0:00:02 > 0:00:06There's sea and sand, antiques on hand, the public are here.
0:00:06 > 0:00:07So's the auctioneer.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45This is how Flog It works. You bring your unwanted antiques
0:00:45 > 0:00:47and collectables to one of our valuation days.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53They, the experts, value all the antiques brought
0:00:53 > 0:00:56to the table and tell you exactly how much they think they're worth.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04He, the auctioneer, sells the items in this saleroom.
0:01:04 > 0:01:09Fingers crossed for a good result because sometimes we don't always get what we are hoping for.
0:01:12 > 0:01:15No, no, no, no, no. Oh, no.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19But sometimes, we get a nice surprise.
0:01:19 > 0:01:21That sound is a "sold" sound.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24The hammer's gone down. That is brilliant.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Hundreds are queuing up at the Pavilion Theatre in Weymouth -
0:01:34 > 0:01:36all laden with antiques and collectables.
0:01:36 > 0:01:39They're here to see our experts - Mark Stacey and Susan Orringe.
0:01:39 > 0:01:41So let's not keep them waiting any longer.
0:01:45 > 0:01:48- Hello.- Hello.- A lovely piece of Wemyss you've brought us today.
0:01:48 > 0:01:49We can all see what it is.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Let's have a bit of the family history.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54It belonged to my mum.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57We found it in a cupboard after she died.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01- I've had it on the sideboard since. - And you didn't know it was there?
0:02:01 > 0:02:02Not in my mum's, no.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05- But you recognised it when you found it?- Yes.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07I'd seen it on television before, similar things.
0:02:07 > 0:02:10It's a very bold design. It's very recognisable, isn't it?
0:02:10 > 0:02:14And the Wemyss factory based in Scotland, in Fife.
0:02:14 > 0:02:18They produced a massive series of wares at the end of the 19th century
0:02:18 > 0:02:22and it was a great favourite with the late Queen Mother. She collected a lot of it.
0:02:22 > 0:02:26They are particularly well known for those very large pigs
0:02:26 > 0:02:29that they used to use as door stoppers.
0:02:29 > 0:02:31And they can make a lot of money.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34This piece is a nice example - a biscuit barrel
0:02:34 > 0:02:37and it's titled as well - with "biscuits" which I love.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39It's great fun.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42And when you found it, did it excite you?
0:02:42 > 0:02:45- It did. I thought it was very pretty.- It's nicely marked.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47We've got the painted mark here
0:02:47 > 0:02:52and then also on the side we've got the impressed Wemyss mark.
0:02:52 > 0:02:55It's going to date to about 1890.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58Nice condition. There's a little bit of crazing,
0:02:58 > 0:03:01but you find that with Wemyss, so don't worry about that.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04It's a very soft pottery and it's very highly glazed
0:03:04 > 0:03:06and decorated, so it chips quite easily.
0:03:06 > 0:03:08Have you thought about the value?
0:03:08 > 0:03:12I hadn't until we saw one on TV before.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15We were getting a little bit concerned
0:03:15 > 0:03:18because we've got a grandson and he's a real livewire.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20So we thought, maybe sell it.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22It's a cracking piece.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24I like it very much indeed.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29If we were putting it in to auction I would feel very comfortable putting £200 - £300 on it.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- Then we'll put a reserve of 200.- OK.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35- We don't want to give it away, do we?- No, no.
0:03:35 > 0:03:38Maybe with a bit of discretion for the auctioneer,
0:03:38 > 0:03:4110% or something like that, if you're comfortable with that.
0:03:41 > 0:03:44- But I think it will sell very well. - Oh, fine!
0:03:44 > 0:03:47Thank you very much. I look forward to meeting you again at the auction.
0:03:47 > 0:03:50Let's hope we'll take in a Hobnob together.
0:03:50 > 0:03:51Yes, maybe.
0:04:00 > 0:04:04This is a bit of a wow factor, isn't it? Really stands out.
0:04:04 > 0:04:06Looks like it could be French.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09Yes, I'm French. We're from France, yeah.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12And you live over here now, do you?
0:04:12 > 0:04:15- In Weymouth?- Yes. We brought it with us from France.
0:04:15 > 0:04:20- Do you like being in Weymouth? - Yeah, we got to keep the Med kind of vibe
0:04:20 > 0:04:22and don't want to move anywhere inland.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25Yes, it's lovely round the seafront, isn't it?
0:04:25 > 0:04:28Yeah. I see that it's a heavy piece of glass -
0:04:28 > 0:04:34the sort of hobnail cut decoration round here and this panel cutting round there.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36It's quite a nice oval.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39And then they've added this - it's not bronze,
0:04:39 > 0:04:42it's a gilt metal mount... these handles.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45And then this is stuck on.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50That lifts off there and then you've got this sort of gilt metal base
0:04:50 > 0:04:52and it's quite nice.
