clouds.
0:20:18 > 0:20:19Hi, are you Sylvia?
0:20:19 > 0:20:21- Yes, I am.- Oh, pleased to meet you.- Hello.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23- Hello Paul, do come in. - Thank you.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27The Ogilvie family sold the property to Sylvia Le Comber
0:20:27 > 0:20:29and today it's a private residence.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33And as a special treat, I've been invited in to have a look around.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36- It's nice and warm. - It is nice and warm. And the kitchen's...
0:20:36 > 0:20:40So, this is the first room we come to, really, which makes sense,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43doesn't it, the kitchen and the dining room, because,
0:20:43 > 0:20:46let's face it, you wouldn't want the kitchen on the top floor,
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- carrying all your shopping upstairs, would you?- No.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- So, Mrs Mason was the first person to live here.- She was.
0:20:52 > 0:20:55Yeah, how long ago was that?
0:20:55 > 0:20:59She moved in in 1923 and I think it was '39,
0:20:59 > 0:21:03might have been '40 when she moved out. The war caused it.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06- Yeah, and when did you move in?- Erm, '77.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- And you've had lots of happy years here?- We certainly have.
0:21:09 > 0:21:12Can I have a guided tour, can we start climbing some stairs?
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- Please, go ahead. - OK, I'll follow you.- OK.
0:21:16 > 0:21:20The House In The Clouds's first incumbent, Mrs Mason,
0:21:20 > 0:21:22was an interesting character.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24A published children's author,
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Mrs Mason lived here with her four children.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29Come in, Paul, to the drawing-room, here.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35- And...- This is a nice room.- Mm. - It's very arty and bohemian.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37First impressions, anyway.
0:21:38 > 0:21:41This is some of Mrs Mason's work, there is
0:21:41 > 0:21:44The House In The Clouds poem, number one.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47"The fairies really own the House, Or so the Children say".
0:21:47 > 0:21:50Do you think this is a real, sort of, family house,
0:21:50 > 0:21:52where lots of children can have fun?
0:21:52 > 0:21:54Oh, yes, oh, it is like magic to children,
0:21:54 > 0:21:57it's quite amazing how it has that effect.
0:21:57 > 0:22:00Well, this was obviously built for Mrs Mason, you know,
0:22:00 > 0:22:05designed for her to live in, that's why it has that fairytale quality.
0:22:05 > 0:22:09Mr Ogilvie, when he built it, he built it for her
0:22:09 > 0:22:14and he called her his lady of stairs and starlight, now isn't that lovely?
0:22:14 > 0:22:18Yeah. And there's plenty of stairs here, I would imagine.
0:22:18 > 0:22:19And starlight.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21Was it always called The House In The Clouds?
0:22:21 > 0:22:27Oh, no, it was the intention to be called The Gazebo,
0:22:27 > 0:22:30but she said that was a hideous name, she said,
0:22:30 > 0:22:33- "This is my House In The Clouds". - It's a much better title, isn't it?
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- Let's face it.- Fits it perfectly.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- Well, this is the first floor explored, can we go higher?- Yeah.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42Right, you've got your walking boots on.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47There are five bedrooms in the house all leading off the main staircase
0:22:47 > 0:22:50but it's what's above them that I'm interested in.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55Here we are. I always run up these stairs.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Oh, I love this.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00Absolutely love this.
0:23:00 > 0:23:04So, are we now standing inside what would have been the water tank?
0:23:04 > 0:23:09- We are. 50,000 gallons of water, when I moved in.- That's a lot of water.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11- Yes.- You wouldn't want a leak, would you?
0:23:11 > 0:23:14You wouldn't, but it was very, very solidly built.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17It was in four-foot steel panels, bolted together,
0:23:17 > 0:23:20but it didn't stop Hitler from getting at it.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25It was during World War II that disaster struck.
0:23:25 > 0:23:30In June, 1944, Germany launched its latest weapon against Britain.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34The V1 flying bomb, which delivered a ton of high explosive
0:23:34 > 0:23:37each time one hurtled to the ground.
0:23:37 > 0:23:42Anti-aircraft guns were redeployed to East Anglia to intercept them.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44Enemy aircraft over the Channel.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47One was sighted over Thorpeness by the Royal Artillery
0:23:47 > 0:23:51and the anti-aircraft gun fired. It missed the bomb
0:23:51 > 0:23:54and hit the water tower.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58The shell entered the house on the south-east corner
0:23:58 > 0:23:59and punctured the tank.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03- It went in one side and out the other side.- It missed its target but got the tower.
