0:00:10 > 0:00:13We have a fabulous sandy beach, sunny weather
0:00:13 > 0:00:16and great company - all the ingredients of a fun day out.
0:00:16 > 0:00:18So have you got your bucket and spade packed?
0:00:18 > 0:00:21Because we are on Weston-super-Mare's Grand Pier.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23Welcome to "Flog It!".
0:00:23 > 0:00:25THEY CHEER
0:00:46 > 0:00:50Today's Grand Pier is the third version of this seaside icon.
0:00:50 > 0:00:54Originally built in 1904 as a promenading pier
0:00:54 > 0:00:56complete with theatre and bandstand,
0:00:56 > 0:01:00it transformed itself into an amusement pier in the 1930s
0:01:00 > 0:01:03after fire destroyed the pavilion.
0:01:04 > 0:01:07When it reopened in 2010 following a second fire,
0:01:07 > 0:01:09thousands of people queued,
0:01:09 > 0:01:12all eager to be the first on the new pier.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15Well, there may not be thousands here today
0:01:15 > 0:01:17but there's definitely hundreds,
0:01:17 > 0:01:19and they are all laden with antiques and collectables
0:01:19 > 0:01:23and they are all eager to be the first inside to see our experts,
0:01:23 > 0:01:25to be one of the lucky ones to go through to auction,
0:01:25 > 0:01:26because they want to...
0:01:26 > 0:01:28Flog it!
0:01:28 > 0:01:31Who better to help them than today's experts?
0:01:31 > 0:01:33But it looks like Catherine Southon
0:01:33 > 0:01:35is planning to sit around on the job.
0:01:35 > 0:01:40That's a bit of quality, that is. Nice seat, nice and comfortable.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42At least Jonathan Pratt is on the right track.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47Maybe as a team they can stitch something.
0:01:47 > 0:01:48In, round, through, off.
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- In, round, through, off. - In, round, through, off.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55But let's hope they don't tie themselves in knots.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59And it's time to find out, as we put their knowledge to the test.
0:01:59 > 0:02:00With the crowds taking their seats,
0:02:00 > 0:02:04here's a quick peek at what is coming up later in the programme.
0:02:05 > 0:02:09He got the world's height record during this time.
0:02:09 > 0:02:12That is amazing.
0:02:12 > 0:02:15They sold 380 million records.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17Is it going to be Money, Money, Money?
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
0:02:20 > 0:02:23Later on in the show, I will be getting hands-on on the beach,
0:02:23 > 0:02:26finding out how you create something like this
0:02:26 > 0:02:27from this.
0:02:31 > 0:02:32Well, as you can see, we are surrounded
0:02:32 > 0:02:35by entertainment machines. There's penny slot machines everywhere.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38There's even a ghost train over there. And looking at this lot,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41I think we could be in for a jolly good ride today.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43- You going to have fun?- Yes! - Yes, that's what it's all about.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Well, right now we are going to join up with our experts to see
0:02:46 > 0:02:48what we can find to take off to auction.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Sharon, is this somewhere you come too often?
0:02:53 > 0:02:56- Only every once and a while with the kids.- Oh, I can imagine.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00- Go mad on the rides. - Now, I saw this pig in the queue.
0:03:00 > 0:03:04I saw his little snout sticking out of the bag and as soon as I saw it,
0:03:04 > 0:03:08there was only one name that I thought of, and that was Wemyss.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10I thought he has got to be by Wemyss.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13But then as he came out further and I turned him over,
0:03:13 > 0:03:17I was really shocked to see Moorcroft.
0:03:17 > 0:03:21I have never ever seen a Moorcroft pig and I was speaking
0:03:21 > 0:03:26to my colleagues and they said they have never seen one either,
0:03:26 > 0:03:28so I think they are quite unusual.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31The thing is, as we turn around and look at him,
0:03:31 > 0:03:34we can see that there's a mark there, an arrow mark,
0:03:34 > 0:03:36so that dates him actually to the '90s.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40So he is a fairly modern pig. What drew you to him?
0:03:40 > 0:03:42I just loved the decoration,
0:03:42 > 0:03:45I used to collect pigs and, well, he's gorgeous.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48He is gorgeous. And did you know he was Moorcroft?
0:03:48 > 0:03:51No, I didn't. I just saw the decoration and I liked him,
0:03:51 > 0:03:52so I bought him.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- So, where did you get him from? - I got him at a car-boot sale.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59- Did you?- I did. - And may I ask, how much did you pay?
0:03:59 > 0:04:01£7.25.
0:04:01 > 0:04:05- And how long ago was this? - It was about 15 years ago now.
0:04:05 > 0:04:06That was pretty good.
0:04:06 > 0:04:10My husband thought I had overpaid, so he wasn't so thrilled.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13Well, you can tell your husband you definitely didn't overpay
0:04:13 > 0:04:15because he is a very handsome little fellow.
0:04:15 > 0:04:19He has got this wonderful rich fruit on his back
0:04:19 > 0:04:22and that is something we see quite often with Moorcroft.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25And this pattern is actually called Temptation,
0:04:25 > 0:04:29- which I think is rather nice. - Well, I was tempted.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32You were tempted as well, weren't you? Fantastic.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36- And you paid £7...- 25.- 25.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38Now, was he in perfect condition when you got him?
0:04:38 > 0:04:42No, he had a slight little nick in his ear there,
0:04:42 > 0:04:45but other than that he was pretty good.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48Well, he's not too good now.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51He has slightly gone through the wars.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53He has got poorly ears.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57If we can see there, he has had one of his ears chopped off
0:04:57 > 0:05:00and it has been stuck back on again. And that is such a shame.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- I know, but I still love him. - How did that happen?
0:05:02 > 0:05:06My father was fixing an old clock that I've got.
0:05:06 > 0:05:10He put the pig on the chair, the dog jumped on the chair
0:05:10 > 0:05:14and the pig bounced off, hit the wall and broke.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Oh, what a shame. I bet you were heartbroken.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18I was, but I still loved him,
0:05:18 > 0:05:22so I just glued him back together and he went back in his spot.
0:05:22 > 0:05:25Well, I think you're going to be even more heartbroken when
0:05:25 > 0:05:30I tell you that an identical one to this was sold recently at auction...
0:05:32 > 0:05:36- ..in perfect, perfect, perfect condition for £900.- Ouch.
0:05:36 > 0:05:39That is a big difference from your £7.25.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42- Yeah.- Oh, if only.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46Now, with a pig like this, I would really drop it right down.
0:05:46 > 0:05:49I would probably put it at £100-£200,
0:05:49 > 0:05:52but I could see him making more the top end of that.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54Right.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57Now, can this little piggy, or rather big piggy, go off to market?
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- Yes, I suppose so. - Are you happy to sell at that?- Yes.