0:04:52 > 0:04:57The scroll and leaf decoration round it on the sort of gallery rail.
0:04:57 > 0:05:03Date-wise, I would say it was about 1920, that sort of Empire style.
0:05:03 > 0:05:05Oh, right.
0:05:05 > 0:05:09- I think it's a nice piece. Do you have other pieces like it? - She did have.
0:05:09 > 0:05:13We had another piece that was kind of similar, but it broke.
0:05:13 > 0:05:18- First time one, we put in the bin. - Oh, OK. So, do you use it?
0:05:18 > 0:05:21Yeah, we've always had it in the house, always used it.
0:05:21 > 0:05:26Mum got really quite upset when you were quite interested in it.
0:05:26 > 0:05:28She's had it longer than I've been around.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- Oh really, Oh God! - I think she got a bit emotional.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34It might be quite hard for you to part with it.
0:05:34 > 0:05:37- Yes.- So you really think you might want to sell it?- Yes.
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- She wants to.- I need the money. - Oh, you need the money.
0:05:41 > 0:05:45This would do quite well because it's very decorative and it's that kind of...
0:05:45 > 0:05:49it's unusual and it would look quite good somewhere.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52Have you thought about its value?
0:05:52 > 0:05:55Not very. No.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00If we put it in at a conservative estimate of £100, £150...
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- That would be nice. - Would that be all right?
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- Yes.- We can put a reserve at the lower end.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- We'll try. Hopefully, it will do well.- OK?- Thank you.
0:06:17 > 0:06:22There really is a fantastic holiday atmosphere going on here on the valuation day.
0:06:22 > 0:06:27I've just been joined by one family on holiday - David and Tessa and kids, Kitty and Millie.
0:06:27 > 0:06:29- Having fun?- Yes.
0:06:29 > 0:06:33Yes! And Mum and Dad have brought in something to flog, haven't they?
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- Do you like this? What about you, Millie?- Don't know.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41- So whose is it? Is it yours, Tessa? - Yes, it is.- Tell me about it.
0:06:41 > 0:06:45It belonged to my grandfather and was up in the loft.
0:06:45 > 0:06:48My mother still lives in the house where she grew up.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51We were rummaging up there one day and David saw it,
0:06:51 > 0:06:54said he liked it, so Mum said we could have it.
0:06:54 > 0:06:58It was hanging in our kitchen, but we've re-decorated and it doesn't suit any more.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02It doesn't need to be in the kitchen. It could go in the hall.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05It doesn't seem to suit any of the rooms at the moment.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08We do like it. We have loved it when it's been on the wall.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12I think he's absolutely charming. He really is fantastic.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15He's been done by a Mr Alvin Burt.
0:07:15 > 0:07:20If you couldn't afford a portrait in oil - let's say a family portrait or a portrait of yourself -
0:07:20 > 0:07:24you went to a miniature artist because he could do one a lot quicker
0:07:24 > 0:07:26by virtue of the fact that they're tiny.
0:07:26 > 0:07:31You could have a little portrait done of yourself or a little miniature figure of yourself.
0:07:31 > 0:07:36And here's the cost - because you could go to his studio, which is wonderful.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39Gives this a little bit of history, here we are.
0:07:39 > 0:07:42"Miniature painting taught," so he gave lessons
0:07:42 > 0:07:44"in striking likenesses."
0:07:44 > 0:07:46"Mr Burt.
0:07:46 > 0:07:52"Coloured Profiles, full length, Ten shillings and sixpence."
0:07:52 > 0:07:56Or just as a miniature, three shillings.
0:07:56 > 0:07:57Now...
0:07:57 > 0:08:00This is worth considerably more than that.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03Portrait miniatures are big business.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06He reminds me of Mr Pickwick or someone like that,
0:08:06 > 0:08:12especially with the chair, sitting on a lovely bentwood Windsor chair.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15It's got the look. The decorators will love this and the dealers,
0:08:15 > 0:08:17purely because of the provenance on the back.
0:08:17 > 0:08:21It looks typically William IV, it's just pre-Victorian.
0:08:21 > 0:08:26lovely, contemporary rosewood frame, which is totally original.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29You can tell that because if you look at the back -
0:08:29 > 0:08:35you can see it's got the original rusty pin holes that are holding the frame together
0:08:35 > 0:08:39and the fact that the brown paper is still intact in places.
0:08:39 > 0:08:41It has a little bit of damage. It's what we call foxing.