0:24:03 > 0:24:07Presumably, a big flood. Was somebody living below at the time?
0:24:07 > 0:24:10Oh, yes. There were three Miss Humphreys living in the house.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13One of the Miss Humphreys was terribly sick
0:24:13 > 0:24:18and the other two Miss Humphreys had to get her down and out.
0:24:18 > 0:24:21Anyway, the ladies actually did get their sister down...
0:24:21 > 0:24:25- And out of the house? - ..and out of the house safely.
0:24:25 > 0:24:26- Happy ending.- Thank goodness.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28So how did they get the tank out,
0:24:28 > 0:24:31did they have to chop it up in bits up here?
0:24:31 > 0:24:35Oh, no, no, it had been very, very well maintained
0:24:35 > 0:24:40and so we unbolted it, we took them down on the pulley.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44- I'll tell you something, that's some height. You've got to have a head for heights.- Yes, you have, yes.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47It's making me feel a bit dizzy, looking down there.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50- Especially when it moves. - Yeah, I can feel it wobbling now.
0:24:50 > 0:24:53And, of course, you can hear the wind, can't you?
0:24:53 > 0:24:56- It just really does give this building a battering.- Yeah.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00- So what's it like a thunderstorm? - Oh, it's magic.- Is it?
0:25:00 > 0:25:03- It's electrifying, I mean, quite literally.- I'll bet it is!
0:25:03 > 0:25:06Yes, you see it out to sea and sometimes it's not even raining,
0:25:06 > 0:25:09it's just a whole body of light comes around you.
0:25:09 > 0:25:12- It is wonderful.- Wow.
0:25:12 > 0:25:14Thank you so much, Sylvia, for showing me round your house.
0:25:14 > 0:25:16It's been a great pleasure.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19It's not just a House In The Clouds, I think it's a house of dreams,
0:25:19 > 0:25:21- as well.- A house of dreams and fun, yes.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34Welcome back to our valuation day here at Ickworth House.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37As you can see, hundreds of people are still waiting
0:25:37 > 0:25:40here for a valuation, so, let's now catch up with our experts
0:25:40 > 0:25:43and see what else we can find to take off to auction.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50And we're going to head outside, first, to the Italianate gardens,
0:25:50 > 0:25:53where Will Axon is talking to Sean and Becky.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56What can you tell me about it? Where is it from?
0:25:56 > 0:26:00- Well, two, three years ago we went to Fordham car-boot sale... - I know it well.
0:26:00 > 0:26:07- ..which is near Newmarket and I paid £1 for it.- Oh!
0:26:07 > 0:26:11I think they were just trying to clear the stall, but obviously without the clock.
0:26:11 > 0:26:12It was towards the end, as well?
0:26:12 > 0:26:16- Yeah.- Well, good for you. What drew you to it, Becky, did you...
0:26:16 > 0:26:18Well, I just like grandfather clocks and a miniature one,
0:26:18 > 0:26:21- with the flowers and things on it.- Yes.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24- So it just drew my attention to it. - It is striking, isn't it?
0:26:24 > 0:26:26It is very striking, yes, it's beautiful.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30We tried to find a clock to go with it but we had no luck.
0:26:30 > 0:26:34It would have been lovely, wouldn't it, to have it complete with the timepiece movement,
0:26:34 > 0:26:38but I think you've got the main part of the piece,
0:26:38 > 0:26:44the piece that's going to really attract the bidders at the auction.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47We've got The Foley, which was produced for Wileman and Co,
0:26:47 > 0:26:50designed by Frederick Rhead.
0:26:50 > 0:26:52We've got this nice registration number here,
0:26:52 > 0:26:54which gets us to the date of 1899.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58So, if you think about that, at the end of the 19th century,
0:26:58 > 0:27:02fairly modern for its time, isn't it? Fairly, sort of, on trend.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05Funnily enough, the house we're standing in front of, again,
0:27:05 > 0:27:07at the time, was very much on trend.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10It shows you how fashions change, doesn't it?
