0:00:06 > 0:00:08To my eyes, this beautiful,
0:00:08 > 0:00:11magnificent, 17th-century house is a work of art.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15It's an absolute gem and it's built in the Palladian style,
0:00:15 > 0:00:19after the Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, who tried to
0:00:19 > 0:00:23recreate the style, the proportions and the symmetry of ancient Rome.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26Friends and countrymen, we come to you not from Rome today
0:00:26 > 0:00:29but from Ragley Hall in Warwickshire.
0:00:29 > 0:00:30Welcome to Flog It!
0:00:53 > 0:00:56Ragley Hall is a fine house, saved from destruction
0:00:56 > 0:01:00in the 20th century by Hugh, Eighth Marquess of Hertford,
0:01:00 > 0:01:03the father of the current marquess.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08The burden of inheritance tax nearly spelt the end for this
0:01:08 > 0:01:11magnificent house. However, in 1958,
0:01:11 > 0:01:15the marquess took the step of opening his home to the public
0:01:15 > 0:01:19and introduced all sorts of inventive income-generating
0:01:19 > 0:01:23attractions to bring in visitors - like waterskiing on the lake.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29That's what I call showmanship.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32The marquess really knew how to make a splash.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35What a fantastic crowd we have here today,
0:01:35 > 0:01:37all waiting expectantly for the doors to open, hoping
0:01:37 > 0:01:41they're going to be one of the lucky ones to go to auction later on.
0:01:41 > 0:01:43Thankfully, no waterskiing needed here today.
0:01:43 > 0:01:46Hundreds of people have turned up from all over Warwickshire
0:01:46 > 0:01:49and beyond laden with antiques and collectables.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52And the great thing about this show is they don't know
0:01:52 > 0:01:55what's in those bags and boxes, it's up for our experts to tell them.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58And there is only one question on their lips, which is...
0:01:58 > 0:02:00ALL: What's it worth?
0:02:00 > 0:02:02Stay tuned and you will find out.
0:02:03 > 0:02:07And who better to provide that information than our two
0:02:07 > 0:02:09erudite experts?
0:02:09 > 0:02:11Christina Trevanion...
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Oh, hello, look at that! That's beautiful!
0:02:14 > 0:02:16And Will Axon...
0:02:16 > 0:02:19I think you've got to trust the man holding the razor, haven't you?
0:02:19 > 0:02:22It's a bit nippy out here. And there is no reason to hang about.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26So it's time to get these good folks settled inside.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30While they all find their way through the house to the Great Hall,
0:02:30 > 0:02:33let's take a quick look at what's coming up on today's show.
0:02:34 > 0:02:39As ever, Christina is on the lookout for a star item.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41Where is the Faberge egg to go in it?
0:02:41 > 0:02:43- Well, that would be good. - That would be lovely. Yes.
0:02:44 > 0:02:49Will has a celestial find which has down to earth origins.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52Where did you buy it? A specialist dealer or a bookstore?
0:02:52 > 0:02:54One of those things you hear time and time again
0:02:54 > 0:02:56but you don't believe it - it was in a boot sale.
0:02:56 > 0:02:57- No! I don't believe it.- Yes.
0:02:59 > 0:03:01And I find a labour of love
0:03:01 > 0:03:05which has created a corner of heaven at Ragley Hall.
0:03:05 > 0:03:06Do you know, I'm lost for words.
0:03:11 > 0:03:15The Great Hall here at Ragley is a feast of baroque plasterwork.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19Just look at it, it's quite awesome. This technique is known as stucco.
0:03:19 > 0:03:23And it's a plaster mixture of lime, gypsum and marble dust,
0:03:23 > 0:03:24all mixed up together.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27And it's perfect for fine, detailed work.
0:03:27 > 0:03:30The ancient Romans developed it to decorate their ceilings.
0:03:30 > 0:03:34And it has been widely used in grand country houses like this ever since.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38And it does provide the perfect backdrop for our valuations today.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41And who knows, we might find something as old as this
0:03:41 > 0:03:44Venetian torchere, which dates back to 1756.
0:03:44 > 0:03:47If it's out there, our experts will find it.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Christina has already spotted some superb silver.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55Philip and Susan, thank you so much for bringing this in.
0:03:55 > 0:03:58It's a really rather beautiful little cup, isn't it?
0:03:58 > 0:04:00- Yes.- Where did it come from?
0:04:00 > 0:04:04I bought it in Chipping Camden from a church fete 44 years ago.
0:04:04 > 0:04:05Half a crown.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07- No!- In old money.
0:04:07 > 0:04:09Did you think twice about buying it?
0:04:09 > 0:04:12No, I just liked it. I thought it was lovely.
0:04:12 > 0:04:14Susan, did Philip buy this before you got married?
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- He did. - And he was allowed to keep it?
0:04:16 > 0:04:19He certainly was because I thought it was a beautiful piece.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21I love the colours of it.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23They really are, aren't they, they are beautiful.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27And it's like a little stained-glass window in itself.
0:04:27 > 0:04:28It's just fabulous.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30And the work is what we call cloisonne work,
0:04:30 > 0:04:31as you probably know,
0:04:31 > 0:04:35where you put this wonderful sort of molten material into this wire
0:04:35 > 0:04:39work detail. It's incredibly intricate. It really is stunning.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43I would suggest this was probably originally used as an egg cup.
0:04:43 > 0:04:44Very big eggs.
0:04:44 > 0:04:48Very big eggs. Or potentially as a salt.
0:04:48 > 0:04:50The reason I say salt is we've got this gilded interior,
0:04:50 > 0:04:53so it obviously wouldn't have corroded it.
0:04:53 > 0:04:55It is a piece of Russian silver.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58I'd expect to see a really good set of marks on the bottom cos
0:04:58 > 0:05:00the Russians were very good - like the British when you
0:05:00 > 0:05:03think of the British hallmark - were very good at marking their wares.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05Let's have a little look and see what we can see.
0:05:05 > 0:05:07OK, great.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09We've got the George and the Dragon town mark there from Moscow.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12So we know it was certainly marked in Moscow.
0:05:12 > 0:05:14We've got the 91 zolotnik mark there,
0:05:14 > 0:05:18which is a mark for silver fineness. So we know it's of fine silver.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22We've also got a great date there for 1874, which is fantastic.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25And that will be contemporary obviously with the piece.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27It was certainly registered in 1874.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30And then we've got the maker's mark there, which is
0:05:30 > 0:05:33a chap called Viktor Vasilyevich Savinsky.
0:05:33 > 0:05:37And I didn't know that off the top of my head. Sadly.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39- Very well said.- But great marks.
0:05:39 > 0:05:40And it really certainly helps to
0:05:40 > 0:05:43have those in able to attribute the piece.
0:05:43 > 0:05:48The thing that really slightly bugs me about this is the damage on it.