0:08:41 > 0:08:43But that's nothing.
0:08:43 > 0:08:48A little bit of preservation and TLC will stop that from going any further.
0:08:48 > 0:08:51It's signed and it's dated.
0:08:51 > 0:08:53Can you see that?
0:08:53 > 0:09:00- Signed Mr Burt, 1836. - That is a long time ago. - That is a long time ago, isn't it?
0:09:00 > 0:09:05- Let's talk about value. What do you think it's worth? - I have no idea, at all.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08I'm going to put this in with a brave punt of £300,
0:09:08 > 0:09:14but with a reserve of 250. Would you be happy with that?
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- Lovely, yes.- If it doesn't sell, you get to keep it.
0:09:17 > 0:09:21- If we keep it, we'll find somewhere special for it.- Yeah.
0:09:21 > 0:09:26So let's call it a valuation of £250 to £300 and I hope it gets to the top end.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28- Thank you very much.- OK?
0:09:33 > 0:09:36Audrey, I'm really pleased you brought along this pocket watch.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38What do you know about it?
0:09:38 > 0:09:41It belonged to my grandfather
0:09:41 > 0:09:49and was passed down to my mother in about the 1950s.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- Did your grandfather used to wear it? - I never knew him.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56- He died in the 1920s.- No, OK.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00I'm sure he did wear it, but probably just on Sundays.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03What's nice is, this is known as a hunter pocket watch.
0:10:03 > 0:10:08It's a hunter because it's enclosed so therefore if you went out hunting,
0:10:08 > 0:10:15- rather than have an open face, this piece of gold would protect the glass.- I see.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17So you get hunters, half-hunters and open face.
0:10:17 > 0:10:20So that's nice to have, just to protect that.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23And and if we have a look at it,
0:10:23 > 0:10:29if you notice the maker, Thomas Russell and son, Liverpool.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- Was there a connection?- Yes. The family came from Liverpool, yes.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- My mother lived in Liverpool.- Right.
0:10:35 > 0:10:37And you've got a subsidiary dial here.
0:10:37 > 0:10:39This is a seconds dial on there.
0:10:39 > 0:10:41You can see that.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45It's a keyless watch. You would just wind it at the top here.
0:10:45 > 0:10:51And if we look at the back, we can open into the movement.
0:10:51 > 0:10:55And you've actually got a seven-jewelled movement.
0:10:55 > 0:10:58You can see the seven jewels.
0:10:58 > 0:11:03It's nice. It's actually nine carat gold as opposed to 18.
0:11:03 > 0:11:06What's also nice is, you've got this chain -
0:11:06 > 0:11:12this curved link chain and then you can use them as necklaces.
0:11:12 > 0:11:14What's nice about this one is, it's not graduated.
0:11:14 > 0:11:19- It would sit better as a necklace, if you wanted to.- Yes.
0:11:19 > 0:11:25They'll probably sell the two items together, but...
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Why are you thinking of selling it?
0:11:28 > 0:11:31Because there isn't anybody in the family who would ever use it.
0:11:31 > 0:11:36- No, no.- They're just not used and it's sat in a drawer for 50 years.
0:11:36 > 0:11:41- Seems a shame, doesn't it, when somebody else could enjoy it?- Yes.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- And have you thought about its value at all?- Well, I...
0:11:44 > 0:11:51- I've wondered but I have no idea. - If we were to put the two items together, the watch and chain,
0:11:51 > 0:11:57we could put them in for between £150 and £200. Would you be happy?
0:11:57 > 0:11:58Yes. Yes, that's fine.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01What we can do it is put the reserve at the lower end,
0:12:01 > 0:12:04- so put the reserve in at 150. - I think so, yes.
0:12:04 > 0:12:09That would be all right? We'll do that for you. Thank you.
0:12:09 > 0:12:12There's a holiday spirit in Weymouth
0:12:12 > 0:12:16and it's nearly time to see if the auction house is in a sunny mood.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20Before we get under way, let's remind ourselves what's going under the hammer.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24Linda brought in a wonderful biscuit jar.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29But will it sell for £300 or crumble in the heat of the auction?
0:12:29 > 0:12:32Sarah and Christine bought this fantastic bowl in France.
0:12:32 > 0:12:37But will they be bidding au revoir for £150?
0:12:37 > 0:12:39I love the Clark family's miniature.
0:12:39 > 0:12:43But will it make a massive profit at £250 to £300?
0:12:43 > 0:12:47And finally, Susan found this lovely pocket watch,
0:12:47 > 0:12:51but will Audrey be taking home £200 in her pocket?