0:06:02 > 0:06:04I think we should protect him with a £100 reserve
0:06:04 > 0:06:07because he is quite precious to you.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- Yeah.- You are filling up already!
0:06:09 > 0:06:12Well, let's wait to the auction. Let's take him off to the auction
0:06:12 > 0:06:15- and hopefully we will do well for you.- OK.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- I guarantee we will get your £7.25 back.- Thank you.- Thanks, Sharon.
0:06:19 > 0:06:24Guarantees are risky, Catherine, but I think you are safe with that one.
0:06:24 > 0:06:26Can I have a look at your pink bucket?
0:06:26 > 0:06:28- No.- Oh, go on, please.
0:06:28 > 0:06:30- No!- Aww...
0:06:30 > 0:06:31You don't have to flog it.
0:06:37 > 0:06:40So, Monica, you have brought me a curved bit of wood.
0:06:40 > 0:06:42I have.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44How have you come by this interesting object?
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- It is a family heirloom, actually. - Oh, is it?- Yes.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51In the late 1890s there was a lot of people from Somerset
0:06:51 > 0:06:54emigrating to Australia to make their fortunes.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58- Oh, really?- Yeah. And my father's brother went and I don't think
0:06:58 > 0:07:00he ever saw him again, actually,
0:07:00 > 0:07:03and he sent back this original aborigine boomerang.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- When you send it, isn't it meant to come back?- No, it didn't come back.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08- They used to send us back food parcels.- Very good.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10Now, when we look at wood,
0:07:10 > 0:07:13there are ways of determining how old it is in the sense
0:07:13 > 0:07:17of the patination and the type of grain and all that sort of thing.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19So, you know, we can see this is obviously quite an old
0:07:19 > 0:07:23piece of wood and it certainly would date from around that...
0:07:23 > 0:07:26You know, about 100 years old or more.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28So what you are saying, around 1890, sort of fits in.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31It is obviously a very hard wood and it is very thin.
0:07:31 > 0:07:35It's an aerofoil so it is flat-backed and curved on the top.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37- Obviously it gives it the lift. - Right.
0:07:37 > 0:07:39It has been chucked a couple of times.
0:07:39 > 0:07:43Yes. When I was a teenager, I used to try to make it come back to me.
0:07:43 > 0:07:47- I never could. And it wasn't damaged then, actually.- Was it not?- No.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50It only got damaged, unfortunately, in the last couple of years
0:07:50 > 0:07:52- when I moved house. - Oh, really?- Yes.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54We used to make them as kids.
0:07:54 > 0:07:56We used to get plywood and then try and make them,
0:07:56 > 0:07:59and then go out into the fields and see if we could make it come back.
0:07:59 > 0:08:00It was quite good fun.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03It's a very clever piece of engineering, really.
0:08:03 > 0:08:04- Before the aeroplane.- Mm.
0:08:04 > 0:08:07They understood how to make something stay in the air.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10So, it's quite interesting, but you have got this label
0:08:10 > 0:08:13on the back which I think possibly, possibly the label,
0:08:13 > 0:08:16with better light and... You know, you might be able to work it out.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18But it looks like it says "made by the aboriginal" and after
0:08:18 > 0:08:23the word aboriginal there is a word which I think might be "tribe of"...
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- and then that bit in the middle, which is a bit dirty.- I know.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29And not decorated in any way.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31It is not a souvenir in the respect of the ones that today
0:08:31 > 0:08:34you go over and you buy one from Sydney or something -
0:08:34 > 0:08:37this is obviously one that has been used and made for the use.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39Totally different quality to it.
0:08:39 > 0:08:43The value in all these types of artefacts can be enhanced by,
0:08:43 > 0:08:48you know, more detailed knowledge of where the object came from,
0:08:48 > 0:08:49- in that respect.- Yeah.
0:08:49 > 0:08:53But I think as an original piece from the late 19th century,
0:08:53 > 0:08:56admittedly a little bit of damage, I think it is still saleable.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59I think if we had a conservative estimate of between £50-£100...
0:08:59 > 0:09:01That would be very good, actually.
0:09:01 > 0:09:04OK, so £45 reserve, £50-£100.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07It is a broad spectrum but we don't know what it might do.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09And it may take off and...
0:09:09 > 0:09:12It would be lovely if it went back to the aborigines, wouldn't it?
0:09:12 > 0:09:14Let's hope it returns a profit for you.
0:09:14 > 0:09:15Yeah, thank you very much. Yes, thank you.
0:09:15 > 0:09:18Now, from one early form of flight, we are joining Catherine
0:09:18 > 0:09:23outside for a tale of magnificent men in their flying machines.
0:09:23 > 0:09:24- David.- Yes.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29I homed in on these super medals in the queue
0:09:29 > 0:09:34because they have so much history behind them.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38The more you look at them, the more information you get from them
0:09:38 > 0:09:41and it makes them so exciting.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45So, first of all, we have got two aviation medals
0:09:45 > 0:09:50and they both relate to a chap called John Armstrong Drexel.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53Now, he was an aviator pioneer.
0:09:53 > 0:09:56This is going back to 1910.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59Now, I believe that in 1910, in August,
0:09:59 > 0:10:04there was this big event happening for over a week up in Lanarkshire.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08They had 17 aviators from seven different countries who all
0:10:08 > 0:10:13came over to Lanarkshire all to compete against one another
0:10:13 > 0:10:15for the highest altitude
0:10:15 > 0:10:17and the greatest distance.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21Now, John Armstrong Drexel, the American,
0:10:21 > 0:10:25he got the world's height record during this time
0:10:25 > 0:10:30of 6,595 feet.
0:10:30 > 0:10:31And there we have it.
0:10:31 > 0:10:37There we have a bronze medal which he achieved during that week.
0:10:37 > 0:10:40That is amazing.
0:10:40 > 0:10:45This one is the gold competitor's metal and we have got...
0:10:45 > 0:10:47Everyone would have had that.
0:10:47 > 0:10:48Everyone would have had one of these,
0:10:48 > 0:10:50but I would like to know where you got them from.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54- Are you connected to the Armstrong Drexel family?- No.- No.
0:10:54 > 0:11:01My father left them to me in his effects when he died 15 years ago.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04He was a butler by profession,
0:11:04 > 0:11:08and every year during the '50s
0:11:08 > 0:11:13he went to an estate in Scotland for the shooting season.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16- Right.- And as far as I'm aware,
0:11:16 > 0:11:19he was given these as a tip.
0:11:19 > 0:11:21- Oh, really?- Yes.
0:11:21 > 0:11:25Whether it was Armstrong Drexel himself
0:11:25 > 0:11:27or a relative or something like that...
0:11:27 > 0:11:29So you have got no idea who gave it to him.
0:11:29 > 0:11:31No, I don't really know any more than that.
0:11:31 > 0:11:35- That's amazing, though. But what a tip to have.- Yes.