0:05:48 > 0:05:49Yes, I realise that.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53I think it has certainly seen a few good parties, hasn't it?
0:05:53 > 0:05:55Collectors of cloissone
0:05:55 > 0:06:00and small Russian works really want to see things in perfect condition.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03It's a slightly limited market because it is an egg cup.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06Or because it's a salt. But nonetheless, at auction, I
0:06:06 > 0:06:10would hope it would fetch somewhere in the region of maybe £80 to £120.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12How would you feel about that?
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- That's your famous answer, isn't it, £80 to £100?- 80 to 120.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17THEY LAUGH
0:06:17 > 0:06:20Yes, I think... It's a good auctioneer's estimate.
0:06:20 > 0:06:22- I'd be happy with that.- 80 to 120.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24Would you like to put a reserve on it?
0:06:24 > 0:06:26I'll go by your advice.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31OK, I would suggest a reserve of £80 with discretion should we need it.
0:06:31 > 0:06:35The only thing I have left to ask you was...
0:06:35 > 0:06:37Where is the Faberge egg to go in it?
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- Well, that would be good. - That would be lovely. Yes.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- If only we knew.- If only we knew.
0:06:43 > 0:06:45Now that's wishful thinking.
0:06:45 > 0:06:49Will also has a very good find. Two rare watercolours.
0:06:51 > 0:06:53Derek, tell me, are you a collector of Royal Worcester?
0:06:53 > 0:06:55Absolutely not. I know very little about it.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58Really? So how come you've got these in your possession?
0:06:58 > 0:07:00When my mother died about ten years ago,
0:07:00 > 0:07:03we were clearing the house, and they just turned up in a drawer.
0:07:03 > 0:07:05- I didn't even know she possessed them.- Really?
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- It's amazing what you find in houses when you clear them.- No idea.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Did you like them when you saw them or did you think,
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- "What's this old tat?" - No, I love them.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14But again, cliche I suppose, what do I do with them?
0:07:14 > 0:07:15Yeah, there is that element.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18I mean, in my mind, they are crying out to maybe be framed
0:07:18 > 0:07:20- and hung on the wall.- Actually, I absolutely agree with you,
0:07:20 > 0:07:23but they are a bit small for my taste.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26- And if I put them on a wall... - Yes, they are a bit small.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28I mean, the Stintons...
0:07:28 > 0:07:31I don't know if you've done any research on these,
0:07:31 > 0:07:35but the Stintons were a family who were all employed by Royal Worcester
0:07:35 > 0:07:37to paint on their porcelain.
0:07:37 > 0:07:41So on the vases, saucers, plates, that sort of thing.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43Whole tea sets decorated by them.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45They are the pieces that command a premium.
0:07:45 > 0:07:48- But at the end of the day, the Stintons were artists.- Absolutely.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50They had to practise.
0:07:50 > 0:07:52They probably painted for their own interest as well,
0:07:52 > 0:07:54just to develop their own skills.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56They know their subject well, shall we say.
0:07:56 > 0:07:58And that's why, you know, you can
0:07:58 > 0:08:02- believe that those two ducks are taking flight.- Absolutely.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05And you can believe the way that pheasant is just protecting
0:08:05 > 0:08:08the female pheasant there who is just sheltering slightly.
0:08:08 > 0:08:12He's got it dead right. We are not far from Royal Worcester.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14- Just up the road. - 20 odd miles.- Exactly.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17So I was hoping that we would get a piece of Royal Worcester.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21- But I wasn't expecting to get watercolours on card.- Close.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23When would you say they were painted?
0:08:23 > 0:08:25He hasn't dated them, but I would have thought
0:08:25 > 0:08:29they are going to be from 1890, maybe up to sort of 1920, 1930.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32They've probably spent 100 years together, why separate them?
0:08:32 > 0:08:34Exactly right. You are quite right.
0:08:34 > 0:08:38I think they are probably worth between £50 and £100 each.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41So add those together. I was no good at maths.
0:08:41 > 0:08:44- But £100 to £200 would be a sensible estimate.- Sounds reasonable.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47You know, at the end of the day, you want them to sell.
0:08:47 > 0:08:49So let's put them in that estimate.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53Reserve wise, you know, I'd say tuck it in just
0:08:53 > 0:08:56- under the bottom estimate. Say £80.- That's fair.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59I'm pretty sure that, excuse the pun,
0:08:59 > 0:09:02these are going to fly at the auction.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06I love them! They are two little masterpieces.
0:09:06 > 0:09:10Talking of masterpieces, I'm taking you off to the
0:09:10 > 0:09:12green drawing room to see something special,
0:09:12 > 0:09:17brought in today by Evie, which she has no intention of selling.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20Evie, I absolutely love this! Thank you for bringing it in today.
0:09:20 > 0:09:24I tell you what, we've picked the right room to get this.
0:09:24 > 0:09:27- Beautiful.- It's a Walter Langley. The Newlyn School. Now look.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30Do you think the owner of the house should own something like this?
0:09:30 > 0:09:33It fits this room perfectly, doesn't it?
0:09:33 > 0:09:35- It's beautiful, isn't it? - Can you see that?
0:09:35 > 0:09:38- Lovely.- Isn't that lovely! It actually gives me
0:09:38 > 0:09:41a good opportunity to quickly look at the back.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- It's never been reframed.- No. - It's got its original label.
0:09:45 > 0:09:49In Pensive Mood by Walter Langley.
0:09:49 > 0:09:51He is my favourite watercolour artist.
0:09:51 > 0:09:56It's an inherited piece from my mother-in-law.
0:09:56 > 0:10:01And she inherited it from her uncle.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05- An uncle did some work for Walter Langley.- Really?!
0:10:05 > 0:10:08And the painting was payment for the work.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- Gosh! They were obviously in Cornwall, were they?- Yes.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14Yes, it was some photography work. But I don't know what it was.
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- What lovely provenance!- Yes. - Is there anything in writing?
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- No. No.- It's a nice story, though.- Nice, yes.
0:10:21 > 0:10:26If you put this into auction today, I think an auctioneer would be
0:10:26 > 0:10:29quite crafty and catalogue this as 8,000 to 12,000.
0:10:29 > 0:10:33- He knows he could sell it at 8,000. - Yeah.- At the lower end.
0:10:33 > 0:10:34But you might be lucky.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39It would look great on anybody's wall, wouldn't she?
0:10:39 > 0:10:41Evie, I think it's lovely.
0:10:41 > 0:10:43I wouldn't sell that if it was mine.
0:10:43 > 0:10:44Over to Christina now,
0:10:44 > 0:10:47who is talking to someone who does want to sell.
0:10:47 > 0:10:49Helen, this looks quite exciting.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52Where on earth did you get this little delight from?
0:10:52 > 0:10:54I actually got it from an uncle of mine
0:10:54 > 0:10:58who died about five or six years ago.