0:27:11 > 0:27:13I'm really attracted to it
0:27:13 > 0:27:15because of this wonderful hand painting, here,
0:27:15 > 0:27:19these bright colours, this very, sort of, natural,
0:27:19 > 0:27:23organic feel about it. And you've got this lovely little quote here,
0:27:23 > 0:27:27it's actually a Shakespearian quote, "Prithee, what's o'clock?"
0:27:27 > 0:27:30I mean, I'm going to be, sort of, picking hairs, here,
0:27:30 > 0:27:34but we do have just a little bit of damage, here and there.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37Not major, I mean, for the hardcore collector it is an issue,
0:27:37 > 0:27:40condition is everything, we do keep telling people that.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43But, I tell you, for £1, I think you've done pretty well.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47It's got real potential, but I think, let's not be greedy.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50- It doesn't stand you in at a lot of money...- No, no.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54..you only paid £1 for it, we don't have the timepiece,
0:27:54 > 0:27:55we've got a little bit of damage.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57You know, I'm going to be mean and say,
0:27:57 > 0:28:02let's stick it in at, sort of, £100-£150 and let the market decide.
0:28:02 > 0:28:05- You happy with that? - That sounds, that sounds good, yeah.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07As I say, it's a good profit.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10It's a good profit, I mean, it's got everything going for it,
0:28:10 > 0:28:12bar the little chips here and there.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15- So, we're agreed at an estimate of 100 to 150?- Yeah, OK.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19We'll fix the reserve at £100 and, to be honest, I think we could have
0:28:19 > 0:28:22a little flyer, here, so it's going to make well over 100, I'm sure.
0:28:22 > 0:28:26- Good.- OK, good.- Next time you're at the Fordham, leave all the good stuff.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30- I'll give you some tips. - Yeah, cheers, mate.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33And Sean and Becky aren't the only ones picking up a bargain,
0:28:33 > 0:28:35as Phil's finding out from Barry.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41So, tell me, are you a bookworm?
0:28:41 > 0:28:44No, it's a thing I've just recently been getting into.
0:28:44 > 0:28:47I'm going to start my own bookshop up, just books like these,
0:28:47 > 0:28:50second-hand, cheap, so people can afford them,
0:28:50 > 0:28:52then travel around Europe.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54Buying or selling?
0:28:54 > 0:28:57Selling, I've got 2,500 that I've managed to buy to date.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59You've got what?
0:28:59 > 0:29:02- I've got 2,500 I've managed to buy to date.- 2,500 books?
0:29:02 > 0:29:04- Yeah, in the space of the last year.- In a year?
0:29:04 > 0:29:07- Yeah, I've been going to auctions. - And how much they cost you?
0:29:07 > 0:29:10They're working out at 14p each and these,
0:29:10 > 0:29:12I was lucky enough to find some gems.
0:29:12 > 0:29:16- So you've got a good 42p worth here, haven't you?- Oh, yeah.
0:29:16 > 0:29:19What are you going to shift them around Europe in?
0:29:19 > 0:29:23I've got a big Mercedes van I've nearly finished doing up, now.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25I should still be able to make some money,
0:29:25 > 0:29:27maybe buy some antiques as I go along.
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- So it's going to be a real voyage of discovery, this, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32- It should be good.- It's quite exciting, isn't it?- It is.
0:29:32 > 0:29:35- I'm looking forward to it. - Yeah, good man.
0:29:35 > 0:29:38In my eyes, I think I can discount this one,
0:29:38 > 0:29:40The Voyages Of Captain Francis Drake,
0:29:40 > 0:29:43because I just think it's a very interesting cover,
0:29:43 > 0:29:46it's, sort of, quite Art Nouveau in the way that it looks,
0:29:46 > 0:29:49- but for me, I can be a bit dismissive of that one.- Yeah.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52I like this because I'm a bit of a fan of George Orwell. I loved...
0:29:52 > 0:29:57I did Animal Farm for my O-levels at school, a long, long, long time ago.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00I just really enjoy George Orwell, I think he's a good author.
0:30:00 > 0:30:05- This is a second impression... - Yeah.- ..from 1941.
0:30:05 > 0:30:08I think this one's probably, I don't know,
0:30:08 > 0:30:11perhaps between £5 and £15, something like that,
0:30:11 > 0:30:15but I love this one here, this is a Beatrix Potter, Frederick Warner and Co publishers.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20Published in 1909, so it's a first edition, isn't it?
