0:00:09 > 0:00:13Today, we're at Norwich Cathedral, in Norfolk, where our crowds
0:00:13 > 0:00:17have gathered in one of the largest monastic cloisters in Britain.
0:00:19 > 0:00:23We'll be finding out about the many ingenious ways that medieval
0:00:23 > 0:00:26monks used this incredible space to demonstrate their power
0:00:26 > 0:00:28to the people of Norfolk.
0:00:28 > 0:00:29Welcome to "Flog It!"
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Today, we are holding our valuations at Norwich Cathedral,
0:00:54 > 0:00:58one of the most intact Norman buildings in Europe.
0:00:58 > 0:01:00Completed in the 12th century,
0:01:00 > 0:01:04this soaring edifice stood as a reminder to everyone that the
0:01:04 > 0:01:09Benedictine monks who lived here for 500 years held sway over
0:01:09 > 0:01:12the churches and the agricultural lands for miles around.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16Even these cloisters, where they quietly worked,
0:01:16 > 0:01:20were designed to send out a strong message - do not disturb.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Well, thankfully,
0:01:22 > 0:01:24we are not so harsh here on "Flog It!"
0:01:24 > 0:01:27And today, all are welcome at the cathedral.
0:01:27 > 0:01:28So as this great crowd of people
0:01:28 > 0:01:30laden with antiques and collectibles
0:01:30 > 0:01:32follow in the footsteps of the monks,
0:01:32 > 0:01:34they are here to see our experts.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37And there is only one question on their minds, which is...
0:01:37 > 0:01:39- ALL:- What is it worth?
0:01:39 > 0:01:41Stay tuned and you'll find out.
0:01:41 > 0:01:45It looks like our experts are praying for perfection today.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50Ever elegantly attired, Thomas Plant is interested in the dress code.
0:01:50 > 0:01:53Look. Breeches, knickers, leggings.
0:01:53 > 0:01:55Look at that. Look at her there.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58And David Fletcher has found just the thing.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01Let's put a sticker on you. There you go.
0:02:01 > 0:02:03And you wear it not like that.
0:02:03 > 0:02:04I love a good fez.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06And not like that, either.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08But just like that.
0:02:09 > 0:02:13And as everyone heads inside, here is what is on the show today.
0:02:14 > 0:02:16David has got a bird in the hand.
0:02:16 > 0:02:17It is beautiful quality.
0:02:17 > 0:02:19And has his hands full.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22It sits there, slightly cheeky little look on its face,
0:02:22 > 0:02:24a bit like you if I might say so.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28There are sketches that get everyone's heart fluttering.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34And I visit a stately home that has remained untouched
0:02:34 > 0:02:37for over 250 years.
0:02:37 > 0:02:41The owner here portrayed himself as a Roman emperor, but in fact,
0:02:41 > 0:02:44he was Britain's first Prime Minister.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48And I will be finding out all about this great man later on in the show.
0:02:51 > 0:02:54Well, the crowds are now safely seated inside the cathedral.
0:02:54 > 0:02:57And I must say, look at this for a magnificent turnout.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59But there is something I want to point out,
0:02:59 > 0:03:01and it is a modern piece of sculpture.
0:03:01 > 0:03:05And it is right above the crowd, suspended there.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07It is a sculpture in willow
0:03:07 > 0:03:11by two artists and some local students.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14It is their interpretation of what would have been
0:03:14 > 0:03:17suspended in this position during medieval times.
0:03:17 > 0:03:19On High Holy Days,
0:03:19 > 0:03:22the monks wanted to make a big impact on the congregation,
0:03:22 > 0:03:26so they swung a massive angel in this spot, gilded in silver
0:03:26 > 0:03:30and trailing incense to imbue worshipers with God's spirit,
0:03:30 > 0:03:34which is why it was called a censing angel.
0:03:34 > 0:03:37Its other purpose was to stifle the odours of the congregation,
0:03:37 > 0:03:39because let's face it, back then,
0:03:39 > 0:03:42most people only had a wash once a week, if they were lucky.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45Anyway, thank goodness times have changed, haven't they?
0:03:45 > 0:03:47We are all wonderfully perfumed today.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51Let's now catch up with our experts and see who's first at the tables.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55And it looks like Thomas is in fine fettle today
0:03:55 > 0:03:57with a couple of ink drawings brought in by Ian
0:03:57 > 0:04:02and Jackie from the hand of wildlife artist Arthur Wardle.
0:04:02 > 0:04:04So, Ian and Jackie, how have you come by them?
0:04:04 > 0:04:07I like pen and ink drawings and I've been collecting them.
0:04:07 > 0:04:10At the time I bought these, which was about four years ago...
0:04:10 > 0:04:13A couple of years ago, I suffered a bit of damage to my lounge/diner,
0:04:13 > 0:04:15which means I had to remodel.
0:04:15 > 0:04:18And my lifestyle grew.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- I thought it was a good time to brighten the place up.- Oh, right.
0:04:21 > 0:04:26- So Jackie is a recent addition to your life?- Last two...
0:04:26 > 0:04:28- Two years we have been together. - Two years.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30And you don't like black and white?
0:04:30 > 0:04:32- I just think they look a bit dull, actually.- Oh, really?
0:04:32 > 0:04:35His place just looks so cluttered with all this old stuff.
0:04:35 > 0:04:40I did have in my hall and landing as well, between the two areas, 55.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- Oh, really? - I am now down to nine, so...
0:04:43 > 0:04:46OK, well, that is quite good of you. Well done, you.
0:04:46 > 0:04:50- Well, sacrifice, you know. One has to.- Sacrifice, yeah. Absolutely.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53You said you bought them four or five years ago.
0:04:53 > 0:04:54And you think they are OK?
0:04:54 > 0:04:57I do. I think they are excellent.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00I mean, he was known for doing his exotic birds,
0:05:00 > 0:05:04and here we have an exotic bird in pen and ink.
0:05:04 > 0:05:07And the pelicans as well, which are sort of pseudo-exotic.
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- We are looking at an early-20th-century artist.- Yes.
0:05:10 > 0:05:15And these would have been drawn in the 1930s, I would have thought.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17- Yes. - At the height of his sort of career.
0:05:17 > 0:05:20But he did exhibit at the Royal Academy very young.
0:05:20 > 0:05:22- He exhibited at the age of 16.- Yeah.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24Which is an extraordinary talent.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28So there is definitely a decent hand here to be seen.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31I mean, what did you initially like about them?
0:05:31 > 0:05:36I like the simplicity of etchings, the black and ink sketches.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39- I can understand the line and form.- Yes.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42It gives it a simplicity, a cleanliness.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44It is quite masculine to like that.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47- Hence when you met Jackie... - THEY LAUGH
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- And what have you put in place? - Different coloured decor.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55I love colour. That is why I don't like this stuff.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57I love colour.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59There's a lot of grey.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- Yes. Not 50 shades of... - That is enough of that.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05That is enough of that. We don't want any more of that!