0:10:58 > 0:11:01- Right. So you've kept it since then?- Yes.
0:11:01 > 0:11:02And do you like it?
0:11:02 > 0:11:08I do like it. I've never used it. And I don't think that my uncle used it.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11That would explain why it's in quite such good condition.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13So often you find these that have been used
0:11:13 > 0:11:17and you've got chips around the rim here or around the base.
0:11:17 > 0:11:19Or the bee has come off.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- Yeah.- So it's in great condition.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24Obviously these things were made for a purpose.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28And that purpose was that it was a honeypot or a preserve pot.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30Most appropriately honey because
0:11:30 > 0:11:33it's in the shape of this wonderful beehive.
0:11:33 > 0:11:36And just to check, I am absolutely sure you are absolutely right,
0:11:36 > 0:11:37but let me just check.
0:11:37 > 0:11:40There we go. There she is. Splendid. There is her name.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43That wonderful Clarice Cliff mark on the base there.
0:11:43 > 0:11:47And it's in that typical Clarice Cliff colour palette,
0:11:47 > 0:11:51with these wonderful crocuses - orange, purple and blue.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53They just shout Clarice Cliff, don't they?
0:11:53 > 0:11:55She was so famous for that crocus pattern.
0:11:55 > 0:11:57She was a fantastic woman, really.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01She started out as an apprentice to the Wilkinson Pottery in 1924.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05And it quickly became quite apparent that she was an incredibly
0:12:05 > 0:12:07talented potter and painter.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10And in 1927, she moved to the Newport Pottery, which is
0:12:10 > 0:12:14this one here, "Newport Pottery Company, England."
0:12:14 > 0:12:15And she was given her own workshop.
0:12:15 > 0:12:18The fact that we've got this wonderful hand-painted section
0:12:18 > 0:12:21here, which is still in good condition.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- So it is hand-painted? - Yeah, absolutely.- Wow.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- We've also got hand-painting to the bee as well.- Yeah.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28What do you think it's worth?
0:12:28 > 0:12:31I haven't got the faintest idea. I really don't know.
0:12:31 > 0:12:36At auction, I would say probably in the region of £80 to £120.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Something like that. How would you feel about that?
0:12:39 > 0:12:41Oh... SHE LAUGHS
0:12:41 > 0:12:42- Surprised.- Really?
0:12:42 > 0:12:45- Really, yes. - In a good way or a bad way?
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- In a good way.- Good! Phew! You terrified me.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52THEY LAUGH No, definitely. Wow.
0:12:52 > 0:12:56I would suggest 80 to 120 with a reserve of 60 or £70.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58How would you feel about that?
0:12:58 > 0:13:01- Quite happy.- Reserve at 60 or 70?
0:13:01 > 0:13:05- I'll go for 70 then.- Go for 70. If we say 70 firm.- Yes.
0:13:05 > 0:13:09- With an estimate of £80 to £120. - Yes.- Are you happy with that?- I am.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- Great, splendid.- Very happy.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13It's a lovely thing. Thank you so much for bringing it in.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17It might turn out to be a different sort of honey pot.
0:13:17 > 0:13:18You never know. You never know.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20THEY LAUGH
0:13:20 > 0:13:25I hope so. Clarice Cliff usually sells well.
0:13:25 > 0:13:28Right now we are going off to auction for the first time.
0:13:28 > 0:13:31You've just seen what our experts have found.
0:13:31 > 0:13:33You've probably got your favourites. I've got mine.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36But right now it is literally down to the bidders.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38We are in the hands of the auctioneer.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41Let's get over to Bigwood's and get the sale underway.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44Here is a quick recap of what's going under the hammer.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49The Russian silver cup is a beauty so it should shine at auction.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56If I collected Royal Worcester, I know I'd want these beautiful
0:13:56 > 0:13:59watercolours by one of our top artists.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04And this little Clarice Cliff honeypot is charming
0:14:04 > 0:14:08and should appeal to the collectors and the non-collectors alike.
0:14:11 > 0:14:14If you head ten miles or so east from Ragley,
0:14:14 > 0:14:17you will come to Shakespeare's birthplace -
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Stratford-upon-Avon.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23Just on the outskirts, in an old Victorian schoolhouse,
0:14:23 > 0:14:25is Bigwood Fine Art Auctioneers.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31Inside the busy auction house, excitement is mounting.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35Taking the sales today, we have two auctioneers on the rostrum -
0:14:35 > 0:14:38Christopher Ironmonger and Stephen Kaye.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45And we have something very familiar to kick us off.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- Well done, Helen.- Thank you.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50Without you, we wouldn't have our cliche today.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- THEY LAUGH - You know what I'm talking about.
0:14:53 > 0:14:57Just to jog your memory, it's that honeypot. Yes, it's Clarice Cliff.
0:14:57 > 0:15:00- You've got to have a bit of Clarice Cliff.- You have, haven't you?
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- You have, yes, you have.- Definitely. - OK, so why are you selling?
0:15:03 > 0:15:06I like it, I like the little honeypot, but I've never used it.
0:15:06 > 0:15:08It's sitting in a cupboard, so I thought, "Well,
0:15:08 > 0:15:11"I'm quite happy to sell it."
0:15:11 > 0:15:13Cute little thing. And I know it will find a buyer.
0:15:13 > 0:15:16- And it's so... It just screams Clarice Cliff.- Yes.- The crocuses.
0:15:16 > 0:15:19It's just so archetypal of what people want from her.
0:15:19 > 0:15:23It doesn't do anything for me, but I know it does for this lot out there.
0:15:23 > 0:15:24We are going to put it to the test.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31Clarice Cliff now. 1930s crocus patterned honeypot.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33£80 bid. Down here at 80.
0:15:33 > 0:15:3690 now. At £80 for the honeypot. At 80.
0:15:36 > 0:15:3790 do I hear?
0:15:37 > 0:15:40At 80 at the front of the room.
0:15:40 > 0:15:4290 on the net. 100?
0:15:42 > 0:15:4590 on the net. At 90. Is it 100 now?
0:15:45 > 0:15:48At 90 on the net. It's going to sell at 90. Is it 100 now?
0:15:48 > 0:15:51At £90. It's going to be sold if you are done and finished.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53BANGS GAVEL
0:15:53 > 0:15:55- SINGSONG:- Clarice never lets us down.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- No.- She doesn't, does she?- No.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- God bless her.- Lovely. - Fantastic, well done.- There you go.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03- I am pleased.- Well done, you.
0:16:03 > 0:16:06Clarice Cliff is just one of those names that always sells.
0:16:08 > 0:16:10And now for another reliable name.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13- Derek, fingers crossed and good luck.- Absolutely.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Everybody loves Stinton's work. Especially on Royal Worcester.
0:16:16 > 0:16:20But here you get a chance to buy on card as works of fine art.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- I think these will do quite well. - Let's hope so.