0:30:20 > 0:30:24- First edition.- Published in 1909, but again, not hugely valuable.- No.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- Perhaps, £20 to £30, something like that?- Yeah.
0:30:27 > 0:30:32So, you might have £20 to £40 worth, in broad terms.
0:30:32 > 0:30:34- Would you agree with that? - I would agree with that.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37Because you've done your homework, haven't you?
0:30:37 > 0:30:4014p a go, I'll need to come and see you.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43So, we've got perhaps £20 to £40 in auction value.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47In terms of reserve, I'm tempted to tell you to put 50p on them,
0:30:47 > 0:30:49That'll still sell you a 2p profit.
0:30:51 > 0:30:52I'd probably put...
0:30:52 > 0:30:55- £10 on them, to be truthful with you.- Yeah.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58- And they should sell then. - Yeah, they should do.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01But, you know, the book trade's interesting and I wish you all the best.
0:31:01 > 0:31:03I've got a feeling, as time progresses,
0:31:03 > 0:31:07you might increase your spend-level from 14p.
0:31:07 > 0:31:08Yeah.
0:31:10 > 0:31:14I'd say that's a fairly admirable spend-level.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16Let's see how much profit he makes at the auction.
0:31:16 > 0:31:20Now, today's valuations are taking place in the west wing.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22But that's just one part of Ickworth House,
0:31:22 > 0:31:27which was home to the earls and the marquises of Bristol for nearly 200 years.
0:31:27 > 0:31:32Now owned by the National Trust, inside Ickworth's splendid Rotunda,
0:31:32 > 0:31:35you can find a renowned collection of paintings.
0:31:38 > 0:31:39Now, here in the dining room,
0:31:39 > 0:31:42there's a rather charming group of family portraits.
0:31:42 > 0:31:47In the centre is Theodora, a Victorian heiress who later
0:31:47 > 0:31:52went on to marry the fourth marquis in 1896.
0:31:52 > 0:31:55Either side of her are two portraits of their daughters.
0:31:55 > 0:31:58On the left is the eldest daughter, Marjorie
0:31:58 > 0:32:01and on the right, the younger daughter, Phyllis.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04Now, Marjorie found sitting for her portrait rather irksome,
0:32:04 > 0:32:07so the artist, William Edwards Miller,
0:32:07 > 0:32:10decided to use young Phyllis as the subject matter for both models,
0:32:10 > 0:32:13then returning to Marjorie for the finer details,
0:32:13 > 0:32:18the facial expressions, the skin tones, the hair and the hands.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22While Phyllis was sitting for both portraits,
0:32:22 > 0:32:25she chatted to the artist about her naughty dolls.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29So, as a reward for being so patient and obliging,
0:32:29 > 0:32:33the artist made her - and I can't believe in going to say this -
0:32:33 > 0:32:36a dolls' spanking machine.
0:32:36 > 0:32:41- And I believe this is it here, with Chloe, hello Chloe.- Hello.
0:32:41 > 0:32:45- A dolls' spanking machine.- It's a little bit unusual.- Very unusual.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48- So, how does it work? - Shall I show you?- Yes.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51I've got my doll here, so, if I put it under,
0:32:52 > 0:32:54just like that, the poor thing.
0:32:54 > 0:32:58So there's our naughty doll being told off.
0:32:58 > 0:33:00Do you know, that's a bit of fun, really, isn't it?
0:33:00 > 0:33:02I mean, looking at it like that,
0:33:02 > 0:33:05it's kind of like a naive piece of folk art, really.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08- It is, yes.- Do you like it?
0:33:08 > 0:33:10- I do, yeah, why not? - So do I.- It's a bit of fun.
0:33:10 > 0:33:13What do the visitors think? I mean, are they aware of this?
0:33:13 > 0:33:16It's not something we usually get out of the collection, but I'd imagine they'd love it.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19I'm sure, I'm sure when they're watching this, they'll all
0:33:19 > 0:33:22ask for you to get it out and show them and have a demonstration.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25- Well, I'd be quite happy to. - Well, I've seen it all, now.
0:33:26 > 0:33:31And can I just say, kids, the BBC doesn't condone doll spanking,
0:33:31 > 0:33:33even if they've been very naughty.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38Now, also inside the glorious Rotunda,
0:33:38 > 0:33:42on his best behaviour, is Will Axon, although his next
0:33:42 > 0:33:46item has been on the receiving end of some rough play.