0:06:07 > 0:06:09Do you mind me asking how much you paid for them?
0:06:09 > 0:06:11I think it was about £100 for the pair.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13- £100 for the pair. - I think around about that.
0:06:13 > 0:06:15Well, I think you've done jolly well.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18I believe that if you estimate them at 150, 200 for the pair,
0:06:18 > 0:06:21hopefully, you're going to get your money back.
0:06:21 > 0:06:23- Well, that would be good.- It has been a pleasure to meet you two.
0:06:23 > 0:06:25A pleasure meeting you.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27And we look forward to seeing you at the auction.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- Thank you. - Thank you very much. Thank you.
0:06:30 > 0:06:31Jackie might call them dull,
0:06:31 > 0:06:35but I think someone will appreciate these lovely sketches.
0:06:35 > 0:06:39Now, David has found a bird of a very different feather.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41- Hello, Vicky.- Hello.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44Now, you are wearing an owl brooch.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46How old long have you owned this brooch?
0:06:46 > 0:06:50Well, my cousin gave it to me about seven, eight years ago.
0:06:50 > 0:06:55What happened, when her mum died, my aunt, she gave me this tin.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57So I took the tin home, put it on the shelf
0:06:57 > 0:07:00- and left it for about just over a month or more.- Right.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03Opened the tin, turned the jewellery out, and that man had been there.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- Out popped this owl, yeah.- She didn't even know that was in there.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10- No. So it was a bit of a windfall, really.- That was, yes. Yeah.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12Let's have a close look at this.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16Now, what we have is a 14-carat gold Continental brooch.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19It would be better if it were English,
0:07:19 > 0:07:21in which case it would be 18-carat or probably 22.
0:07:21 > 0:07:27But it is very nice anyway. It has tiger's-eye eyes.
0:07:27 > 0:07:30Now, the tiger's eye is a semiprecious stone, which has
0:07:30 > 0:07:32a sort of three-dimensional quality.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35If you were to shine a light into it and just to move around the
0:07:35 > 0:07:39gemstone, it has the effect almost of following you around.
0:07:39 > 0:07:44- If we were to melt this, it would melt at about £200.- Right.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46But it is worth a bit more than its melt value,
0:07:46 > 0:07:50mainly because people collect anything to do with owls.
0:07:50 > 0:07:54People collect owls because owls signify wisdom.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57Apart from that, they have a sort of stateliness, don't they?
0:07:57 > 0:08:00- Have you ever seen a barn owl in flight?- Yeah.- They're wonderful...
0:08:00 > 0:08:02- They're lovely. - ..wonderful birds, really.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06So people get quite sentimental about them as creatures.
0:08:06 > 0:08:08I think it is lovely. It is beautiful quality.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11It sits there, slightly cheeky little look on its face,
0:08:11 > 0:08:13- a bit like you, if I may say so. - Like me!
0:08:13 > 0:08:15And, you know, people are going to like that.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17People are going to fall in love with it, I think.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20So if we were to estimate it at £200 to £300,
0:08:20 > 0:08:22put a reserve of £200 on it...
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- Right.- Would that be all right by you?- Certainly.- Good.
0:08:26 > 0:08:27And what can I say, really,
0:08:27 > 0:08:29except that it has been a pleasure meeting you.
0:08:29 > 0:08:30And a pleasure meeting you.
0:08:30 > 0:08:34- You made us all laugh. - As usual.- As usual.
0:08:34 > 0:08:35So it has been good fun
0:08:35 > 0:08:37and let's hope we have even more fun at the sale.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- Yes, lovely, thank you very much. - I'll see you there, Vicky.
0:08:40 > 0:08:41Yeah, thank you.
0:08:41 > 0:08:45Let's see if wise old David is right about the owl valuation
0:08:45 > 0:08:46when it goes under the hammer.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52As our experts keep busy, time to find out about another
0:08:52 > 0:08:55extraordinary feature of the cathedral.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59Covering the ceiling here are 1,000 wooden carvings, known as bosses.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01Often found in churches,
0:09:01 > 0:09:05they were used to decorate the intersections of the vaulted roof.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08But these medieval ones are particularly special,
0:09:08 > 0:09:12as the Vice-Dean of Norwich, Jeremy Haselock, can tell us.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14They are a long way up and I know we can't see them
0:09:14 > 0:09:17clearly from down here, but I know they depict Biblical scenes.
0:09:17 > 0:09:18Can you tell me more about them?
0:09:18 > 0:09:21Yeah, well, you start at one end with the act of Creation,
0:09:21 > 0:09:23God creating Heaven and Earth.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25Then they work through the creation of the animals, Adam and Eve,
0:09:25 > 0:09:27the story of Adam and Eve.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30We get Noah and the flood. We get Moses and the Pharaoh.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33And then it goes right the way through to the Last Judgment.
0:09:33 > 0:09:35So, in other words, it is the beginning and the end.
0:09:35 > 0:09:39- It's the story.- The whole story. - It is the complete story.
0:09:39 > 0:09:40I know they are incredibly decorative,
0:09:40 > 0:09:43- but they do have a function and a purpose, don't they?- Yeah.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45Well, a lot of people would like you to
0:09:45 > 0:09:47believe that they are there as a poor man's Bible.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50In other words, nobody could read, so they would see these images.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53But they'd have to have pretty good eyesight to really pick out
0:09:53 > 0:09:54the details there.
0:09:55 > 0:09:56I know, let's see,
0:09:56 > 0:10:00the people that carved these would have had a bit of artistic licence.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03Would it reflect anything to do with Norwich itself?
0:10:03 > 0:10:05Well, if you look at the one of Pharaoh
0:10:05 > 0:10:07and his chariots being overturned in the Red Sea...
0:10:07 > 0:10:10It is very graphic. The sea is red, literally.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12But what you see for Pharaoh's chariot is not what we see
0:10:12 > 0:10:14in Ben Hur or anything like that.
0:10:14 > 0:10:17What you have actually got is a Norfolk farm cart.
0:10:17 > 0:10:19- Really?- So it is what they knew.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22The Last Supper, you know, the bread there that is on the table is
0:10:22 > 0:10:26a sort of loaf that you'd find in a 15th-century Norwich home.
0:10:26 > 0:10:29- So it's...- That's lovely.- It is full of homely touches like that.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- Very nice, though. Very nice. Thank you for talking to me.- Not at all.
0:10:32 > 0:10:33Thank you.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37From the celestial heavens of the Benedictine monks to something
0:10:37 > 0:10:42that reflects the power and the influence of a very different order.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- Well, Rob and Sal, thank you for coming.- Hello.- Thank you.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49You have brought along a Masonic watch in the form of a triangle.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51Tell me, who owns it?