0:11:35 > 0:11:39I mean, I think these must be incredibly rare, I really do,
0:11:39 > 0:11:42and I think there is so much history behind them.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45There's so much information there, I think people
0:11:45 > 0:11:51who are interested in aviation history will be fascinated by these.
0:11:51 > 0:11:55I would probably put for the two £300-£500,
0:11:55 > 0:12:00but it really wouldn't surprise me if they just really took off.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Honestly, it wouldn't, because to own something like this
0:12:02 > 0:12:04is a real treasure.
0:12:04 > 0:12:06It is a real piece of aviation history
0:12:06 > 0:12:10and I think the fact that you got them through your father
0:12:10 > 0:12:13and he had them as a tip is just a wonderful story.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16What a great tale of record-breaking daring.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18Now, here's another top fact for you.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22Did you know Weston-super-Mare is home to one of the country's
0:12:22 > 0:12:26top seaside attractions? They have been around longer than the pier.
0:12:26 > 0:12:29Yes, I'm talking about these guys, the donkeys.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33Seaside donkey rides started in Victorian times and have been
0:12:33 > 0:12:37available on Weston-super-Mare's beaches since 1886.
0:12:37 > 0:12:39They are so popular,
0:12:39 > 0:12:42in recent years they have been immortalised in 40 painted statues
0:12:42 > 0:12:47around the town and voted in the country's best seaside attraction.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50Well, there you are, our experts have been working flat out.
0:12:50 > 0:12:53We have now found our first items to take off to auction.
0:12:53 > 0:12:55I've got my favourites, you've probably got yours,
0:12:55 > 0:12:58but right now we are going to let the bidders decide.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00Let's put those values to the test in the saleroom.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04And here is a quick recap of what is going under the hammer.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07Bought for only £7.25,
0:13:07 > 0:13:12Sharon's Moorcroft pig must surely bring home the bacon.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16Monica is hoping her boomerang won't be returning
0:13:16 > 0:13:19once it goes under the hammer.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21And will the sky be the limit
0:13:21 > 0:13:23when David's aviation medals go to auction?
0:13:26 > 0:13:29For today's sale, we have travelled 12 miles up the coast to Clevedon.
0:13:29 > 0:13:34It has been a popular seaside town since the Victorian age and is
0:13:34 > 0:13:38home to the only functioning Grade I listed pier in the country.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41The Clevedon salerooms are buzzing and Marc Burridge, the auctioneer,
0:13:41 > 0:13:44is on the rostrum with the gavel in hand.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46Remember, there is commission to pay,
0:13:46 > 0:13:50it varies from room to room. Here today, it's 15% plus VAT.
0:13:50 > 0:13:53And now it is time for our first item.
0:13:53 > 0:13:55Sharon, good to see you again.
0:13:55 > 0:13:59- Get ready to say goodbye to your ceramic pig.- OK.
0:13:59 > 0:14:00That little Moorcroft piggy.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03Your husband said you paid too much for this pig.
0:14:03 > 0:14:05- It cost you seven quid. - That's correct.- It was nothing.
0:14:05 > 0:14:07- I know.- He obviously doesn't like it, you see.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10He does like it, he just thought it was a waste of money.
0:14:10 > 0:14:14Let's find out what this Moorcroft pig is really worth. Here we go.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Nice piece. 65, 70 now.
0:14:18 > 0:14:2070, 70, 70.
0:14:20 > 0:14:2270, 70, 70. 75.
0:14:22 > 0:14:2780, sir. 85, 90, 95, 100.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30100. 100.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32It's £95.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35100, thank you. Now 110, 110, 110.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39£100 bid in the room and selling on £100.
0:14:39 > 0:14:42Make no mistake on the 100...
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- Just.- Little piggy tested the market and he survived.
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- That was a test. - You had fun out of him.- I did, yeah.
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- You had lots of fun. You didn't pay much.- No.- Big smiles on your face.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- Give him a wave, go on.- Bye!
0:14:56 > 0:14:59Well, that piggy sold at market.
0:14:59 > 0:15:01Let's see if the boomerang does as well.
0:15:03 > 0:15:05Going under the hammer right now, we have a boomerang.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07Let's hope it doesn't come back on us.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10It's here to sell, Monica, and you look fabulous.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- Look at this, the turquoise. - Love it.
0:15:13 > 0:15:14I hope it makes lots of money.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- It could be a big surprise, couldn't it?- Yes.- Could be.
0:15:17 > 0:15:19Well, I hope so, yes. It would be nice, yes.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22But you are happy to sell it, you want it to go?
0:15:22 > 0:15:24- Yes, I think so now, yes.- OK, right.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26We are going to do our best. Ready?
0:15:26 > 0:15:29This is what we have been waiting for, this is it.
0:15:30 > 0:15:34Australian aboriginal returning boomerang.
0:15:34 > 0:15:35It's 19th century.
0:15:35 > 0:15:39What can we say? £50, start me, someone. £50.
0:15:39 > 0:15:44- 30, 40, 50 on my book. - Good.- 60 now, 66.- Commission bid.
0:15:44 > 0:15:495 if it's easier for any one of you. 55 bid. 60? 60 bid.
0:15:49 > 0:15:5265 in the door nearest me. At £60.
0:15:52 > 0:15:54Any advance on the 60?
0:15:54 > 0:15:58You all done? And selling at £60, then.
0:15:58 > 0:15:59£60.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02Fingers crossed that does go to Australia where it belongs.
0:16:02 > 0:16:04It would be really good, wouldn't it?
0:16:04 > 0:16:07- To some museum where generations can enjoy it.- That's right.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10Thank you for bringing it in and thank you for looking
0:16:10 > 0:16:11so colourful. She's brilliant.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14That's a great result for Monica.
0:16:14 > 0:16:17Let's see if our next lot reaches new heights.
0:16:17 > 0:16:20Fingers crossed, David, absolutely love this next lot.
0:16:20 > 0:16:23We have got some aviation medals for a competition that was
0:16:23 > 0:16:26held in 1910 and I love the altitude thing.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31- I mean, that's high, isn't it? - Yes.- 6,500-odd feet back then.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- I think he was sort of well in advance of anything else.- Had to be,
0:16:35 > 0:16:40I was just about to say that, and very, very, very brave. Very brave.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42This could go sky-high.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46We are putting it to the test now, under the hammer.
0:16:46 > 0:16:51John Armstrong Drexel, his 1910 medallions.
0:16:51 > 0:16:56- And I have interest here... - Oh, he's got interest.- ..at 200.
0:16:56 > 0:17:00210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- 260 now. 260, 260. - Still need to go up.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08270, 280, 290, 300 with me.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13310 now. It's with me on the book and selling at £300.
0:17:13 > 0:17:15Any advance on 300?
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- He's going to sell it.- On £300...
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- Sold, £300. - I'm so glad we protected them at 300
0:17:20 > 0:17:23because they are worth that, definitely.