0:16:23 > 0:16:25Very affordable. Why are you selling them?
0:16:25 > 0:16:27I've no interest, really.
0:16:27 > 0:16:30I still appreciate the work, but they've just been lying in a drawer.
0:16:30 > 0:16:32Right, let's find out what the bidders think, shall we?
0:16:32 > 0:16:34We are going under the hammer right now.
0:16:35 > 0:16:40James Stinton - Cock And Hen Pheasant In A Landscape Habitat.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42And the companion, Mallard Taking Flight.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45They are little watercolours. They are signed. On card there.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48I've got an opening bid of 80 on the book. At £80.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50- I bet we'll get there. - Do I hear 90 now?
0:16:50 > 0:16:53At £80. I thought these would cause a bit more interest.
0:16:53 > 0:16:54At 90 on the net.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56At 100 on the book.
0:16:56 > 0:16:58I've got 100 commission.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01120 on the net? At 110 on the net.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03110 on the net. At 110.
0:17:03 > 0:17:04110 on the net.
0:17:04 > 0:17:06I'm out and the net is in.
0:17:06 > 0:17:07120 is in.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11At £110. They are going to go at 110. Are we done?
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Hammer has gone down at 110. Good auctioneering.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16It's not dear, is it, if you wanted to own a bit of artwork...
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- That is it.- ..by one of the best-known artists in the world?
0:17:19 > 0:17:21No, and I'm sure that if you are a collector
0:17:21 > 0:17:23of Royal Worcester, you'd want to honour those.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27It's another aside to the porcelain. It all makes sense.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- It's just bulks out a collection, doesn't it?- Exactly.
0:17:29 > 0:17:32That was a lucky find for someone.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35And now we have something rather eggs-quisite.
0:17:36 > 0:17:38Philip and Susan, good luck.
0:17:38 > 0:17:40I know it's not a lot of money, but it's a nice little item.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43We are talking about the little Russian silver egg cup.
0:17:43 > 0:17:44If you like to go to work on an egg,
0:17:44 > 0:17:46you need something like this, don't you?
0:17:46 > 0:17:49- Definitely.- Do you think it will be acquired by a Russian?
0:17:49 > 0:17:51I don't know. I don't know. I tell you what,
0:17:51 > 0:17:55if it's that one missing one from a set, which it
0:17:55 > 0:17:58does come from a set, you might find a little bit of interest.
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- Let's hope so.- This is what auctions are all about, isn't it?
0:18:02 > 0:18:04I'm slightly worried now I'm thinking it out.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06Thanks for that, Paul.
0:18:06 > 0:18:09The yolk will be on me. Ready? It's going under the hammer.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15The Russian egg cup with the blue enamel.
0:18:15 > 0:18:17I've got some bids here on the book.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19- I can start at £85.- Straight in.
0:18:19 > 0:18:20Straight in. Fantastic.
0:18:21 > 0:18:2590. Five. 100. And ten. 120. 130.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27Oooh!
0:18:27 > 0:18:28150. 160.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31I'm going 165. Make it 170.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33I'm out. Anybody else?
0:18:33 > 0:18:35All done at £170?
0:18:35 > 0:18:37£170. Yes!
0:18:37 > 0:18:41- I tell you what, no messing around there.- That's fantastic! Well done.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44- Thank you.- Well over the top. - Are you happy?- Yes, I am.
0:18:44 > 0:18:47Perhaps someone has the rest of the set after all.
0:18:50 > 0:18:54That concludes our first visit to the saleroom today. So far so good.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56Three happy owners.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59We are coming back here later in the show, so don't go away.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02Can you remember earlier on I was telling you about Hugh,
0:19:02 > 0:19:06the waterskiing Eighth Marquess of Hertford, who saved Ragley Hall?
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Earlier in the week, while we were filming in the area,
0:19:09 > 0:19:13I had a chance to look at another of his ideas to bring in the crowds.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15This one is quite spectacular.
0:19:21 > 0:19:24As a boy, Hugh inherited Ragley from his uncle
0:19:24 > 0:19:27after a long period of neglect.
0:19:27 > 0:19:30Because of his age, it was held in trust for him.
0:19:30 > 0:19:32But the hall was in a sorry state
0:19:32 > 0:19:35and Hugh didn't have the money to put things right.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38Some might have seen it as a poisoned chalice.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41But he fell in love with the house.
0:19:41 > 0:19:45I've always regarded real life as being Ragley.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47School, Army, business,
0:19:47 > 0:19:51anything else was merely a tiresome interruption to real life.
0:19:51 > 0:19:52I always adored it.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57It was touch and go financially, but Hugh was outraged
0:19:57 > 0:20:01when the trustees proposed pulling it down.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03I really was horrified,
0:20:03 > 0:20:07so I did what I'd been told was the rudest thing you could possibly do.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11I sent all my trustees postcards in pencil.
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Saying I hoped the subject of the demolition of Ragley would
0:20:13 > 0:20:15never again be mentioned.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24Nowadays, it seems extraordinary to think this fine Palladian house
0:20:24 > 0:20:27could have been reduced to rubble.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29But it was thanks to Hugh's steely determination
0:20:29 > 0:20:33and his vision that disaster was averted.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36He obtained grants to help restore the roof
0:20:36 > 0:20:40and opened the house to the public to raise more money,
0:20:40 > 0:20:43trying all sorts of imaginative ways to attract the crowds,
0:20:43 > 0:20:47including the famous waterskiing display on the lake.
0:20:48 > 0:20:54MUSIC: Hit And Miss by The John Barry Seven Plus Four
0:20:57 > 0:21:00We got going and built a ski jump.
0:21:00 > 0:21:04I fell in the first 17 times I went over.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09And we put a flaming hoop over it, with straw, covered in tar,
0:21:09 > 0:21:13you know. Set fire to it and jumped through that.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15Thousands of people came.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24And it really was a huge success.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28Because at that time, 1960, nobody, or very few people, had ever seen
0:21:28 > 0:21:32waterskiing, unless they had been to the south of France or somewhere.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34It was a new thing.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37And Birmingham flocked in vast numbers
0:21:37 > 0:21:40and cheered every time I fell in, which was quite often.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42And I remember there was one day...
0:21:44 > 0:21:47..after a Whit Monday bank holiday,
0:21:47 > 0:21:51when we actually had 7,000 people watching the water skiing.
0:21:51 > 0:21:56I was driving down to the bank that evening with a little
0:21:56 > 0:22:00clerk from the estate office who came as my sort of escort.
0:22:00 > 0:22:01To be safe.
0:22:01 > 0:22:07And as I was driving, I was juggling these leather bags full of money.
0:22:07 > 0:22:12And I said, "Do you realise that we have taken enough money in one
0:22:12 > 0:22:16"day to buy a new motor car?"
0:22:16 > 0:22:18And, gloomy little man, he said,
0:22:18 > 0:22:21"Yes, or Your Lordship could reduce the overdraft."