0:10:51 > 0:10:54It was my grandfather's. He used to spend a lot of time in the Masons.
0:10:54 > 0:10:56He died when I was six,
0:10:56 > 0:10:58so I didn't really know him that well. My father didn't
0:10:58 > 0:11:01carry on being in the Masons, so we have kept it in the family.
0:11:01 > 0:11:03But it always seemed quite an interesting watch.
0:11:03 > 0:11:05They are fascinating. Have you worn it?
0:11:05 > 0:11:08Have you worn it as a piece of jewellery?
0:11:08 > 0:11:09No. And it is so beautiful.
0:11:09 > 0:11:12- It is quite heavy as well, it's quite big.- Yeah.
0:11:12 > 0:11:16And this watch comes from the early 20th century.
0:11:16 > 0:11:17It is in nine-carat gold.
0:11:17 > 0:11:21And it has got what I think is one of my favourite materials.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23It is mother of pearl.
0:11:23 > 0:11:28And on the dial, you have the symbols of the Masonic world -
0:11:28 > 0:11:30the Masonic gavel,
0:11:30 > 0:11:33the compass and square,
0:11:33 > 0:11:37the skull and crossbones,
0:11:37 > 0:11:38the all-seeing eye,
0:11:38 > 0:11:42and it has this wonderful quote on the base here.
0:11:42 > 0:11:46"Love your fellow man, lend him a helping hand."
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- Have you ever read that on there? - Yeah.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- Wouldn't that be nice if everybody did that?- It would be.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53It would be really good, wouldn't it?
0:11:53 > 0:11:56And was it given as an award or was it just a bit of jewellery?
0:11:56 > 0:11:59It's not... Now, it is not given as a medallion.
0:11:59 > 0:12:00So it is not a medallion.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- You're not a medallion man.- It is not a jewel. It is not a jewel, no.
0:12:04 > 0:12:09It would be a working watch. It is a status symbol.
0:12:09 > 0:12:10Why are you selling it?
0:12:10 > 0:12:12I haven't been a Mason.
0:12:12 > 0:12:15My father is not a Mason. We haven't got a Mason in our...
0:12:15 > 0:12:16In your blood, so to speak.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19In our blood, so to speak, so it is just a piece that we have had.
0:12:19 > 0:12:24And just wanted to use the money for something that we can enjoy.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- Absolutely.- Or me.- Or you.- Yes!
0:12:27 > 0:12:30So, the valuation, what's it worth?
0:12:32 > 0:12:35I'm going to be quite bullish and say £1,000.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38- I think you estimate 1,000 to 1,500.- Uh-huh.- Uh-huh.
0:12:38 > 0:12:40Where do you place the reserve?
0:12:40 > 0:12:45I think you place the reserve roundabout the £900 mark.
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- If you're happy with that, we will go for it.- Yeah.- Yeah?- Yeah.- Yeah.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- OK, great. Thank you.- Thank you for bringing it along.- Thank you.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54But don't go spending all the money.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59I'm not sure, Thomas, it sounds as if Sal has her own plans.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Well, we have now found our first three items to take off to
0:13:04 > 0:13:08auction, so fingers crossed there could be one or two big surprises.
0:13:08 > 0:13:12Before that, I just want to show you another example of the symbolism
0:13:12 > 0:13:15used by the clergy to show off their power.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20Here, we have a modern design for the bishop. It is a wonderful chair.
0:13:20 > 0:13:22But it is what it sits on. That is quite fascinating.
0:13:22 > 0:13:26There's two really heavy stones there, believed to have been
0:13:26 > 0:13:29from the bishop's throne dating back to the 11th century.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33But it is what is beneath them that fascinates me.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40Now, here we are below the bishop's chair.
0:13:40 > 0:13:43Now, this is where the holy relics would have been placed.
0:13:43 > 0:13:47And believe it or not, this is a chimney.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49Incense would have been burned here
0:13:49 > 0:13:52and the smoke would have filtered up through those vents...
0:13:52 > 0:13:54There is one there which you can see.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57..rising around the bishop's feet.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00Can you imagine what sort of impression that would have
0:14:00 > 0:14:02made on such an early congregation?
0:14:02 > 0:14:06Here we have a man inspired by the holy relic below. Wow.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08Anyway, right now it is time for us
0:14:08 > 0:14:10to get inspired as we go off to auction.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13Fingers crossed we have those great results.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16Here's a quick recap of what is going under the hammer.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18There are Ian and Jackie's
0:14:18 > 0:14:19black-and-white sketches of
0:14:19 > 0:14:21exotic birds by Arthur Wardle
0:14:21 > 0:14:23that Jackie hopes to replace with
0:14:23 > 0:14:25something more colourful.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27The collectors should be delighted to
0:14:27 > 0:14:29get their claws into
0:14:29 > 0:14:31Vicky's gold owl brooch.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33And Sal and Rob have high hopes
0:14:33 > 0:14:35for the Masonic watch
0:14:35 > 0:14:36belonging to his grandfather
0:14:36 > 0:14:38when it goes under the hammer.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44The power of the monks at Norwich Cathedral
0:14:44 > 0:14:48extended to churches right across Norfolk, including those in Diss,
0:14:48 > 0:14:50where our sale is today.
0:14:50 > 0:14:52Of the 1,000 churches built in the county,
0:14:52 > 0:14:56an amazing 659 have survived,
0:14:56 > 0:15:00giving Norfolk the greatest concentration of medieval
0:15:00 > 0:15:02places of worship in the world.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07So we have come to TW Gaze in Diss to see
0:15:07 > 0:15:08if our experts' valuations
0:15:08 > 0:15:11will wield some influence in the saleroom.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17On the rostrum today are two auctioneers - Ed Smith
0:15:17 > 0:15:18and Robert Kinsella.
0:15:18 > 0:15:23And here, they have set the commission at 15% including VAT.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27The first lot to go under the hammer is Ian's pair of simple ink
0:15:27 > 0:15:32bird sketches by highly respected wildlife artist Arthur Wardle.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35I have a feeling, Ian, that with the restyling that is going on
0:15:35 > 0:15:39- in your house, this wasn't to Jackie's taste.- Not entirely, no.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- Too dull.- Too dull. Arthur Wardle, too dull?!- I know!
0:15:43 > 0:15:47Well... OK, they are ink studies. OK? Pelicans and exotic birds.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49But he specialised in animals, that was his genre.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- And I think he is a cracking artist. - Yeah.- I really do.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54Let's just hope there's bird lovers here.
0:15:54 > 0:15:56I think there should be a few twitches.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59We are going to find out right now.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- Good luck, everyone.- Thank you. - It is going under the hammer.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05And on these, I start in here with bids.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09And I start straight in at 120. 120 I have. Is there 30?
0:16:09 > 0:16:11Them two pictures here for 120 now.
0:16:11 > 0:16:13130. 140. 150. 160.