0:17:23 > 0:17:26- Happy? - I am quite happy with that, yeah.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- Great tip, then, in the end, wasn't it?- It was a great tip.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31Yeah, well put.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34A marvellous piece of aviation history from the precarious days
0:17:34 > 0:17:37of experimenting with flying and aeroplanes.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41Before we find some more treasures back at our valuation day
0:17:41 > 0:17:45on the pier, I want to take a trip down memory lane and find out
0:17:45 > 0:17:48more about some of my favourite childhood beach activities.
0:17:51 > 0:17:54I grew up by the sea, splashing in the water
0:17:54 > 0:17:57and playing in the sand, but there have always been other
0:17:57 > 0:18:00beach entertainments to delight us too.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03Now, everyone knows this chap -
0:18:03 > 0:18:04yes, Punch.
0:18:04 > 0:18:07And together with his friends, they have been entertaining
0:18:07 > 0:18:10children for years and they have been firm favourites.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13It is almost pantomime with puppets.
0:18:13 > 0:18:16But its origins can be traced back to 16th century Italy
0:18:16 > 0:18:19with traditions of commedia dell'arte.
0:18:19 > 0:18:21Yes, that's the way to do it!
0:18:21 > 0:18:24Commedia dell'arte was a form of touring street theatre
0:18:24 > 0:18:28featuring stock characters portrayed by masks.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31Punch is an Anglicisation of Punchinello,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34a subversive servant character in a commedia.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38He became increasingly popular in Britain in the 18th century.
0:18:38 > 0:18:40But it wasn't until the 19th century that he
0:18:40 > 0:18:44developed into the form that we recognise today, with glove puppets
0:18:44 > 0:18:48and the additions of characters like his wife Judy and Toby the Dog.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50Ho-ho-ho! Hello!
0:18:50 > 0:18:52Hello, boys and girls!
0:18:52 > 0:18:53Hello!
0:18:53 > 0:18:55Hold him still with one hand!
0:18:58 > 0:19:02These shows became hugely popular with adults and children alike
0:19:02 > 0:19:04and became a mainstay of seaside entertainment
0:19:04 > 0:19:06throughout the last century.
0:19:06 > 0:19:08I'm here to meet a man who can tell me
0:19:08 > 0:19:13more about how these characters have captured our imaginations.
0:19:13 > 0:19:15He's called Paul and he is in here.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17- Paul?- Hello!- Hello.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19Let me shake his hand. Hello, Mr Punch.
0:19:19 > 0:19:20Can you do the funny voice as well?
0:19:20 > 0:19:23- RASPING VOICE: - That's the way to do it!
0:19:23 > 0:19:25How long have you been a Punch and Judy man?
0:19:25 > 0:19:27Professionally, for ten years, but I have been doing
0:19:27 > 0:19:30Punch and Judy on and off since I was seven years old.
0:19:30 > 0:19:31- Gosh, really?- Yeah.
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- Who else have you got down there? - Down here we have...
0:19:34 > 0:19:38- Let me have a look.- Yeah. We have Judy.
0:19:38 > 0:19:41Mr Punch's wife. There's Judy. Say hello, Judy.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43There we go, there's Judy.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46Everybody's favourite, we have the crocodile.
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- Make it snappy!- Yeah.
0:19:48 > 0:19:50But originally there was no crocodile
0:19:50 > 0:19:51in the Punch and Judy show.
0:19:51 > 0:19:54It was only when it came back over in the Victorian times that they
0:19:54 > 0:19:58brought a crocodile in to the show. So, yeah, we've got a crocodile,
0:19:58 > 0:20:00but we can also bring some other characters in.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02This is Toby the Dog.
0:20:02 > 0:20:04- Is he a new character? - No, no, no.
0:20:04 > 0:20:06No, he's very old.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08Originally it used to be a live dog
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- and they used to keep the dog by the side of the show.- Gosh, really?
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- Yeah.- So, how has it changed over the years?
0:20:14 > 0:20:16- Or has it changed over the years? - Not really.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18It's still slapstick comedy.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20You've still got Punch, Judy, the baby, the policeman
0:20:20 > 0:20:24and the sausages, but it has changed with the politics of today.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27You have got different characters which you can put into it.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29For instance, you could have, say,
0:20:29 > 0:20:31the boxing routine back in the '50s and '60s.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33You used to have two boxers,
0:20:33 > 0:20:35they used to come out halfway through and do a boxing routine.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38We can change that now with a pair of boxing kangaroos.
0:20:38 > 0:20:40Different showmen use different puppets.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42When Star Wars was pretty big they brought
0:20:42 > 0:20:45a Darth Vader into the Punch and Judy show.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48You can make it topical to the years as well.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Paul, thank you very much for talking to me today.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53I'm going to leave you, but please bring back some memories for me
0:20:53 > 0:20:55of just a little bit of the performance.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57- OK, will do.- Thank you.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00Oh-ho-ho, that's the way to do it!
0:21:00 > 0:21:03Brrrrrr!
0:21:03 > 0:21:04Sausages!
0:21:04 > 0:21:06Whoops!
0:21:06 > 0:21:08Now I'm in trouble!
0:21:08 > 0:21:11Wow, where is he? He's not over there, he's not over there.
0:21:11 > 0:21:12So where is he?
0:21:12 > 0:21:14Where is he? Where?
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Stupid, stupid, stupid!
0:21:16 > 0:21:18Brrroh!
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Punch and Judy is performance entertainment,
0:21:22 > 0:21:26a one-off holiday treat like the donkey rides along the beach.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29But for me as a child, it was the beach that gave me
0:21:29 > 0:21:31hours of fun playing in the sand.
0:21:31 > 0:21:34Things have come a long way since the simple sandcastle.
0:21:34 > 0:21:36Nowadays, there are some amazing sights
0:21:36 > 0:21:41as mucking about on the beach has literally become an art form.
0:21:41 > 0:21:44Sand sculpting is thought to date back as far as Egyptian times,
0:21:44 > 0:21:49with sand versions of the pyramids created before the real thing.
0:21:49 > 0:21:52Sadly, though, the full story of the art is lost in, well,
0:21:52 > 0:21:54the sands of time.
0:21:55 > 0:21:58But what we do know is it's popular the world over
0:21:58 > 0:22:01and can date its origins to at least the 19th century.
0:22:01 > 0:22:04These photographs are believed to be the work of Philip McCord,
0:22:04 > 0:22:09an American sculpting between 1890 and 1910,
0:22:09 > 0:22:12who has been dubbed the father of sand sculpture.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16But Weston-super-Mare has its own history of sand sculpting,
0:22:16 > 0:22:19dating back to at least 1906.
0:22:19 > 0:22:21That is a tradition that continues today,
0:22:21 > 0:22:25with the annual sand sculpting festival held here on the beach.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28This year is very special because it's celebrating
0:22:28 > 0:22:31its tenth birthday, taking a look back at some of the themes
0:22:31 > 0:22:35over the previous years, like fairytales and fun and games.