0:22:21 > 0:22:24Of course I bought the car. I bought a wonderful Daimler dart.
0:22:25 > 0:22:27Despite that moment of extravagance,
0:22:27 > 0:22:30the marquess achieved his ambition of passing
0:22:30 > 0:22:36the house on to his son, who lives at Ragley today with his own family.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40The existence of this beautiful, this magnificent interior,
0:22:40 > 0:22:44which showcases some of the greatest craftsmanship from the 17th and 18th
0:22:44 > 0:22:48centuries, is largely down to his hard work and his resourcefulness.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51So it's hardly surprising really that he wanted to
0:22:51 > 0:22:55leave his mark on his ancestral home.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00And it was the flamboyant marquess's idea to add another
0:23:00 > 0:23:02money-spinning attraction.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06An enormous mural that covers the entire south staircase.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09Work started on it in 1969.
0:23:10 > 0:23:12Called The Temptation,
0:23:12 > 0:23:17it tells the gospel story of the devil offering Christ the world
0:23:17 > 0:23:21and all its riches if Christ would fall down and worship him.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25Alongside this biblical story, it shows contemporary
0:23:25 > 0:23:30images of Hugh's family, the pets and a menagerie of tropical animals.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34The artist who created this masterpiece is Graham Rust.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37It's a real privilege to meet you. You are a genius.
0:23:37 > 0:23:39- Thank you. No. Not at all. - An absolute genius.
0:23:39 > 0:23:41Do you know, I'm lost for words.
0:23:41 > 0:23:43That's the devil tempting Christ, isn't it,
0:23:43 > 0:23:45- with all the riches of the world? - Yes.
0:23:45 > 0:23:48The devil was saying, "Christ, all this could be yours."
0:23:48 > 0:23:52Which meant that we could more or less put anything that one wanted to.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- You got the green light, really. - Yes.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56THEY LAUGH
0:23:56 > 0:23:59Had you tackled anything on this scale before?
0:23:59 > 0:24:05No, not at all. I'd only really had a couple of mural commissions before.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- Minute in comparison. - Single walls compared to this.
0:24:08 > 0:24:11I mean, look, the ceilings are adorned here. The balconies.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14Everything. Did you have any help doing this?
0:24:14 > 0:24:18- No, I didn't. - This is all your hand.- Yes.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22What we established was that I would be here for one week per month
0:24:22 > 0:24:24- to work.- For how many years? - Which suited...
0:24:24 > 0:24:27Well, it was originally going to be five years
0:24:27 > 0:24:29and it turned out to be 14.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32So you became part of the family, really, didn't you, for a few years?
0:24:32 > 0:24:36Yes, indeed. It was like a second home to me.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38And a lovely home at that.
0:24:38 > 0:24:41Do you know, the dog looks real.
0:24:41 > 0:24:44When I walked to the foot of the staircase, I thought the dog
0:24:44 > 0:24:45was real.
0:24:45 > 0:24:50- The dog biscuits are sort of balance there to give the illusion.- To tease.
0:24:50 > 0:24:51To tease. It's exactly that.
0:24:51 > 0:24:57The greatest complement ever was when I was working on those portraits,
0:24:57 > 0:25:02we had a scaffold rail all the way along in front.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06And I stepped back at one point and lost my balance
0:25:06 > 0:25:09and I grabbed my own balustrade, which, of course, was painted.
0:25:09 > 0:25:11PAUL LAUGHS
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Nearly lost my grip. Fortunately, I didn't.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15- You are all right. You are all in one piece.- Still here.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18Can we have a tour upstairs? Because it's starting to hurt my neck.
0:25:18 > 0:25:20Let's get higher up.
0:25:20 > 0:25:23Well, you should try painting a ceiling if this hurts your neck.
0:25:28 > 0:25:31I've counted 31 portraits.
0:25:31 > 0:25:38Their four children, their godparents and very immediate family,
0:25:38 > 0:25:42like Lady Buchanan-Jardine.
0:25:42 > 0:25:49She refused to be included in this unless I painted a UFO.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51So we put it in.
0:25:51 > 0:25:56But it does rather attract a raised eyebrow here and there.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00What does this mural tell us about Hugh?
0:26:00 > 0:26:06He made an enormous contribution to the house, Ragley, and the estate.
0:26:06 > 0:26:11And I think, partly, that was because of the threat when he was
0:26:11 > 0:26:16a child of losing it that bound him even more tightly to the place.
0:26:16 > 0:26:21And this was his gift to us.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24I think he...
0:26:24 > 0:26:27I think he was pleased with it in the end.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31Well, Hugh certainly picked the right man for the job.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44Back in the Great Hall, the valuation day is still at full tilt.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48And Will has come across a real enthusiast.
0:26:48 > 0:26:49Ian, tell me,
0:26:49 > 0:26:53have you come at this book as a book man or a star man?
0:26:53 > 0:26:55- Star boy really.- Really?
0:26:55 > 0:26:59Sort your interest in the stars has been with you
0:26:59 > 0:27:02- since you were a small lad? - Yes, since secondary school, really.
0:27:02 > 0:27:06I had a maths teacher that looked very much like Einstein.
0:27:06 > 0:27:09- What a fine look for a maths teacher.- It was.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13And he was totally dedicated to astronomy.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16And he just captured me from a very early age.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18From then on, it's been my hobby.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21Yeah, so that's a passion that has stayed with you right up
0:27:21 > 0:27:24- until today? - Right up until today, tonight, yes.
0:27:24 > 0:27:26If the weather is fine, then I shall be out there.
0:27:26 > 0:27:27- Really?- That's right.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30It is one of those things that I've always been fascinated with
0:27:30 > 0:27:34because what you brought along today is this catalogue of Reynolds's
0:27:34 > 0:27:36Coloured Diagrams. Hand-coloured diagrams.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40Physical maps, scientific and historical charts and illustrations.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43And so on. I mean, I'm just going to have a
0:27:43 > 0:27:46look at one or two of these sheets because rather than them
0:27:46 > 0:27:49being a bound book, they are actually loose leaves, aren't they?
0:27:49 > 0:27:53- They are.- And we've got one here. The phases of the moon.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55This is a transparent diagram.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57So if I hold this up to the light, you can
0:27:57 > 0:28:03probably see crescent moon, first quarter. Full moon. Last quarter.
0:28:03 > 0:28:07And there, in all its glory is, of course, the sun.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10All beautifully presented and in good condition as well.
0:28:10 > 0:28:14Where did you buy it from? A specialist dealer or bookstore?
0:28:14 > 0:28:16One of those things you hear time and time again
0:28:16 > 0:28:19- and you don't believe it, it was a boot sale.- No! I don't believe it.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22Yes. One of the boots had a collection of astronomical books,
0:28:22 > 0:28:24mostly modern, that I picked up.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27And underneath it, this was there as well.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29Brilliant. How much was it at the boot?