0:33:46 > 0:33:47Tell me you didn't drop this
0:33:47 > 0:33:49and smash it into 100 pieces, did you?
0:33:49 > 0:33:54This was, when I bought it, 40-odd years, 41 years ago,
0:33:54 > 0:33:58- it was already being repaired. - Had it?- Not very well.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01I'm sure people at home are looking at it and have shouted
0:34:01 > 0:34:03at the telly what they think it is, we'll put them
0:34:03 > 0:34:06out of their misery, it is, of course, a piece of Martinware.
0:34:06 > 0:34:08Now, you've got a pretty long-standing affiliation
0:34:08 > 0:34:10with the Martin Brothers, haven't you?
0:34:10 > 0:34:14Yes, my father had lent some money to an antique dealer that was
0:34:14 > 0:34:18- a friend and he couldn't repay the debt.- Yes.
0:34:18 > 0:34:23And he said, "Well, take all this Martinware", which at that time
0:34:23 > 0:34:26- wasn't worth hardly a song.- Yes.
0:34:26 > 0:34:28It was about 30-odd pieces.
0:34:28 > 0:34:30Unbelievable.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32After my father died, they were still there,
0:34:32 > 0:34:36but regretfully my mother decided to sell the lot,
0:34:36 > 0:34:40so I went one day and no Martinware in the house.
0:34:40 > 0:34:43- Without even telling you? - Oh, yes.- Oh, no.
0:34:43 > 0:34:46So we had to start our collection from scratch.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48What a shame, because, how long ago was that?
0:34:48 > 0:34:52- It must be 40-odd years ago. - Oh, right, OK.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56- So, even then, they were probably making good prices?- Oh, yes,
0:34:56 > 0:34:57but nothing like now.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01- If you still had them now, well, we'd be in serious money... - That's right.
0:35:01 > 0:35:02..because that's quite a collection.
0:35:02 > 0:35:04For those of you who don't know,
0:35:04 > 0:35:07the Martin Brothers were pottery manufacturers based in London,
0:35:07 > 0:35:12who produced a distinctive type of stoneware from the 1870s
0:35:12 > 0:35:14through to the First World War.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16They became famous for their eccentric,
0:35:16 > 0:35:20grotesquely modelled Wally Birds and sculpted face jugs,
0:35:20 > 0:35:23which today can fetch thousands of pounds in auction.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29- It's the grotesque part that I like.- Is it?
0:35:29 > 0:35:33Every morning, I used to get up past them and one was looking at me
0:35:33 > 0:35:35and smiling and then the next time,
0:35:35 > 0:35:37it was a miserable old face on the other side.
0:35:39 > 0:35:43Let's look back at the vase, because I love it, I think it's great,
0:35:43 > 0:35:47you know, the decoration, this whole finish that salt glazing gives you,
0:35:47 > 0:35:51- because that's what they concentrated on, this salt glaze finish.- That's right.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53The kiln would come to a high temperature
0:35:53 > 0:35:56and salt would literally be thrown into the kiln
0:35:56 > 0:36:01and that would fuse with the clay and that would give you this...
0:36:01 > 0:36:02- Sort of burnt look.- Exactly,
0:36:02 > 0:36:05you've got some matte, you've got some lustre,
0:36:05 > 0:36:09what's super as well about their pieces is if I turn this piece up,
0:36:09 > 0:36:11we can actually have a look underneath.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14We've got a full set of marks, there.
0:36:14 > 0:36:15RW, is that Robert Wallace?
0:36:15 > 0:36:17- Yes.- Yes, Robert Wallace Martin.
0:36:17 > 0:36:22And then we've got Southall and we've got a date here, 1893.
0:36:22 > 0:36:29So, really, it's a nice, well-marked decorative piece,
0:36:29 > 0:36:32- which unfortunately at some stage, someone's dropped.- That's right.
0:36:32 > 0:36:35But at least made the effort of putting it back together.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37- That's right.- Now, I'm going to say to you,
0:36:37 > 0:36:41let me put it in the sale with an estimate of £200 to £300.
0:36:41 > 0:36:44- I think what that will do, it'll generate some interest.- Yeah.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46Let's fix the reserve at £200.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49Yes, I don't want it to go for less than that.