0:16:13 > 0:16:14170. 180.
0:16:14 > 0:16:18180 still with me. If you want to be, 90. It is 180 still with me.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23Where is the 90? We will be selling away at £180. Are we all done?
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- Hammer is going down.- Yep. - That is a sold sound.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- £180.- That's good!- Well done, Thomas.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30Well, that is brilliant, isn't it?
0:16:30 > 0:16:31Done!
0:16:31 > 0:16:35Yeah. So what are you going to put that towards? A meal out, I guess.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37I don't really know yet cos Jackie hasn't told me.
0:16:37 > 0:16:40THEY LAUGH
0:16:40 > 0:16:43Well, I am sure Jackie has some good ideas.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46Next, the early-20th-century Masonic watch,
0:16:46 > 0:16:50the sort collectors clamour for. Sadly, we haven't got Rob.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53- He's at work.- No, he's a captain of industry today.- Oh!- Yes.
0:16:54 > 0:16:57- He didn't want to take the day off, did he?- Absolutely not.
0:16:57 > 0:17:00Well, look, you are here. That is all that matters.
0:17:00 > 0:17:02And your watch is here, that is the most important thing.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Now, since the valuation day, Thomas,
0:17:04 > 0:17:07you put in a valuation of 1,000 to 1,500.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09- Yes.- With a reserve at 900.- Yes.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12You have had a chat to the auctioneer in the last few weeks
0:17:12 > 0:17:14- and you have upped that reserve. - Yes.
0:17:14 > 0:17:19- Which means the valuation now starts at the reserve of 1,500.- OK.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22- But it has got to reach 1,500 for it to sell.- Yes.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24- Otherwise it goes home with you. - Yep, back under the bed.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26- You don't mind that.- No, that's fine.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- Do you know... Back under the bed? - Yeah.- Has it been under the bed?
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- What is it doing under there? - Well, it's just kind of...
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- In a box under the bed? - Yeah. As good a place as any.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37I suppose it is, in a way. Yeah.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41Right, Thomas, will it still sell or will it struggle?
0:17:41 > 0:17:43Cos that's now at your top end of the estimate.
0:17:43 > 0:17:45Well, I think they are quite desirable.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49Even the silver ones sell for 800, 900. This is nine-carat gold.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- So you were being cautious? - I was being cautious.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- It was definitely a seller at 900. - Yes.- Definitely. Here we are.- OK.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01We're going to start at £800. I'll take 50. It's £800 bid.
0:18:01 > 0:18:02Is there 50 now?
0:18:02 > 0:18:06850. 900. 50. 1,000.
0:18:06 > 0:18:091,100. 1,200.
0:18:09 > 0:18:121,300 bid. 1,300 bid now. Is there any advance?
0:18:12 > 0:18:15At £1,300 bid. £1,300 bid.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17Is there 1,400 anywhere?
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- Come on. Just two, isn't there? - 1,300 now. Any advance anywhere?
0:18:20 > 0:18:23- 1,300, any advance?- Not selling.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- He didn't sell it. It didn't reach the reserve.- That's fine.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29You are happy with that. You wanted 1,500.
0:18:29 > 0:18:30It was meant to be.
0:18:30 > 0:18:32- OK. We give it a try, didn't way? - We did.
0:18:32 > 0:18:33Sal is taking that home,
0:18:33 > 0:18:37but she seems happy to put it back under the bed for now.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39Well, our next lot is a bit of a hoot.
0:18:39 > 0:18:41Yes, it is that owl brooch belonging to Vicky,
0:18:41 > 0:18:43who is right next to me.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- I like this.- Good fun, isn't it?
0:18:45 > 0:18:48- Yeah.- Like you, it's good fun. - I know. I always am.
0:18:48 > 0:18:51- Well, we are looking for £200 to £300, aren't we?- Right.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54Owls, pigs, kangaroos and camels.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56They are the four that do it for the collectors,
0:18:56 > 0:18:58for some unknown reason.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01But owls are top of the list. Here we go, let's find out.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06Run of bids here put me in at 150. I'll take 160 on the owl.
0:19:06 > 0:19:07150 to bid.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10160. 170. 180. 190.
0:19:10 > 0:19:11190 bid. Is there 200 now?
0:19:11 > 0:19:13Yeah, we'll get a lot, look.
0:19:13 > 0:19:16220. 230. 240.
0:19:16 > 0:19:17Carry on.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19- Carry on.- 250. 260.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23270. 280.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25280 at the back. At 280 the bid now.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27290. 300.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29Top end of the estimate.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31At the back with you, sir, then at 300. And selling...
0:19:31 > 0:19:33300.
0:19:33 > 0:19:34- Well done, David.- Lovely.
0:19:34 > 0:19:36- Well done, Vicky. Top end.- Yeah!
0:19:36 > 0:19:38Top end - owls are in!
0:19:39 > 0:19:43That is a great result for something Vicky had no idea
0:19:43 > 0:19:45lay nestled in a box of trinkets.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49Well, that concludes our first visit to the saleroom today.
0:19:49 > 0:19:53We are coming back here later in the show, so don't go away.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55Now, while we were here in area filming,
0:19:55 > 0:19:59I had the opportunity to visit a house in the north of the county.
0:19:59 > 0:20:01And I saw what could be achieved
0:20:01 > 0:20:05when somebody was determined to leave their mark on history.
0:20:16 > 0:20:19In the heart of this 1,000-acre estate in North Norfolk,
0:20:19 > 0:20:21is one of the most remarkable
0:20:21 > 0:20:24country houses in Britain, Houghton Hall.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28As magnificent as any royal palace, it was built in the 1720s
0:20:28 > 0:20:31and remains relatively untouched by time.
0:20:31 > 0:20:32Looking at it,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35you'd think it belonged to a member of the aristocracy.
0:20:35 > 0:20:37But no, it was a politician -
0:20:37 > 0:20:40our first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole.
0:20:41 > 0:20:46Walpole was born in 1676 into a family of Norfolk gentry that
0:20:46 > 0:20:49had owned the estate for generations.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53And at the age of 25, the young Robert followed in his father's
0:20:53 > 0:20:55footsteps into a career in politics.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02The political scene at the time was undergoing a prolonged
0:21:02 > 0:21:04and major upheaval.
0:21:04 > 0:21:08The balance of power was shifting from the monarch to Parliament
0:21:08 > 0:21:11and politicians had divided into rival factions,
0:21:11 > 0:21:14making the House of Commons a tempestuous place to be.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19Robert Walpole was adept at navigating these turbulent
0:21:19 > 0:21:22political waters, but it wasn't easy.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24At one time, he was locked up in the Tower of London
0:21:24 > 0:21:28for six months on trumped-up charges of corruption.
0:21:30 > 0:21:32Nevertheless, with a nose for finance,
0:21:32 > 0:21:34he quickly rose through the ranks.