0:22:36 > 0:22:39But what I really want to know is how they do it.
0:22:39 > 0:22:42Where do you start with all these huge pieces?
0:22:42 > 0:22:46So I'm catching up with this year's project manager.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50This is fantastic. It's mind-blowing, it really is.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52I mean, look at the sheer scale of it.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56Where do you start with something that size?
0:22:56 > 0:22:59Well, technically, this is how we start off.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02The first step, you get four bits of wood together in a block
0:23:02 > 0:23:05and we call it the form, and then you layer it inside with
0:23:05 > 0:23:08a layer of sand and water, sand and water.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11And then you pat it down with a great big electrical machine
0:23:11 > 0:23:14called a whacker, which is a metal plate which vibrates it
0:23:14 > 0:23:17- all down so it is compacted really, really tightly.- Yeah.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21Then you add another block on top and you do exactly the same with
0:23:21 > 0:23:25the second form, just like this one here took about six or seven forms.
0:23:25 > 0:23:28- There's a good tonne of sand there, isn't there?- There's a lot there.
0:23:28 > 0:23:32On the site overall, we use 500 tonnes of sand.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36Wow! And is it just literally sand and water?
0:23:36 > 0:23:37Sand and water, that is all it is.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40With Weston beach sand we are quite lucky, actually.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43Because it is irregularly shaped it locks together really well
0:23:43 > 0:23:44and it is quite silty as well.
0:23:44 > 0:23:46How many sculptors will be working here?
0:23:46 > 0:23:52It took 15 sculptors the space of eight days, mainly,
0:23:52 > 0:23:54- to carve the whole park. - It is quite a big site as well.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Yeah, it's not small.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59I love the aboriginal man with the map of Australia.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01- Yeah, he's brilliant. - That is fantastic.
0:24:01 > 0:24:02You wouldn't think that is in sand.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05You wouldn't think most of it was in sand.
0:24:12 > 0:24:17Gosh, look at this, the diver swimming through the coral reef.
0:24:17 > 0:24:18That's fabulous.
0:24:20 > 0:24:22Now I'm off to join Rachel Stubbs,
0:24:22 > 0:24:26who is putting the finishing touches on a tea party.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28- Hi, Rachel.- Hello.
0:24:28 > 0:24:31How long have you been sculpting in sand and how did you get into it?
0:24:31 > 0:24:34I have been carving in sand for about three years now.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36- I started when I was about 15. - What is it about sand?
0:24:36 > 0:24:40Why do you like working in sand? Because really it doesn't last.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42You are not really leaving a legacy, are you?
0:24:42 > 0:24:44It is sad when you see piece demolished or something,
0:24:44 > 0:24:47but also that is what we love about it, to know that we
0:24:47 > 0:24:49can create something but then it will be gone
0:24:49 > 0:24:52and it will be a part of the beach again or part of nature again,
0:24:52 > 0:24:55and that's a really nice aspect of sand sculpture, I think.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57- Are you going to let me have a go? - Yes.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59How do you start? What do you do?
0:24:59 > 0:25:03Because this one is quite small we are just going to go for this one.
0:25:03 > 0:25:04- Just go for it.- Just do it, yeah.
0:25:04 > 0:25:09- So, if you want to just take a tool and have a go.- Oh!
0:25:11 > 0:25:14Would you just patch that up with a bit of wet stuff like that?
0:25:14 > 0:25:17Yeah, we would just add that back on.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19You do have to have a very light touch, don't you?
0:25:19 > 0:25:23Yeah, yeah, it is quite a delicate medium to work in.
0:25:25 > 0:25:26I'll do a big cherry.
0:25:29 > 0:25:32- I can kind of get the feel of it, though.- Mm-hmm.
0:25:32 > 0:25:34Yeah, you are doing quite well.
0:25:34 > 0:25:36Well, I will just finish this little cherry off
0:25:36 > 0:25:38and make it a little better.
0:25:38 > 0:25:40It's not so much about messing around in the sand for me
0:25:40 > 0:25:41as don't mess it up.
0:25:41 > 0:25:43But no matter what level you are,
0:25:43 > 0:25:46everyone loves to play around in the sand.
0:25:46 > 0:25:48It is part of the fun of the beach and that will continue to
0:25:48 > 0:25:51endure for as long as that tide continues to turn.
0:26:01 > 0:26:04Welcome back to our magnificent host location,
0:26:04 > 0:26:06the Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09It is time to catch up with our experts to see what else
0:26:09 > 0:26:12we can find to take off to auction.
0:26:12 > 0:26:15And Jonathan has found a real one-off that is bringing back
0:26:15 > 0:26:17some childhood memories for him.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20Jodie, what have you brought along here?
0:26:20 > 0:26:24It is four puppets that were made for my 21st birthday.
0:26:24 > 0:26:27Abba. As you can see, they are dressed in their Waterloo costumes.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30- Yeah, it's fantastic.- They were made specially by someone who works
0:26:30 > 0:26:31at the Pelham Puppet factory.
0:26:31 > 0:26:35So were you a fan of Abba many years or...?
0:26:35 > 0:26:38- Since about the age of nine I am, and I was.- And you still are?
0:26:38 > 0:26:41I had a massive collection, I did have,
0:26:41 > 0:26:44and I have recently been selling off the whole collection.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48- This is one of my big pieces to sell off to move on.- Yes.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51Well, Pelham factory were very famous for making their puppets.
0:26:51 > 0:26:55Based in Marlborough in Wiltshire and the chap, Bob Pelham,
0:26:55 > 0:26:58set up the factory pretty much the end of the war, 1947,
0:26:58 > 0:27:03- and it ran through until 1999 and then it folded, it closed.- Yeah.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05And so you have had these made since then.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08- They were made in 1999, actually. - Well, there we are.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11And they were made by David Leech, who was one of the puppeteers,
0:27:11 > 0:27:15one of the puppet makers there. They are great fun, aren't they?
0:27:15 > 0:27:18Now, I'm sure you already know the value of what the old
0:27:18 > 0:27:20Pelham Puppets would be.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23The witch, the donkey and all those sorts of things.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27- This is a different, totally different thing.- Yep.
0:27:27 > 0:27:30- Because this is a one-off, isn't it? - They are, they are.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32They are individual to me at the moment.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35- So, did you know David Leech? - My mum is friendly with him.
0:27:35 > 0:27:37She was a big puppet collector.
0:27:37 > 0:27:39It was her hobby and my hobby was Abba,
0:27:39 > 0:27:41so the two hobbies came together for my 21st birthday.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44But it was a long time ago, so I'm ready to move on.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46- It can be that long ago, surely. - It was, it was.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49They formed in 1972, which was the year I was born.