0:28:29 > 0:28:32It came as a package. Five books for one pound.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36Five books for one pound? That is the deal of the century.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38I think you've done very well there.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42Your good luck to be a keen-eyed spotter
0:28:42 > 0:28:46and drawn in by the astronomical books in the first place.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50Chart of the heavens showing - interesting spelling of showing -
0:28:50 > 0:28:53"shewing the stars visible on any night throughout the year."
0:28:53 > 0:28:56- That's quite a bit of kit, isn't it? - It is. It's not too bad at all.
0:28:56 > 0:28:57There is the Great Bear there.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00Yes, the Ursa Major, I can stretch to seeing that.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03- And that helps you pinpoint the North Star as well.- That's right.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06And then you go star hopping, as we used to in the good old days.
0:29:06 > 0:29:08So once you've got the North Star,
0:29:08 > 0:29:10you know where everything else is in relation to it?
0:29:10 > 0:29:12You pick out the major constellations
0:29:12 > 0:29:14and then you can find your way round the sky that way.
0:29:14 > 0:29:17That's amazing. Yes, the spine is a little bit tatty.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20We've got some staining to the boards.
0:29:20 > 0:29:24I mean, would you be happy for it to go at £60 to £80 as an estimate?
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- Seems reasonable. - What about a reserve?
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- Is there a price under which you wouldn't sell it?- Um...
0:29:30 > 0:29:34- Perhaps the lower estimate, really. 60.- Shall we reserve it at £60?
0:29:34 > 0:29:36- That's great.- Yeah, because, at the end of the day,
0:29:36 > 0:29:38if it doesn't sell, you can take it home
0:29:38 > 0:29:40and you can boast to all your friends about how little it
0:29:40 > 0:29:43cost you and what a useful bit of kit it is.
0:29:43 > 0:29:46Certainly for someone who is gazing up at the stars.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50What a fascinating book. I could spend hours looking at that.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53Nearby, Christina has come across a charming collection.
0:29:55 > 0:29:58What a wonderful little menagerie you've brought to my table.
0:29:58 > 0:30:02I feel like I've got a zoo in front of me here. They are wonderful.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04How did you come by them?
0:30:04 > 0:30:07I had them from my mother and I think she had them from her parents.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09Do you know where they got them from?
0:30:09 > 0:30:13- No, I'm afraid I don't. - Family legend hasn't travelled down?
0:30:13 > 0:30:15- Family legend, that's right. - What a shame.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17They are, especially this one over here,
0:30:17 > 0:30:19just the most exquisite quality.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21And I really, really hope when I turn them
0:30:21 > 0:30:24upside down I'll see that magic little mark that I'm hoping to see.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27Which is by a chap called Franz Bergmann, cos
0:30:27 > 0:30:31he really was the master creator of what we call cold-painted bronzes.
0:30:31 > 0:30:33Let's have a little look, see what we can see.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36Oh, brilliant. There it is. Fantastic.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38They got the typical Bergmann mark -
0:30:38 > 0:30:41this wonderful shield-shaped cartouche on the bottom here.
0:30:41 > 0:30:43And that just doesn't surprise me at all.
0:30:43 > 0:30:47The quality that has gone on in this piece here is just stunning.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50You can see all the individual teeth.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53- And he's got some serious weight to him, hasn't he?- Yes.- Jolly heavy.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55Bergmann was working in Vienna.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58He was a second-generation foundry owner.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02And he specialised in not only animals but nudes as well.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04But mainly in these miniature animals.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07And he really is very, very collectable now
0:31:07 > 0:31:09because he was such good quality.
0:31:09 > 0:31:13We call them cold-painted because they basically weren't fired.
0:31:13 > 0:31:14They were painted with dust
0:31:14 > 0:31:18so that's why they are cold-painted rather than fired.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21- I see.- And the little Squirrel Nutkin over here.
0:31:21 > 0:31:23Have we got a mark on him?
0:31:23 > 0:31:25No, we haven't, sadly. No mark on him.
0:31:25 > 0:31:27So nobody has owned up to making him.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30But again, the detail in that is quite lovely. I wouldn't have been
0:31:30 > 0:31:33surprised to have seen a Bergmann mark on him.
0:31:33 > 0:31:36They all date to about the 1900 period.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Out of the three, which is your favourite?
0:31:39 > 0:31:42- Squirrel Nutkin.- Squirrel Nutkin. He is your favourite.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44He's lovely, isn't he? And a red squirrel as well,
0:31:44 > 0:31:47which we don't see much of in this country any more.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50At auction, I think we'd probably be looking at putting them as one lot.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52Putting the three in together as a lot
0:31:52 > 0:31:55rather than splitting them up separately.
0:31:55 > 0:31:59And I think your Bergmann piece there would be the star of the lot.
0:31:59 > 0:32:03I think, at auction, as lovely little collector's items,
0:32:03 > 0:32:05I think we'd probably be looking at a collective
0:32:05 > 0:32:09value for the three of maybe £100 to £200.
0:32:09 > 0:32:11- Yes.- How would you feel about that?
0:32:11 > 0:32:13- That sounds all right. - Does that sound all right?
0:32:13 > 0:32:15- Would you be happy to sell them for that?- Yes.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18So if we said 100 to 200, what about a reserve?
0:32:18 > 0:32:21Would you want to put a reserve on them?
0:32:21 > 0:32:23Yes, I think I should put a bit of a reserve on.
0:32:23 > 0:32:25- A bit of a reserve on.- Yes.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29- I would suggest a discretionary reserve at £100.- Yes.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31Which usually means about 10%, effectively.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35So if we said an estimate of £100 to £200 with a discretionary
0:32:35 > 0:32:40- reserve at 100.- Yes.- Will you be sorry to see them go, Jill?
0:32:40 > 0:32:44Um, well, in a way, but...
0:32:44 > 0:32:48These young people don't like the nice things, do you know?
0:32:48 > 0:32:51- But I think collectors really will love him.- They should do.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55Hopefully he will roar away for you and make you lots of money.
0:32:55 > 0:32:57Thank you so much for bringing him in.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59- It's been a real pleasure to see them.- Nice to meet you.
0:32:59 > 0:33:00Yes, you too.
0:33:01 > 0:33:03What a charming owner.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06And now time to explore a little more of the house.
0:33:09 > 0:33:10I've slipped away from the hustle
0:33:10 > 0:33:13and bustle of the valuations in the Great Hall,
0:33:13 > 0:33:16with its fabulous baroque plasterwork, to show you this room.
0:33:16 > 0:33:17The red saloon.
0:33:19 > 0:33:21It's an absolute time capsule.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24This room is the same today as it was in 1780,
0:33:24 > 0:33:26when James Watt designed it.
0:33:27 > 0:33:30There's a couple of things I must show you.