0:21:34 > 0:21:39In 1721, he took the position of the First Lord of the Treasury,
0:21:39 > 0:21:43or as it is known for the first time, the office of Prime Minister.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Robert Walpole had arrived.
0:21:46 > 0:21:47To reflect his new power,
0:21:47 > 0:21:51Walpole set about building a magnificent country house,
0:21:51 > 0:21:54not only to echo his political status
0:21:54 > 0:21:59but also his notoriously extravagant lifestyle. And this was the result.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01Houghton Hall.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04It is a classic example of English Palladian architecture
0:22:04 > 0:22:08inspired by the ancient temples of Rome and Greece.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13But it is when you go inside that you really see the extent
0:22:13 > 0:22:14of Walpole's vision.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22Like all the interiors here at Houghton,
0:22:22 > 0:22:25this grand staircase with its hand-painted wall panellings
0:22:25 > 0:22:28is the work of the up-and-coming architect
0:22:28 > 0:22:32and interior designer William Kent, who was the fashion of the day.
0:22:32 > 0:22:35He was commissioned by Walpole to fit the house out
0:22:35 > 0:22:37at no expense spared,
0:22:37 > 0:22:40and that man really did have talent.
0:22:43 > 0:22:44I can't wait to look around.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47But before I do, I'm going to meet John Marchant,
0:22:47 > 0:22:49the head guide here at Houghton,
0:22:49 > 0:22:53to uncover Walpole's vision of a grand country seat.
0:22:57 > 0:22:58So this is Robert Walpole's library.
0:22:58 > 0:23:02I would imagine most of the books are on law and politics and poetry,
0:23:02 > 0:23:03- something like that.- Yeah.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06It is reckoned to be a typical example of a gentleman's
0:23:06 > 0:23:07library of the 18th century.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10The books you see are the books you would expect to see.
0:23:10 > 0:23:15What was Robert Walpole's trying to show with the design of this house?
0:23:15 > 0:23:18Well, he was a Norfolk man through and through. This was his home.
0:23:18 > 0:23:21It reflected his rise to power in politics,
0:23:21 > 0:23:23his love of the arts.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27And so he incorporated fine furniture design,
0:23:27 > 0:23:29picture design, fabric design.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31In every one of the state rooms,
0:23:31 > 0:23:34there's a visual reminder of whose house you are in.
0:23:34 > 0:23:38Because up on the ceiling or on the mantelpiece or somewhere,
0:23:38 > 0:23:42there will be a motif that represents Sir Robert Walpole.
0:23:42 > 0:23:43"This is my house."
0:23:43 > 0:23:45Usually, it is a garter star.
0:23:45 > 0:23:49Sometimes it is an elaborate monogram of his initials.
0:23:49 > 0:23:54And so as you go through from room to room, you get these three aspects
0:23:54 > 0:23:58of his idea behind the construction of the house all welding together.
0:23:58 > 0:24:00We know he was a successful politician
0:24:00 > 0:24:03and a lover of the arts, but what sort of man was he?
0:24:04 > 0:24:07It depends to whom you speak, I should think.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09There are those who believe he was a rogue.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13And others who believe he was a statesman. It puts it in a nutshell.
0:24:13 > 0:24:15And I think if you reflect on the fact that he ran
0:24:15 > 0:24:17the country for 21 years,
0:24:17 > 0:24:2121 years of pretty well unrivalled peace and prosperity,
0:24:21 > 0:24:24that says a lot for the man as a statesman.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28And maybe he cut some corners, maybe he did worse,
0:24:28 > 0:24:32but the record at the end of his life really speaks for itself.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36Time to have a look at some of those features.
0:24:36 > 0:24:40This gladiator strategically framed by the doorway
0:24:40 > 0:24:43led the gaze of his visitors into the stone hall.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46And this spectacular room was the first they would have seen.
0:24:49 > 0:24:54You can just imagine the impact this hallway would've had on the guests
0:24:54 > 0:24:57when they first set eyes on it. It is spectacular.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59It is jaw-droppingly brilliant.
0:24:59 > 0:25:01This is William Kent at his very best -
0:25:01 > 0:25:04striking architectural detail.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06And up there, you can see the family coat of arms.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08There, look, in the ceiling.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11And I think here has to be the centrepiece -
0:25:11 > 0:25:14a marble bust of the man himself, Robert Walpole.
0:25:14 > 0:25:17There, look, in a frieze of Roman emperors.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21So he surrounded himself with the great.
0:25:21 > 0:25:23And here is a nice touch of vanity, look,
0:25:23 > 0:25:24you see the Order of the Garter here,
0:25:24 > 0:25:28look, neatly showing in one of the folds of the toga.
0:25:28 > 0:25:30I like that.
0:25:30 > 0:25:33Every room reflects his political manoeuvrings.
0:25:33 > 0:25:37To see how shrewd an operator he was when it came to the economy,
0:25:37 > 0:25:39you must step into the saloon.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41Up until the 18th century,
0:25:41 > 0:25:43walnut had been the wood of choice for cabinet-makers.
0:25:43 > 0:25:45But the European supplies were dwindling
0:25:45 > 0:25:48and it was far too costly to import it from further afield.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50So to bolster up these supplies,
0:25:50 > 0:25:54Walpole dropped all the import duties, the taxes on wood imported
0:25:54 > 0:25:58from the colonies such as the West Indies, which introduced mahogany.
0:25:58 > 0:26:02As you can see, look, this is a lovely example of Cuban mahogany.
0:26:02 > 0:26:06Wonderful tight grain. And it lends itself beautifully to being carved.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08And it's exciting to look at.
0:26:08 > 0:26:12So not only did Walpole fit his house out with it, but he also
0:26:12 > 0:26:13introduced that golden age period
0:26:13 > 0:26:17of mahogany for cabinet makers such as Thomas Chippendale.
0:26:18 > 0:26:21The whole house was designed with one thought in mind -
0:26:21 > 0:26:26to impress upon anyone who entered that this was a true seat of power.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32Walpole had 21 years on the world stage,
0:26:32 > 0:26:36a remarkable achievement for any politician then and now.
0:26:36 > 0:26:41But by the time he died in 1745, at the age of 68,
0:26:41 > 0:26:43his fortunes had changed.
0:26:43 > 0:26:44His extravagant lifestyle
0:26:44 > 0:26:48and spending on this house left him mired in debt,
0:26:48 > 0:26:52forcing his heirs to even sell off the contents of the house.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55It was a sorry end to an incredible life.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00Walpole helped sow the seeds of our modern political system.