0:27:49 > 0:27:51I think one of my first records I ever got was
0:27:51 > 0:27:52Voulez Vous or Super Trouper.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55I got one of those one year and one the next, I think,
0:27:55 > 0:27:59for my Christmas presents. So I was a bit of a fan.
0:27:59 > 0:28:02What we have to think of here is the connection with Pelham is very good
0:28:02 > 0:28:04and obviously they produced a certain quality,
0:28:04 > 0:28:06which everyone knows.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09But it is not in Pelham Puppet boxes, it is a commission,
0:28:09 > 0:28:13and we can't refer to them as Pelham Puppets for that reason, I think.
0:28:13 > 0:28:15- But their provenance... - We can link them.
0:28:15 > 0:28:18Absolutely, that is exactly right.
0:28:18 > 0:28:23The value comes in in sort of rock and pop memorabilia, really.
0:28:23 > 0:28:26And there is a big following for Abba still.
0:28:26 > 0:28:30I mean, they've sold 380 million records worldwide.
0:28:30 > 0:28:32- And you bought two.- Yeah.
0:28:32 > 0:28:35I think I probably had more than that, actually.
0:28:35 > 0:28:38They're brilliant objects and no-one else can come across these things.
0:28:38 > 0:28:40No, definitely not.
0:28:40 > 0:28:43First time at auction, so when it comes to the value it's a very
0:28:43 > 0:28:46difficult thing to try and ascertain. What shall we say?
0:28:46 > 0:28:49- I would be happy with £300. - You will go £300.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52- So if we said £300-£400, reserve of £300...- OK.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54What are you going to do with the money?
0:28:54 > 0:28:56I'm thinking of maybe a little trip to Sweden,
0:28:56 > 0:28:58see if I can find one of them.
0:28:58 > 0:28:59- Well, you might do. - I'm looking for Benny.
0:28:59 > 0:29:01He is your favourite, is he?
0:29:01 > 0:29:03Benny is your favourite? Is it going to be Money, Money, Money?
0:29:03 > 0:29:05Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!
0:29:06 > 0:29:09And with all these arcade machines and rides,
0:29:09 > 0:29:13it is Money, Money, Money that keeps the pier running.
0:29:13 > 0:29:14I am off to see Matthew Cheek,
0:29:14 > 0:29:19the man responsible for keeping all of these machines oiled with money.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE THEME PLAYS
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- Hello, Matthew.- Hello. - Pleased to meet you.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31Gosh, look at all this, Matthew. Bags of money.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34- How much is in this room? - I can't you that, it's a secret.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37- It is a lot of money. - How long have you been working here?
0:29:37 > 0:29:39- Overall, 24 years.- Gosh!
0:29:39 > 0:29:41I haven't always been doing this part of the job
0:29:41 > 0:29:45but I started back in 1991, just working on the rides, and
0:29:45 > 0:29:48gradually worked my way up to the top floor, handling all the money.
0:29:48 > 0:29:50- Have you ever run out of money? - Yes, we did, actually.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53- That must be a good day for the pier.- Recently over Easter.
0:29:53 > 0:29:54It's bad when you run out of money
0:29:54 > 0:29:57but it's a good sign cos it means you are doing a lot of business.
0:29:57 > 0:29:59But, yeah, Easter weekend we were struggling.
0:29:59 > 0:30:01And who sorts all this money out? Do you?
0:30:01 > 0:30:05- Oh, no, no, we have machines to do things like this.- Where is that?
0:30:05 > 0:30:06Come over this way, sir.
0:30:06 > 0:30:09And this is it, this is the machine that does all the counting
0:30:09 > 0:30:11and sorting for us.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13I thought it would be a lot more complicated than that.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16It's actually very simple. It works on a very simple principle.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18Would you like a demonstration? We have a bucket here.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20Oh, look, there's some 20ps...
0:30:20 > 0:30:22Some 20s, some 2s - there's a whole mixture there.
0:30:22 > 0:30:24What do you do? Just throw it in there or...?
0:30:24 > 0:30:27- You just sling it straight in. - There we go.- Go on, then.- OK.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30I've never had a bucketful of money before.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32COINS CHIME
0:30:33 > 0:30:37- Love the sound of that. - There it all is, ready to go.
0:30:37 > 0:30:39We just start it up and tip it through there.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50And there, finally, we get a full bag.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53That is £129.90.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55In what, five seconds?
0:30:55 > 0:30:59- It's easy, isn't it?- It's easy. Apart from the changing the bags.
0:30:59 > 0:31:03On a busy day, when we count all the 2p machines together,
0:31:03 > 0:31:07I might put £5,000 or £6,000 of 2ps through there.
0:31:07 > 0:31:09250, 300 bags.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12- So that is all you do, all day long. - Pretty much, yeah.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15Count money, bag money.
0:31:15 > 0:31:16Wow.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19Penny machines have been a mainstay of pleasure piers and arcades
0:31:19 > 0:31:23since they first appeared in the early decades of the 20th century.
0:31:23 > 0:31:27And it is fascinating that almost 100 years on we are still
0:31:27 > 0:31:30being entertained by the same amusements.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32Now, what has Catherine found?
0:31:32 > 0:31:34Welcome to "Flog It!", Brig -
0:31:34 > 0:31:36- what a great name, wonderful name. - Thank you.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39Where have you brought these beautiful pieces of silver from?
0:31:39 > 0:31:41They belonged to my grandmother.
0:31:41 > 0:31:44- Right, so they have been handed down through the family?- Yeah.
0:31:44 > 0:31:48- First of all, this beautiful tea caddy.- It's gorgeous, isn't it?
0:31:48 > 0:31:51It is really smart. It is a jolly nice piece.
0:31:51 > 0:31:55I love, first of all, the simplicity of the reeded decoration,
0:31:55 > 0:31:58which you also have on the top as well.
0:31:58 > 0:32:03So it is a nice simple decoration, a nice shape, and as you open it up
0:32:03 > 0:32:07- what is superb about it... - It's lovely, isn't it?
0:32:07 > 0:32:11..is this wonderful caddy spoon in the lid.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15I really like that, I think that's something very special.
0:32:15 > 0:32:20I am amazed that this spoon has been kept in there
0:32:20 > 0:32:23and it hasn't been lost and it hasn't been replaced.
0:32:23 > 0:32:27But I checked on this and it has got exactly the same hallmark
0:32:27 > 0:32:29- on this as on that.- Wonderful.
0:32:29 > 0:32:33So just to make doubly sure that they do match, we have a look
0:32:33 > 0:32:39at the initials and we see that this one has got GU and we also have that
0:32:39 > 0:32:43as well on the tea caddy itself, on the body of the tea caddy itself.
0:32:43 > 0:32:46GU, which stands in for George Unite -
0:32:46 > 0:32:49a wonderful silversmith who was making pieces
0:32:49 > 0:32:51in the early 20th century.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55Lots of small pieces, often tea caddies,
0:32:55 > 0:32:56spoons and this sort of thing.