0:33:30 > 0:33:32Firstly, up there, in the ceiling,
0:33:32 > 0:33:35painted in the panels are the signs of the Zodiac.
0:33:35 > 0:33:37Painted by a lady, Angelica Kauffman,
0:33:37 > 0:33:39a Swiss-born artist.
0:33:39 > 0:33:40Came to London in her prime.
0:33:40 > 0:33:45And in 1781 she was one of the 22 founding members
0:33:45 > 0:33:47of the Royal Academy in London,
0:33:47 > 0:33:51headed up by Joshua Reynolds. Now that's quite an accolade.
0:33:51 > 0:33:55And that's a lot of talent. It really is.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58The oldest work of art in the house is this one here,
0:33:58 > 0:34:03painted in 1602 by the Dutch artist Cornelius Van Harlem,
0:34:03 > 0:34:06one of the leading Northern Mannerists in the Netherlands.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09This is the golden age of Dutch art.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12And it shows a story from the New Testament.
0:34:12 > 0:34:14Jesus' miracle, the rising of Lazarus.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18He has been buried for four days, yet Jesus brings him to life.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22With onlookers looking on in absolute amazement.
0:34:22 > 0:34:27This was picked up by the first marquess in 1764 for just £25.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31I'm saying "just £25", but that was a great deal of money back then.
0:34:31 > 0:34:34But it does sound a little bit like a Flog It! story, doesn't it?
0:34:34 > 0:34:37Talking of which, why don't we now join up with our experts
0:34:37 > 0:34:41and see what else we can find to take off to auction.
0:34:41 > 0:34:47Over to Will, who has found our last item of the day. And it's a corker.
0:34:47 > 0:34:50Penny, you must have some muscles in your arms
0:34:50 > 0:34:53because you've lugged these from home, have you?
0:34:53 > 0:34:55- With the help of my husband, yes. - Right, I was going to say,
0:34:55 > 0:34:59because they are not what they first seem, are they?
0:34:59 > 0:35:02- They are obviously pictures, but they are not paints.- No.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05Tell me, what do you know about them?
0:35:05 > 0:35:07My mother thought they were from Holland.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10That's what I was told anyway.
0:35:10 > 0:35:13I'm not really sure. I've always just wondered what they were.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17In my mind, there is no doubt that these are Italian.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21- Oh.- Yes. These have been produced for some time in Italy.
0:35:21 > 0:35:25Right back to the time of the Grand Tour, where the
0:35:25 > 0:35:27great of English aristocracy,
0:35:27 > 0:35:30perhaps even someone who lived in a house like this,
0:35:30 > 0:35:33would have travelled to Italy to expand their knowledge,
0:35:33 > 0:35:35to learn more about the arts
0:35:35 > 0:35:40and to appreciate beauty through sculpture, plaster casts and so on,
0:35:40 > 0:35:44and to buy souvenirs to bring back with them to furnish
0:35:44 > 0:35:47homes like this that we have the privilege of being in today.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49And they are made of stone.
0:35:49 > 0:35:54They are inlaid sections of stone. Made up to make a picture.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58The pieces of marble, stone, other minerals that they use,
0:35:58 > 0:36:00they are actually cut to shape.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- You can imagine them almost like a jigsaw puzzle, can't you?- Yes.
0:36:03 > 0:36:05Each piece produced separately
0:36:05 > 0:36:09and then brought together to produce this image.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13These are probably most likely to come from Florence, which is an area
0:36:13 > 0:36:17of Italy that was well known for producing what we call pietra dura.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21Pietra dura literally means hard stone.
0:36:21 > 0:36:24It basically says what it does on the tin.
0:36:24 > 0:36:27What happened to them, Penny? Do you think they fell off the wall?
0:36:27 > 0:36:29I think that's what happened, yes. Yes.
0:36:29 > 0:36:32Because they have got some weight to them, haven't they?
0:36:32 > 0:36:35- They are very heavy.- They are. Which is why I asked about...
0:36:35 > 0:36:38You had a bit of a workout getting them to us today.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42But what I'm pleased to say is that it hasn't actually damaged
0:36:42 > 0:36:44the stone panels themselves.
0:36:44 > 0:36:47I think we're looking, for each picture, around the £50 mark.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49How does that sound?
0:36:50 > 0:36:54Yes. Yes. Yes, well, it would be nice to get more but...
0:36:54 > 0:36:57- It's always nice to get more. - We will have to see.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59- But you've got to pitch these things realistically.- Yes.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02- Let's put an estimate on of, say, £150 to £250.- Yes.
0:37:02 > 0:37:06What is the minimum you wouldn't want them to sell under?
0:37:06 > 0:37:11- 100 or so.- Shall we say 100? It's a nice round number. £100.- Yes.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14I think they are not going to struggle at auction.
0:37:14 > 0:37:15I think they are worth £50 each.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18- They are interesting.- They are interesting. They are different.
0:37:18 > 0:37:21They are decorative. And I think that on the day, there is going to
0:37:21 > 0:37:24be an interior designer out there who has got their eye on these
0:37:24 > 0:37:26and just think they are going to look
0:37:26 > 0:37:29perfect in a scheme for my lakeside Italian villa.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31- Imagine that.- Very nice.
0:37:31 > 0:37:33I might even offer to deliver them.
0:37:39 > 0:37:43That's it. Our experts have now made their final choice of items to
0:37:43 > 0:37:45take off to the saleroom, which means, sadly,
0:37:45 > 0:37:49we have to say goodbye to this magnificent venue. Ragley Hall.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51It has done us proud.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54And we have found treasures worthy of our surroundings.
0:37:54 > 0:37:56And now we have to put them to the test in the saleroom.
0:37:56 > 0:38:00Here is a quick recap of all items that are going under the hammer.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04Let's hope the heavenly book about the stars gives us
0:38:04 > 0:38:06a meteoric result.
0:38:10 > 0:38:14This next lot with the Bergmann tiger is one for the collectors.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20In Italian, pietra dura means a hard stone.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23With these pictures, it's not going to mean hard luck.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31We are back at the auction rooms and the atmosphere is building.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34All eyes are on Christopher Ironmonger,
0:38:34 > 0:38:37who is selling our highly informative first lot.
0:38:38 > 0:38:42This next lot was bought for one pound in a boot sale.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45Let's hope when it goes under the hammer, it goes out of orbit.
0:38:45 > 0:38:49Because it's the astrological book belonging to Ian. And I like this.
0:38:49 > 0:38:51It's full of charts and maps, it's all hand drawn.
0:38:51 > 0:38:54The fact that it was bought at a boot fair, you know,
0:38:54 > 0:38:55I live for things like that.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57Get up early, get out of the boot fair, find something,
0:38:57 > 0:39:00get it cheap, get it sold and make a tidy profit.
0:39:00 > 0:39:03Let's find out what this lot thinks. It's going under the hammer.