0:27:00 > 0:27:03After all, he was our first Prime Minister.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05He established Number 10 Downing Street
0:27:05 > 0:27:08as the official residency for the Prime Minister elect.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11But I think his personal legacy definitely has to be
0:27:11 > 0:27:14this magnificent house, Houghton Hall,
0:27:14 > 0:27:16which projects Robert Walpole's image
0:27:16 > 0:27:20of how he wanted to be seen and remembered - a powerful,
0:27:20 > 0:27:24influential man with a taste for the finer things in life.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Back at our valuation day venue, Norwich Cathedral,
0:27:31 > 0:27:35David has come across a fascinating book of local interest.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42- Hello, Jeff.- Hello.- Thank you for coming to "Flog It!" today.
0:27:42 > 0:27:45- And you have two books with you. - Yes.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48And I am itching to have a look at what they are all about.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52- Shall we start with this one?- Yes. That is the Royal Calendar for 1767.
0:27:52 > 0:27:541767.
0:27:54 > 0:27:57I am going to thumb through it in a moment, but it strikes me
0:27:57 > 0:28:00as if it is a sort of mid-18th-century Wikipedia, really.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04- Almost, yes. Yes.- It is a book of facts, isn't it?- Yes, it is. Yes.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06Well, let's have a little look.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09We start with a calendar
0:28:09 > 0:28:12giving us key events for each month,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15saints days and that sort of thing.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19And then we move on and we find...
0:28:19 > 0:28:21And I think this is amazing.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24The anatomy of a man's body.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27But it is slightly more than that because it relates
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- the anatomy of a man's body to the signs of the zodiac.- Yes.
0:28:30 > 0:28:34So we start at the top with Gemini, that is the left shoulder.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38We go around via Leo, Libra, Sagittarius.
0:28:38 > 0:28:39And we end up with the private bits.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43And I'm not going to actually say which sign of the zodiac
0:28:43 > 0:28:44they represent.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48I'll leave that to the man or woman who actually buys this book.
0:28:48 > 0:28:51Then they'll find out exactly what I am talking about.
0:28:51 > 0:28:53Anyway, that is that.
0:28:53 > 0:28:55We then move on a bit.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58And by complete contrast,
0:28:58 > 0:29:00- we have the coats of arms of the dukes of England.- Yes.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03And then we have
0:29:03 > 0:29:07officers of the Navy,
0:29:07 > 0:29:10not only a description of their roles,
0:29:10 > 0:29:13a description of their ranks, but also what they were paid.
0:29:13 > 0:29:15- Yes. Fascinating.- How extraordinary.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18And it is interesting, isn't it, that these
0:29:18 > 0:29:20were sort of considered to be key facts?
0:29:20 > 0:29:23- Yes.- These were the things you needed to know.- Amazing.
0:29:23 > 0:29:25Anyway, that's finished with that.
0:29:25 > 0:29:28And the second book you have brought in is what?
0:29:28 > 0:29:31White's Directory And Gazetteer for Norfolk.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34- OK.- From 1845.
0:29:34 > 0:29:36Again, it is a sort of history
0:29:36 > 0:29:39- and a list of every single parish in the county...- OK.
0:29:39 > 0:29:41..with details of the people and everything.
0:29:41 > 0:29:44And it goes into some detail. Parish churches.
0:29:44 > 0:29:46About the diocese itself.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48- Yes.- Monastic institutions.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50And so on.
0:29:50 > 0:29:52Condition, not great, I'm afraid.
0:29:52 > 0:29:54- I appreciate that.- Um...
0:29:54 > 0:29:57Now, clearly, you want to sell these.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59Yes, I'd like... Yes.
0:29:59 > 0:30:04But my view is that you take a philosophical stance, really.
0:30:04 > 0:30:08- OK.- Hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
0:30:08 > 0:30:11- All right.- And I would like to estimate them at £40 to £60,
0:30:11 > 0:30:13if that is not too disappointing to you.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16A little disappointing, but fair enough.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- I'll just keep my fingers crossed that somebody really wants them.- OK.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21- We'll hope for the best. - Fine. Thank you very much.
0:30:21 > 0:30:23We are in the right part of the world to sell them
0:30:23 > 0:30:25and let's hope we have a good day.
0:30:25 > 0:30:28While condition is important in books,
0:30:28 > 0:30:31these little gems might find a history buff who's willing
0:30:31 > 0:30:33to overlook the damage.
0:30:33 > 0:30:34Over to Thomas now.
0:30:34 > 0:30:37And he has found someone with strong links to the cathedral.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41- Hello, Jennifer.- Hello.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43What are you wearing?
0:30:43 > 0:30:45Is this a cross of St John or something?
0:30:45 > 0:30:49- Yes, it is the cathedral badge. - The cathedral...
0:30:49 > 0:30:51- And does that mean you're...? - I am a volunteer.
0:30:51 > 0:30:53And what does a volunteer do?
0:30:53 > 0:30:57A volunteer, in my case, greets visitors.
0:30:57 > 0:30:58It is a really important job.
0:30:58 > 0:31:00Well, it's enjoyable.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02Yeah. Now we have asked what your badge is,
0:31:02 > 0:31:05now we are going to ask you about this lovely, lovely belt.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07Tell me about it.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09- I got it by inheriting it.- Yeah.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13- Now, do you have any inclination to where it is from?- No.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15- I would love to know.- OK.
0:31:15 > 0:31:19- Well, it's Japanese.- Japanese?! - Yeah, it's Japanese.
0:31:19 > 0:31:20- Is it?- Yeah.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22And this is enamel work.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25And it is on a base metal.
0:31:25 > 0:31:29So, base metal meaning brass, copper... Not a precious metal.
0:31:29 > 0:31:34And we are looking at Japan in the late Meiji period,
0:31:34 > 0:31:36which is the early 20th century,
0:31:36 > 0:31:38when Japan really opened up
0:31:38 > 0:31:41to the West and goods came out of Tokyo.
0:31:41 > 0:31:47And what you have... Each of these has got a flower and a bird.
0:31:47 > 0:31:51And in Japan, every single one of these flowers has a meaning.
0:31:51 > 0:31:56Most of these meanings are to do with love, fertility, children, etc.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58That is what all these are all about.
0:31:58 > 0:32:01Against the enamel work is a texture.
0:32:01 > 0:32:04You can see the texture on the metal to make it
0:32:04 > 0:32:07look like there is a ground to it. Can you see that?
0:32:07 > 0:32:10- Yes.- And then the enamel work is applied on. It is almost like...
0:32:10 > 0:32:12We call it champleve.
0:32:12 > 0:32:14So it is a flat enamel.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18Unfortunately, this enamel does crack,
0:32:18 > 0:32:20as you can see.
0:32:20 > 0:32:23So why have you brought it along?
0:32:23 > 0:32:26I can't wear it any more, really, it is too small.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29I mean, I am even surprised you got into it. I mean, it is...
0:32:29 > 0:32:33I think maybe my five-year-old would probably wear it now.
0:32:33 > 0:32:34It would probably go around my thigh!
0:32:34 > 0:32:37Well, yes. And I keep damaging it.