0:36:49 > 0:36:53No, you know, to be honest with you, I'm confident that it is going to do well.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56Let's hope Will's prediction comes to fruition,
0:36:56 > 0:36:59as we wrap up today's valuations.
0:37:03 > 0:37:05Ickworth House, full of history and heritage
0:37:05 > 0:37:08and I think we've made a little bit of history, ourselves, here today.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10Hundreds of people have turned up
0:37:10 > 0:37:13and we've found some marvellous little treasures,
0:37:13 > 0:37:15our experts have now made their final choices of items to
0:37:15 > 0:37:20take off to auction, so it's time to say goodbye to this magnificent host location.
0:37:20 > 0:37:22It doesn't get much better than this, does it?
0:37:22 > 0:37:24But right now, we have to make our way over to Diss,
0:37:24 > 0:37:27to the auction room, and here's what we're taking with us.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Sean and Becky couldn't find a timepiece for this miniature
0:37:32 > 0:37:33long case clock.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Will one of the bidders be able to complete this piece?
0:37:37 > 0:37:40Bought for around 14p each,
0:37:40 > 0:37:44Barry's books are sure to realise a profit, the question is how much?
0:37:44 > 0:37:47And finally, will the tempting estimate on this piece
0:37:47 > 0:37:53of restored Martinware from 1893 catch the eye of the collectors?
0:37:55 > 0:37:59Welcome back to TW Gaze in Diss, where there's a packed
0:37:59 > 0:38:04auction house, all under the command of auctioneer Elizabeth Talbot.
0:38:04 > 0:38:09Now, in perfect condition, this Martinware vase could fetch over £1,000.
0:38:09 > 0:38:14Let's see what it will make in its current state.
0:38:14 > 0:38:16Well, you can't go wrong with a bit of Martinware, I had to say that,
0:38:16 > 0:38:19being a Martin, it's quality throughout.
0:38:19 > 0:38:21Quality always sells!
0:38:21 > 0:38:22Gerald, it's great to see you,
0:38:22 > 0:38:25thank you so much for bringing in a bit of Robert Martinware.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29Now, I know this lovely vase has a crack running right around it.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33- It has lots.- A big one. - It's been in two to three bits and re-glued.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35Good luck, both of you, good luck.
0:38:35 > 0:38:37I'm going to enjoy this moment, here we go.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42The Martin Brothers stoneware vase...
0:38:43 > 0:38:47..there it is, decorated with the fighting dragons and serpent.
0:38:49 > 0:38:50Start with £200.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56- Martin Brothers, there, £200, surely.- Come on.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59£200 is bid, thank you, £200 I have, I'll take ten.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02Bids are in at £200, by the door, I'll take the ten.
0:39:02 > 0:39:04it's a maiden bid at £200,
0:39:04 > 0:39:06it will sell at £200...
0:39:06 > 0:39:07Just in front?
0:39:07 > 0:39:09220... 230... 240...
0:39:09 > 0:39:13250... 260... 270... 280...
0:39:13 > 0:39:15290... 300... 320...
0:39:15 > 0:39:16Oh, creeping up!
0:39:16 > 0:39:17340... 360...
0:39:19 > 0:39:21380... 400... 420...
0:39:23 > 0:39:26Any advance on £420? The phone is out.
0:39:26 > 0:39:30At 420 on the vase, at 420, now, any advance on for 420?
0:39:32 > 0:39:35- That was marvellous. - Yeah?- Very good indeed.
0:39:35 > 0:39:36I was absolutely delighted.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39- Thank you very much.- Thank you. It's nice to see a bit of history.
0:39:39 > 0:39:41Well done. I appreciated you bringing it in.
0:39:41 > 0:39:43It was a pleasure.
0:39:43 > 0:39:45What a great result for Gerald.
0:39:45 > 0:39:49But for our next lot, there's been a last-minute change of plan.
0:39:49 > 0:39:51Barry has upped the reserve.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56- Phil, you don't know this yet, do you?- No.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58- But the reserve has been upped. - Just a little bit.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00Just a little bit
0:40:00 > 0:40:01to £100.
0:40:01 > 0:40:03- Yeah.- So, why did you change your mind?
0:40:03 > 0:40:06I was just talking with a couple of other people outside,
0:40:06 > 0:40:10- that the Beatrix Potter might be worth more because of the condition it's in.- Sure, OK.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13I think the proof of the pudding will be it either will or won't
0:40:13 > 0:40:16and I think it might be a bit optimistic, but I hope you get it.