0:32:56 > 0:32:59But this is a really nice, quality piece.
0:32:59 > 0:33:02Was tea ever kept in it, do you think?
0:33:02 > 0:33:03I don't know, I have no idea.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06I doubt very much that my grandmother put tea in it.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09- So perhaps she might have put little trinkets in there.- Maybe, yes.
0:33:09 > 0:33:12But I would like to move onto this little piece as well
0:33:12 > 0:33:15because I think the shape of that is delicious.
0:33:15 > 0:33:18- I love it, I think it is just marvellous.- It is very cute.
0:33:18 > 0:33:21It is a lovely little cream jug and the shape is beautiful,
0:33:21 > 0:33:23and this lovely hammered design.
0:33:23 > 0:33:27Now, out of the two, which one do you think is earlier?
0:33:27 > 0:33:30I have no idea. Honestly, I know nothing about silver.
0:33:30 > 0:33:33Well, this one is 1912, as we said earlier.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37- This one is a bit later - this one dates from 1926.- OK.
0:33:37 > 0:33:40But the shape of this, the handle is quite Art Nouveau
0:33:40 > 0:33:43and I love the way that this has all been hammered.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46It is almost like an Arts and Crafts design.
0:33:46 > 0:33:49But it has just got a really sweet, cute feel to it.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52- I love it.- We have got a couple of initials on this
0:33:52 > 0:33:56but I'm afraid I haven't been able to find out who it is by.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59- But I would definitely date that to 1926.- OK.
0:33:59 > 0:34:03Value on that, I would suggest putting that in at about £60-£80,
0:34:03 > 0:34:06with the firm reserve of £50.
0:34:06 > 0:34:11This one I love and I would suggest putting £100-£200 on it
0:34:11 > 0:34:14- with a firm reserve of £100. - Very nice.
0:34:14 > 0:34:18- Are you happy with those estimates? - Yes, lovely. I had no idea.
0:34:18 > 0:34:22Well, I think the important thing to say is that we need to put these
0:34:22 > 0:34:23as two independent items
0:34:23 > 0:34:27because they are worth something by themselves and they shouldn't be
0:34:27 > 0:34:31- just grouped together for a dealer to buy as scrap items.- Lovely.
0:34:31 > 0:34:35- Thank you for bringing them along. - Thank you for talking to me.
0:34:35 > 0:34:36It has been lovely to meet you.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38What beautiful craftsmanship.
0:34:38 > 0:34:42And now it is over to see what Jonathan has discovered.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45So, Louis and Jo, you have brought about this wonderful watercolour.
0:34:45 > 0:34:49- When did you get it?- 1962.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- OK.- First year I went to work, 15.
0:34:52 > 0:34:55- 15 years old, you went and bought a watercolour.- Yeah.
0:34:55 > 0:34:58Yeah, well, I looked in the window and fell in love with it.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00What was it that you fell in love with?
0:35:00 > 0:35:01The tone and the colour,
0:35:01 > 0:35:04- and when you look closely, the detail in the figures.- Yeah.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07- But I have always wondered where it was.- OK.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10- In Italy, I guess.- Yeah, that is the interesting thing, you see,
0:35:10 > 0:35:13because it is an iconic scene.
0:35:13 > 0:35:15This is St Mark's Square in Venice.
0:35:15 > 0:35:20- The blueness in the brickwork, in the stonework...- The tints.
0:35:20 > 0:35:25..you can almost imagine the water reflecting off the Grand Canal,
0:35:25 > 0:35:27and that is where you are getting this colour.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31So it is actually really quite an accomplished watercolour artist.
0:35:31 > 0:35:36This chap is a chap called Eugenio Benvenuti, so an Italian artist.
0:35:36 > 0:35:39In the late 18th and early 19th century there was this great fashion
0:35:39 > 0:35:43for well-to-do people to do their Grand Tour and they would
0:35:43 > 0:35:48go out to historic places in Italy and visit and bring back souvenirs.
0:35:48 > 0:35:53He painted from 1881 to about 1950s,
0:35:53 > 0:35:551957, thereabouts.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59I think this is probably early 20th-century,
0:35:59 > 0:36:02so probably no later than the Second World War, I would have thought.
0:36:02 > 0:36:05Jo, what is your opinion? I mean, do you like this picture?
0:36:05 > 0:36:08I like it but it has been there a long time.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11OK, so to get to the value, obviously.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14The watercolour market isn't as popular as it was
0:36:14 > 0:36:1620 years ago, let's say.
0:36:16 > 0:36:18There aren't 15-year-old boys going out
0:36:18 > 0:36:21- and buying watercolours at the moment.- Not too common.
0:36:21 > 0:36:25But it's not in bad condition, not foxed, not too faded.
0:36:25 > 0:36:28I think realistically we are looking at £80-£120.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34What reserve would you suggest?
0:36:34 > 0:36:37OK, I sense a little disappointment.
0:36:37 > 0:36:41There is a similar one that sold for £120.
0:36:41 > 0:36:45I recommend a reserve at £80, then, to protect you at that level.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47- A firm reserve? - A firm reserve of £80.
0:36:47 > 0:36:52- Are you happy with that?- Yes. - And once we have got it sold, Jo,
0:36:52 > 0:36:54what are you going to do with the money?
0:36:54 > 0:36:58I would like some Moorcroft or Lalique, possibly.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01Moorcroft or Lalique. OK, fantastic.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03Well, I'm glad you like it. It is a beautiful picture.
0:37:03 > 0:37:04Thank you, Jonathan.
0:37:09 > 0:37:11Well, sadly we are running out of time here
0:37:11 > 0:37:13from the Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15We've had a fabulous day
0:37:15 > 0:37:17but right now I'm taking this over to the auction room.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21And here is what is going under the hammer.
0:37:21 > 0:37:24Will it be Jodie's Waterloo when her Abba puppets go up for sale,
0:37:24 > 0:37:26or Money, Money, Money?
0:37:26 > 0:37:29And Louis is hoping his Grand Tour watercolour,
0:37:29 > 0:37:33bought when he was just 15, will prove to be a real investment.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38And will Brig's 20th-century silver jug
0:37:38 > 0:37:41and tea caddy be turning heads at the auction room?
0:37:46 > 0:37:49Now, time for our last visit to the saleroom and it is buzzing.
0:37:49 > 0:37:53Let's hope the bidders like our first item as much as I do.
0:37:53 > 0:37:55I have certainly got visions of the Grand Tour.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57Yes, I have just been joined by Louis and Jo
0:37:57 > 0:38:00and we have a wonderful watercolour. I love this.
0:38:00 > 0:38:02Topographical and very, very collectable.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Why are you selling this?