0:32:37 > 0:32:42But I revere it because I have inherited it.
0:32:42 > 0:32:45But I have no use for it any more.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49And I wish somebody else would be able to use it beautifully
0:32:49 > 0:32:52- and gain from it. - I think they will do.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55Now, I think, out of all of these things, with the damage,
0:32:55 > 0:32:57- one has to cut back.- Yes.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01- If it was perfect, it would be worth hundreds and hundreds.- Really?
0:33:01 > 0:33:02Yes, it would.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06But I have to go with our typical auctioneer's estimate
0:33:06 > 0:33:08of £80 to £100.
0:33:08 > 0:33:09- Really?- On this one.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12Regarding reserve, I think we have a reserve with discretion.
0:33:12 > 0:33:15So we are not going to give it away. It is a lovely thing.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17- Will you come to the auction? - Yes, please.
0:33:17 > 0:33:19- Look forward to seeing you there. - Thank you.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21What an unusual piece.
0:33:21 > 0:33:25And that could well pique someone's interest in the Orient.
0:33:25 > 0:33:28We have one more item to find before we go off to auction.
0:33:28 > 0:33:30I wonder who that is going to be. But I tell you what...
0:33:30 > 0:33:32Feeling peckish anyone?
0:33:32 > 0:33:34DOG BARKS
0:33:35 > 0:33:39David has also found something we don't see every day on the show.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45I can't think of anything that contrasts more strongly with
0:33:45 > 0:33:49this magnificent vaulting in this medieval cathedral
0:33:49 > 0:33:53than the simplicity of this amazing mug by Eric Ravilious.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56- And this belongs to you, Terry. - Well, it belongs to the wife, yeah.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58The wife, OK.
0:33:58 > 0:33:59- Well...- It's not mine.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02We have seen in our job hundreds
0:34:02 > 0:34:07if not thousands of commemorative cups, saucers, mugs and so on.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10Each one of which relates to a particular coronation.
0:34:10 > 0:34:14- But very few of those are by Eric Ravilious...- Right.
0:34:14 > 0:34:16..as this one is.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18And very few relate to the coronation
0:34:18 > 0:34:22in 1937 of Edward VIII,
0:34:22 > 0:34:24which, of course, never took place.
0:34:24 > 0:34:25Sure, right, yeah.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29Edward VIII was the popular royal who enjoyed the high life
0:34:29 > 0:34:34and gave up the throne to marry divorcee Mrs Wallis Simpson.
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Since Victoria's reign, commemorative memorabilia
0:34:37 > 0:34:38had been all the rage.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41And Edward's succession to the throne,
0:34:41 > 0:34:44planned for 1937, was no exception.
0:34:45 > 0:34:48In the run up to the big day, coins, stamps,
0:34:48 > 0:34:50chinaware like this Ravilious mug
0:34:50 > 0:34:53were produced with images of the coronation.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56But Edward's abdication before he was crowned
0:34:56 > 0:34:59left behind a trail of collectibles.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01But just how sought-after is the mug?
0:35:03 > 0:35:06Now, I love the work of Eric Ravilious,
0:35:06 > 0:35:10who I think is one of the 20th century's greatest designers.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13He went to the Royal College of Art,
0:35:13 > 0:35:15where he met a chap called Edward Bawden.
0:35:15 > 0:35:21And the two of them forsook art and studied design.
0:35:21 > 0:35:26And it shows, if you look at this particular object, I think.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29The simplicity of line, the spareness of the decoration
0:35:29 > 0:35:33and so on are all absolutely characteristic of Ravilious,
0:35:33 > 0:35:39who was working, really, I suppose, in a sort of post-Art Deco period.
0:35:39 > 0:35:40And you can see,
0:35:40 > 0:35:45he was influenced by the Art Deco style in its very simplicity,
0:35:45 > 0:35:47in the simple nature of the lines.
0:35:47 > 0:35:52He has taken us one step beyond the Art Deco, I think.
0:35:52 > 0:35:53So I love this very much.
0:35:53 > 0:35:57To tell you the truth, I've always wanted to own one of these,
0:35:57 > 0:35:59but I couldn't afford to buy one.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01I am now going to tell you what I think it is worth.
0:36:01 > 0:36:02But before I do that,
0:36:02 > 0:36:05I'm going to say, will you and your wife miss it?
0:36:05 > 0:36:10- Not really, no. That's the thing, we never really loved it, so...- OK.
0:36:10 > 0:36:13- It is just in the cabinet, and that is where it stays.- OK.
0:36:13 > 0:36:16One thing of course I should have said is that Eric Ravilious
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- designed this for the Wedgwood factory.- Yeah.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22And the Wedgwood factory is a division-one factory.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24By any standards.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26- So that just adds to its appeal. - Yeah.
0:36:26 > 0:36:28Now, I think this will generate interest
0:36:28 > 0:36:30throughout the world, really.
0:36:30 > 0:36:35- And I am optimistic this will make £500.- Oh, really? Wow.
0:36:35 > 0:36:37What I'd like to do, if I may,
0:36:37 > 0:36:40is suggest an estimate of 300 to 500,
0:36:40 > 0:36:42place a reserve of £300 on it.
0:36:42 > 0:36:47- Yeah, that's fine.- And I think we can watch it fly away.- Good.
0:36:47 > 0:36:48I agree with David.
0:36:48 > 0:36:51The magic combination of the Ravilious name
0:36:51 > 0:36:55with the Wedgwood factory should ensure this beautiful piece flies
0:36:55 > 0:36:56when it goes to auction.
0:37:02 > 0:37:05Well, it is finally time to say goodbye to our magnificent
0:37:05 > 0:37:07host location - Norwich Cathedral.
0:37:07 > 0:37:09We have had a fabulous day here today
0:37:09 > 0:37:12and I know our owners have thoroughly enjoyed it.
0:37:12 > 0:37:13Now, before we go,
0:37:13 > 0:37:18I want to show you this because it is believed to be the only surviving
0:37:18 > 0:37:23medieval altarpiece in Britain that depicts the Passion of Christ.
0:37:23 > 0:37:27It was only rediscovered 150 years ago.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33Many works of art were deliberately destroyed during the
0:37:33 > 0:37:37English Civil War, so it is all the more amazing that this survived.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43The story goes - some thrifty person used this as a table top.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45The other side is a flat panel.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48All of this imagery was underneath.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52And somebody dropped a coin 200 years later, and they bent down to
0:37:52 > 0:37:56pick it up, and they saw all of this gilt glistening.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00And that is how they discovered it. What a stroke of luck.
0:38:01 > 0:38:03Time to head back to the saleroom now.
0:38:03 > 0:38:06And here's a quick recap of what we are taking with us.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08There are Jeff's old history books.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11But will their condition affect the price?