0:40:17 > 0:40:18The three books,
0:40:18 > 0:40:22including the first edition Beatrix Potter, Ginger and Pickles.
0:40:22 > 0:40:27I do have interest on it, I start, here, at just £38.
0:40:28 > 0:40:3040 bid... 42...
0:40:30 > 0:40:3145... 48...
0:40:31 > 0:40:3350... 55...
0:40:33 > 0:40:3755 with me, at 55 now, 55... 60... 65...
0:40:37 > 0:40:3970... 75... 80... 85...
0:40:39 > 0:40:40- This is good, isn't it?- Yeah.
0:40:40 > 0:40:4290... 95...
0:40:42 > 0:40:43one more.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45Come on. Come on, please.
0:40:46 > 0:40:52£100, in the room at 100, at £100, now, with the lady at £100,
0:40:52 > 0:40:53any advance on £100?
0:40:57 > 0:40:58Well done, Barry. Well done.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00It does make good reading, doesn't it?
0:41:00 > 0:41:03It does, and good watching, I hope you enjoyed that.
0:41:03 > 0:41:07And we wish Barry all the best with his new book-buying business.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09He's clearly got a great eye for it.
0:41:11 > 0:41:12Now, prithee, what's o'clock?
0:41:12 > 0:41:14Yes, it's time for our last lot of the day.
0:41:17 > 0:41:19Well, hopefully, we're going to turn £1, yes £1,
0:41:19 > 0:41:23into maybe £200, right here, right now, with Sean and Becky.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26- It's great to see you again and who is this?- This is Ollie, my son.
0:41:26 > 0:41:30Ollie, pleased to meet you. Do you like what Mum and Dad are selling?
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- No.- This pottery, the pottery long case clock?
0:41:33 > 0:41:35It's an acquired taste, isn't it? It really is.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37There will be someone out there who's got the clock part,
0:41:37 > 0:41:39thinking "I just need the long case part."
0:41:39 > 0:41:41It's there to run, isn't it, really?
0:41:41 > 0:41:45It's all in Elizabeth's hands, enjoy this, won't you? Think of the money.
0:41:45 > 0:41:46Here we go.
0:41:47 > 0:41:52The Art Nouveau clock case, which is a clock case, no movement or
0:41:52 > 0:41:56face, it's a lovely piece, stylish piece and typical of the period.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00And I start here at £55.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- £55, 55...- She's teasing us.
0:42:02 > 0:42:0460... 65... 70... 75...
0:42:05 > 0:42:07can't see you.
0:42:07 > 0:42:0980... 85... 90... 95...
0:42:09 > 0:42:11100 is now in the gallery, 110 downstairs.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13I hope we haven't over-talked it.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16120... 130... 140...
0:42:16 > 0:42:17150... 160...
0:42:17 > 0:42:19170... 180...
0:42:19 > 0:42:21190... 200...
0:42:21 > 0:42:23220... 240... 260...
0:42:23 > 0:42:26This is more like it, we're going up in £20, now.
0:42:26 > 0:42:29280... 300... 320... gallery is now at 320.
0:42:29 > 0:42:31At 320, the clock face, at 320.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33At 320, the phone is out.
0:42:33 > 0:42:37At 320 in the gallery, any advance on 320?
0:42:38 > 0:42:42Not bad, not bad profit from £1, is it?
0:42:42 > 0:42:44From my local car-boot, as well.
0:42:44 > 0:42:46Time to get you lot to stay away.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50And that's what it's all about, folks.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53I hope you've been as inspired as I am.
0:42:54 > 0:42:56Well, that's it, it's all over, the hammer
0:42:56 > 0:43:00has gone down on our last lot and I hope you've enjoyed the show.
0:43:00 > 0:43:04And hopefully it's inspired you to take part in the show.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07If you'd like to sell your antiques, we would love to see you.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10Details of up-and-coming dates and venues you can find on our website.
0:43:10 > 0:43:16Just log on to bbc.co.uk/flogit, follow the links, all the information will be there.
0:43:16 > 0:43:18If you don't have a computer, check the details in your local press.
0:43:18 > 0:43:21Come on, dust them down and bring them in.
0:43:21 > 0:43:23But until then, from Diss, it's goodbye.