0:38:04 > 0:38:07Well, my tastes have broadened.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10I have gone into oils, swords and cigarette cases and Jo
0:38:10 > 0:38:13likes her ceramics, so, yeah.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16Since you have been able to go online to auctions...
0:38:16 > 0:38:18You are accessing everything.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21Mind you, you know, the Grand Tour broadens your horizons.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24When I first saw it I thought it was such a nice thing
0:38:24 > 0:38:26and the quality of the painting is very obvious.
0:38:26 > 0:38:28- The light is brilliant on it.- Yeah.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31I like anything connected to the Grand Tour. I love that whole thing.
0:38:31 > 0:38:34- Ready for this?- Yes. - Will we get the top end?- Let's go.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36We're going to find out right now.
0:38:36 > 0:38:41Lot 120, the watercolour there of St Mark's Square, Venice.
0:38:41 > 0:38:46A nice old view there. I have 55, 60, 60, 60, 60.
0:38:46 > 0:38:4965 here, 70, 5 here,
0:38:49 > 0:38:5380, 5 here, 90, 90, 90.
0:38:53 > 0:38:56- No, I'm selling on £85.- 85.
0:38:56 > 0:38:58All done on the 85.
0:38:58 > 0:39:00- Hammer's gone down, £85.- All right.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02You have had that a long time, haven't you?
0:39:02 > 0:39:05- You but that when you were 15?- Yes. - How much did you pay for it?
0:39:05 > 0:39:07- 15 guineas.- 15 guineas!
0:39:07 > 0:39:12- A good investment.- £15.75 today.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15Short and sweet, but Jo and Louis are happy with the result.
0:39:15 > 0:39:18Now, can we bring smiles all round with our next lot?
0:39:18 > 0:39:20Going under the hammer right now,
0:39:20 > 0:39:22two items of silver belonging to Brig.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26We have the jug coming up first and we have the little caddy,
0:39:26 > 0:39:29my favourite of the lots, the little tea caddy. Oh, I love that.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Why are you selling now?
0:39:31 > 0:39:34- Because they have just been sitting in a drawer.- Not doing much.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37And my kids aren't interested in them, so that's it.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40If I was one of your kids, I'd definitely have the caddy.
0:39:40 > 0:39:41- Me too!- That's nice, isn't it?
0:39:41 > 0:39:44- We'd argue over that one. - I agree with splitting them up.
0:39:44 > 0:39:47We are looking for around £60-£80 for the first lot, £100,
0:39:47 > 0:39:50- maybe £120 for the second. - It would be nice. We'll see.
0:39:50 > 0:39:51Let's see if they like it, shall we?
0:39:51 > 0:39:54It's going under the hammer right now.
0:39:54 > 0:40:00Lot 400, George V Arts and Crafts-style silver cream jug there.
0:40:00 > 0:40:021926.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05I have interest on the book at £50.
0:40:05 > 0:40:07And 5, 55.
0:40:07 > 0:40:12- 55 and 60, and 5, and 70 and 5. - There we are.
0:40:12 > 0:40:1475. With me at £70.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16And 5.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19With me and selling, then, at £70...
0:40:19 > 0:40:22- Mid estimate.- That's good, I'm happy with that.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25That's a good start. Now, how will the tea caddy fare?
0:40:25 > 0:40:29And 415, the oval silver tea caddy there.
0:40:29 > 0:40:32I'll start on the book again at 100,
0:40:32 > 0:40:35110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160...
0:40:35 > 0:40:39- It'll find a good home. - 170 here, 180 now.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42180 now. 180 now, bid's with me
0:40:42 > 0:40:47and selling again on £170...
0:40:47 > 0:40:49- £170, that's a good result. - That is a good result.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53- Very good result.- Yes.- Very good. - Happy?- Yes, very happy.
0:40:53 > 0:40:55A good day out, wasn't it? Really good day.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58Good day at the valuation day, great day in the auction room.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01- Thank you so much for bringing your treasures in.- You're welcome.
0:41:01 > 0:41:06Another good result - a grand total of £240 for Brig's silver.
0:41:06 > 0:41:10Now, will it be Money, Money, Money with our next lot?
0:41:10 > 0:41:14If you are an Abba fan you will love our next lot belonging to Jodie.
0:41:14 > 0:41:18We have got the four Pelham Puppets. Well, made by a Pelham puppeteer.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21Why are you selling these? Have you fallen out of love with Abba?
0:41:21 > 0:41:23I still love Abba but the time has come to move on.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26It is space in the house, children in the house...
0:41:26 > 0:41:28Do you walk around the house listening to Abba music?
0:41:28 > 0:41:30- Is it on the stereo all the time? - Absolutely all the time.
0:41:30 > 0:41:33It makes you feel good. I mean, it is great songwriting.
0:41:33 > 0:41:35- It is good songwriting. - It is my childhood.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38We are looking at £300-£400, I believe, for the four characters.
0:41:38 > 0:41:40Will I get to Sweden?
0:41:40 > 0:41:42I don't know, I don't know.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45We're going to find out. Ready?
0:41:45 > 0:41:47It could be hej da! This is it.
0:41:49 > 0:41:53I have interest on the book and do we have a telephone?
0:41:53 > 0:41:56- Oh, thank you, we have a telephone. - Brilliant, competition.
0:41:56 > 0:42:00So, starting at 260, 270, my bid.
0:42:00 > 0:42:05280, 280, 280. 290, 300.
0:42:05 > 0:42:08300, 300 on the phone.
0:42:08 > 0:42:13320, my bid. 340, 340, 340 on the phone.
0:42:13 > 0:42:14360 now.
0:42:14 > 0:42:17360 now. 360, anyone else?
0:42:17 > 0:42:19It's 340 on the telephone.
0:42:19 > 0:42:24360 in the room, 380, 380, 380 bid.
0:42:24 > 0:42:27400 bid. 420, 420.
0:42:27 > 0:42:29It's against the phone.
0:42:29 > 0:42:32- It's in the room, then, at £400. Anyone else?- Come on.
0:42:32 > 0:42:34Selling at 400, then...
0:42:36 > 0:42:38- They've gone. What a great result. - That is a good result, isn't it?
0:42:38 > 0:42:42- Happy? You got to be happy with that.- That's £100 for each person.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44- Yeah.- The winner takes it all.
0:42:44 > 0:42:45You took my line!
0:42:46 > 0:42:48MUSIC: The Winner Takes It All
0:42:48 > 0:42:53Back of the room 90, anyone else? Selling at 85...
0:42:53 > 0:42:56Well, there you are, that's it. It's all over for our owners.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59As you can see, the sale is just about to come to an end.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02We have had a fabulous day here in Weston-super-Mare.
0:43:02 > 0:43:03I hope you have enjoyed the show.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06See you again soon for many more surprises from auction rooms
0:43:06 > 0:43:08to come all around the country.
0:43:08 > 0:43:09But until then, it is goodbye.