0:38:11 > 0:38:15There is Jennifer's enamelled Japanese belt that conjures up
0:38:15 > 0:38:18the mystery of the Orient at the turn of the 20th century.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22And a Wedgwood Ravilious mug designed to commemorate
0:38:22 > 0:38:25Edward VIII's coronation but withdrawn from sale
0:38:25 > 0:38:27when the big day was cancelled.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32So it is back to the saleroom, where auctioneer
0:38:32 > 0:38:34Ed has taken to the rostrum.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38First, it is the two old reference books dating to the 18th
0:38:38 > 0:38:43and 19th centuries that list miscellaneous and fascinating facts.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46- Jeff, fingers crossed, good luck. - Right, hopefully.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49Our only books in the sale today. This is quite an odd one.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51We've got two leather-bound books.
0:38:51 > 0:38:53One is the Royal Calendar and one, the history of Norfolk.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56And it is not a lot of money, what, £40 to £60? It's nothing.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59Condition lets it down, but look beyond that
0:38:59 > 0:39:01and I think you've got a good investment here.
0:39:01 > 0:39:03Let's put it to the test. Here we go.
0:39:03 > 0:39:08I do have conflicting bids, so I have to start in at £38.
0:39:08 > 0:39:13- 38 I have. 40.- Yes, someone in the room, look. And that lady is keen.
0:39:13 > 0:39:17- 42. 45.- How can you tell?- Look, she is not putting her hand down.
0:39:17 > 0:39:21- OK.- 50 with the lady. Is there a five? Is £50 now.- Determination.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23Is there five? We will be selling at £50.
0:39:23 > 0:39:26- Are we all done?- Check the back, late legs.- New bidder.
0:39:26 > 0:39:28Are you 60? One more, 60.
0:39:28 > 0:39:30- 60.- He's out, she's in.
0:39:30 > 0:39:3260 back with the lady. 60 it is. Is there five?
0:39:32 > 0:39:34We will sell it away at £60.
0:39:35 > 0:39:40- £60. Sold.- Right.- Well done. Great man.- Paul, after all these years,
0:39:40 > 0:39:42- you are still bullish, aren't you? - Oh, yeah.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44I am.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48And I am also feeling bullish about Jennifer's Japanese enamelled belt.
0:39:48 > 0:39:50Too tiny for most people to wear today, it is
0:39:50 > 0:39:53a beautiful interpretation of exotic blooms.
0:39:55 > 0:39:56Now, that was great-grandparents'.
0:39:56 > 0:39:59- Yes, it was.- So it is a proper family heirloom.- It is.
0:39:59 > 0:40:04Right now, we need a buyer of quality. A discerning person.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08- That hopefully doesn't want to wear it but is going to cherish it.- Yes.
0:40:08 > 0:40:11Here we go. It is going under the hammer right now.
0:40:11 > 0:40:14Start me in on this. Start me at £100. 80 to go then.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17£80, someone to start me surely on this. On 50 then. 50 bid.
0:40:17 > 0:40:2150 bid. Is there five? Five I've got. 55 the bid. Is there 60?
0:40:21 > 0:40:23It's £55 bid.
0:40:23 > 0:40:24Any more anywhere? The belt you see.
0:40:24 > 0:40:2655. 60.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28Five. 70.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30- Five. 80 bid.- How about that!?
0:40:30 > 0:40:3380 is the bid in front now and I am all out. £80 and commission is out.
0:40:33 > 0:40:3780 in front. Any advance anywhere? It will sell. It is at £80...
0:40:37 > 0:40:41Do you know what, I was just sinking down there.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43I was thinking, "It is not going to sell."
0:40:43 > 0:40:46Then all of a sudden, late legs, late bid came in,
0:40:46 > 0:40:49- then a counter bid, then... Wow, £80.- Lovely.
0:40:49 > 0:40:54It would have been surprising if something so beautiful hadn't sold.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58And finally, the one I have been waiting for -
0:40:58 > 0:41:00that rare Wedgwood Ravilious mug
0:41:00 > 0:41:03designed for Edward VIII's coronation that never was.
0:41:03 > 0:41:06And I tell you what, everybody is after it right now.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08- And there is not a lot on the market, is there?- No.
0:41:08 > 0:41:11Well, I think I said this at Norwich,
0:41:11 > 0:41:15but I love Ravilious and there are some nice, interesting,
0:41:15 > 0:41:18all sorts of varied things in this sale today,
0:41:18 > 0:41:21but of all the things in the sale, this is what I like best.
0:41:21 > 0:41:22- Really?- And me. It's great.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25Well, we're going to find out what it is worth. Three to five,
0:41:25 > 0:41:27that is about right on this, isn't it?
0:41:27 > 0:41:31Let's hope it gets the top end plus, because he is so sought-after.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33This is the name everybody wants.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35It is going under the hammer now.
0:41:35 > 0:41:39The Eric Ravilious Wedgewood firework display.
0:41:39 > 0:41:41Commemorative coronation mug.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43Good interest here.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46We're going to start in at £240. I'll take 260.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48£240 is bid. 260.
0:41:48 > 0:41:53- 280. 300.- There is a phone line. - 320. 340. 360.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56- 380. 400. - It hasn't come in yet.- 440.
0:41:56 > 0:41:58460, and I am gone. At 460 the bid.
0:41:58 > 0:42:00- 460 the bid. It is there 80 anywhere?- Yes, now he is in.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02- 480.- Really?- Yeah.- 500.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05520.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08520 the bid. 520 the bid. Now, is there any advance anywhere?
0:42:08 > 0:42:10I'll take... 550.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13Phone is out.
0:42:13 > 0:42:15Come on, phone. Come on, phone.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18550 is online. 600 is bid.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22600 on the telephone. I need 650 online now. £600 bid.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24Is there 650 anywhere?
0:42:24 > 0:42:26Internet has gone quiet. We're at £600 then.
0:42:26 > 0:42:30It is on the phone. Any advance? Fair warning at £600.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34- Right on, David.- Wow!- £600. Cracking result!- Isn't it just?
0:42:34 > 0:42:36Yes, did you expect something like that?
0:42:36 > 0:42:37Not really.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41- No, 300 or 400. But 600 is marvellous.- Amazing.
0:42:41 > 0:42:42Enjoy it, won't you? Enjoy it.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45And thank you for giving us such enjoyment with Eric Ravilious
0:42:45 > 0:42:48because he is one of the greatest names.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50- One day, Paul, I want to own one of those.- Do you?
0:42:50 > 0:42:52I am going to start saving now.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57I am, too. And what a great end to the show.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02Well, that's it, it's all over for our owners.
0:43:02 > 0:43:05Another day in another saleroom here in Diss.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07I hope you have enjoyed the show.
0:43:07 > 0:43:09But please do join us again for many more.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12And if you have got anything you want to sell, we want to flog it
0:43:12 > 0:43:14for you. See you next time.