0:39:03 > 0:39:04This is it.
0:39:05 > 0:39:10This is rather interesting. Astronomical diagrams.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14I've got an opening bid on the net of £60.
0:39:14 > 0:39:18- OK.- 70 now? At £60 on the net, it's going to go.
0:39:18 > 0:39:20At £60. 70 surely?
0:39:20 > 0:39:24- I thought this would fly. 70. 80 net.- There is no-one in the room.
0:39:24 > 0:39:2790 now. You don't come across these very often.
0:39:27 > 0:39:28And it is in lovely condition.
0:39:28 > 0:39:31Diagrams inside. Very interesting.
0:39:31 > 0:39:33At £80 on the net.
0:39:33 > 0:39:35Going to be selling it at 80.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37Final warning at 80. Are we done?
0:39:37 > 0:39:40Well done, £80. That was a great buy.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42It is click and buy now in the saleroom.
0:39:42 > 0:39:44Most people are buying online.
0:39:44 > 0:39:46- Good for you.- Thank you very much.
0:39:46 > 0:39:48Job done and it's off to a new home.
0:39:48 > 0:39:53And now we need a really good result for our next owner.
0:39:53 > 0:39:54We are on a mission. Fingers crossed.
0:39:54 > 0:39:56We're with Jill and Christina.
0:39:56 > 0:39:58We are raising money for the air ambulance, a great charity.
0:39:58 > 0:40:00We are selling three cold-painted bronzes,
0:40:00 > 0:40:02made with that lost wax method.
0:40:02 > 0:40:04One of them is definitely a Bergmann.
0:40:04 > 0:40:08One possibly might be. Now, tell me a bit more about the air ambulance.
0:40:08 > 0:40:10Why are you raising money for them?
0:40:10 > 0:40:16- Because they took me from my home to the hospital in Oxford.- Did they?
0:40:16 > 0:40:19- Yes. - Were you stranded or stuck or...?
0:40:19 > 0:40:22- I had an acute heart attack. - Bless you.
0:40:22 > 0:40:24But thanks to them, I'm still here.
0:40:24 > 0:40:28- Right, OK, we need to raise money. - Don't we just.- We are on a mission.
0:40:28 > 0:40:30- Best of luck, Jill.- Let's find out what the bidders think.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32They are going under the hammer now.
0:40:33 > 0:40:35In the manner of Bergmann,
0:40:35 > 0:40:38a suit of three gold patinated bronze animal figures.
0:40:38 > 0:40:43- I've got an opening bid here at £80. - Come on.- £90.
0:40:43 > 0:40:45100. 110.
0:40:45 > 0:40:47110. 120.
0:40:47 > 0:40:48- Splendid.- Lady bid at 110.
0:40:48 > 0:40:50I'm going to sell at 110.
0:40:50 > 0:40:52120. 130.
0:40:52 > 0:40:54140. 150.
0:40:54 > 0:40:56- This is better. - You've got a bidding war.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58190. 200.
0:40:58 > 0:41:00220? 240?
0:41:00 > 0:41:02220 at the table. At 220.
0:41:02 > 0:41:04They are going to be sold.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07At £220... Lady's bid at 220.
0:41:07 > 0:41:11- Yes, £220.- That was very good. - That's brilliant. Yes.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13That's what we wanted.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16The air ambulance does such a marvellous job.
0:41:16 > 0:41:22Now we have those fabulous stone pictures made from Italian marble.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24Good luck, Penny. You know what we are talking about.
0:41:24 > 0:41:27There's three of them and they are set in stone.
0:41:27 > 0:41:30It's Italian pietra dura. Drawn literally in stone. Lovely pictures.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33- Yeah, quality.- I know there is a little bit of damage, but so what?
0:41:33 > 0:41:36I mean, you know, it sums up for me the Grand Tour.
0:41:36 > 0:41:39- It sums up everything like that. - That's exactly right.
0:41:39 > 0:41:40Why are you selling them, Penny?
0:41:40 > 0:41:43I inherited them from my mother and we've got loads of things.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47- Have you?- They don't really fit into the colour scheme that we have.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50- OK.- But I appreciate that they are...- Yeah, they are quality.
0:41:50 > 0:41:54- There is a weight to them. There is an honesty about them.- Exactly.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57- Good luck.- Thank you.- It gets exciting. Let's see what happens.
0:42:00 > 0:42:04A suite of three, probably Italian, late-19th-century pietra dura
0:42:04 > 0:42:05wall hangings.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08Straight in at 460 then. 460.
0:42:08 > 0:42:11480. 500.
0:42:11 > 0:42:13SHE GIGGLES
0:42:13 > 0:42:14550. 600.
0:42:14 > 0:42:15550 seated.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17The centre of the room at 550.
0:42:17 > 0:42:18- Gosh!- 600 on the net.
0:42:18 > 0:42:19650 in the room.
0:42:19 > 0:42:20650 in the room.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22700 on the net.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24700 on the net.
0:42:24 > 0:42:25750 in the room. 750.
0:42:25 > 0:42:27800 net.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29150. 850 room.
0:42:29 > 0:42:30850 in the room it is.
0:42:30 > 0:42:32This is why auctions are so great.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34900 on the net. 1,000, sir?
0:42:34 > 0:42:371,000 in the room. £1,000 in the room.
0:42:37 > 0:42:39I've got £1,000 in the room and it's selling.
0:42:39 > 0:42:411,100 if you want to carry on now.
0:42:41 > 0:42:421,100 they've gone.
0:42:42 > 0:42:46- Penny, listen to this.- £1,100. On the net at £1,100.
0:42:46 > 0:42:47Is it 12 now?
0:42:47 > 0:42:49Are you sure? You've tried hard.
0:42:49 > 0:42:50Wonderful, wonderful.
0:42:50 > 0:42:53At £1,100, are we done and finished?
0:42:53 > 0:42:54The hammer has gone down.
0:42:54 > 0:42:57Everyone is happy! £1,100. You see, quality, quality, quality.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59They deserve to make that sort of money.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02- And you've got near enough £1,000 to spend.- Wonderful!
0:43:02 > 0:43:04- That's a great result.- Great result.
0:43:04 > 0:43:06And where do you think you want to go on holiday next year?
0:43:06 > 0:43:09- We planned it.- Italy!- Italy. - There you go.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11- Lake Como or something like that. - Exactly.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14You could buy some more, bring them back with you, pay for the holiday.
0:43:14 > 0:43:16THEY LAUGH
0:43:16 > 0:43:17And what a way to end today's show.
0:43:17 > 0:43:20I promised you a big surprise, didn't I?
0:43:20 > 0:43:21Well, we delivered. How about that?
0:43:21 > 0:43:23Quality always sells. A proper antique.
0:43:23 > 0:43:26If you've got something like that, we'll flog it! See you soon.
0:43:26 > 0:43:27Bye-bye.