0:12:55 > 0:12:58This is where our antiques will go under the hammer. Duke's saleroom.
0:12:58 > 0:13:02Before the action starts, let's catch up with auctioneer, Gary Batt,
0:13:02 > 0:13:05who knows more about the local market than anybody.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07Will our items cut the mustard?
0:13:07 > 0:13:12And could Mark have been a little more generous with one of his valuations?
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Linda's Wemyss biscuit barrel - found in a cupboard.
0:13:15 > 0:13:19Mark Stacey's put £200 - £300 on this and it's as clean as a whistle.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21No chips, no damage.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23I say that's a very easy estimate really
0:13:23 > 0:13:26because Wemyss is very collectable.
0:13:26 > 0:13:30It's one of those areas of late 19th century, early 20th century ceramics
0:13:30 > 0:13:33which is growing and growing in value. It's a very important factory.
0:13:33 > 0:13:39I think it was in Kirkcaldy in Scotland and people really like it.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43I'd have thought it would certainly be £300, and again, it could be more,
0:13:43 > 0:13:46it could be £400 - £500 if you get the real collectors of it.
0:13:46 > 0:13:51This is a good pattern, the blown out, wiped out roses. Very saleable.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54Not quite as desirable as the cockerels.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58You get those black cockerels, which are really strong, but it's what people want.
0:13:58 > 0:14:02- It's a nice, intact object. - Would you like this for home?
0:14:02 > 0:14:04I'd like it. I wouldn't put my biscuits in it
0:14:04 > 0:14:08because we eat more than you could fit in there, having young children.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10But I would like it. It's a nice thing.
0:14:10 > 0:14:13I'm sure it would be a good investment as well.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15OK. Stick your neck out. What will it do?
0:14:15 > 0:14:22- Well, this is only a semi-educated guess but, 450-500. - Thanks very much.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35Introducing some continental flavour in the show now -
0:14:35 > 0:14:37we've got Sarah and Christine who are French.
0:14:37 > 0:14:39- But you speak good English.- Yes.
0:14:39 > 0:14:45Mum's not so good on the English, but Mum did bring in this gorgeous little continental glass fruit bowl.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46Which you're flogging.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49- It's going under the hammer. Isn't it?- Mm-hm.
0:14:49 > 0:14:51In just a moment. But we want, what?
0:14:51 > 0:14:54More, more, more, more.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57Let's hope it gets to the top end of £100-£150.
0:14:57 > 0:14:59This was bought in France, wasn't it?
0:14:59 > 0:15:01- Yes.- Susan, will it do the top end?
0:15:01 > 0:15:03I hope so. We want lots of money for it.
0:15:03 > 0:15:07It's a nice, big, heavy cut-glass bowl, with a nice gilt rim.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12It's just about to go under the hammer. It's the next lot. What's "under the hammer" in French?
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- Comment? Le marteau. - Sous le marteau.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- Sous le marteau.- Le mart-eau.- And will they like this, do you think?
0:15:20 > 0:15:21SHE SINGS IN FRENCH
0:15:25 > 0:15:27- Naturellement.- She's singing a French song.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29Lot 135 is this very pretty
0:15:29 > 0:15:34Art-Deco style cut-glass and gilt-mounted bowl.
0:15:34 > 0:15:35At £50 to start me.
0:15:35 > 0:15:3750 bid. 55, I'll take.
0:15:37 > 0:15:3955. 60 anywhere now? At 55.
0:15:39 > 0:15:4160 anyone? 60.
0:15:41 > 0:15:475. 70, 5, at 70. Near me at 70.
0:15:47 > 0:15:505, 80. 5 90.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55At £85... 90? Will anyone accept?
0:15:55 > 0:15:56£85. 90 anywhere?
0:15:56 > 0:16:00Are we done then? Quite clear? 90 anyone?
0:16:00 > 0:16:02At £85.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05- He didn't sell it, did he?- No.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07- I'm glad.- You're glad?
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- Why are you glad? Because you want to keep it?- Yes.
0:16:11 > 0:16:14Why did you put yourself through all this purgatory then?
0:16:14 > 0:16:17I wanted more. I wanted £150.
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- I know you want more, we all want more.- £150 would be nice.
0:16:21 > 0:16:22Not that, no.
0:16:22 > 0:16:29I'm so sorry but thank you very much for coming in and lighting up the whole saleroom with your French.
0:16:34 > 0:16:38Now it's the Wemyss biscuit barrel going under the hammer brought in by Linda and Eric.
0:16:38 > 0:16:42Quality item. Great pattern. Looks like it's brand new.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44- You've never used this, have you? - I haven't.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47It is early 1900s, sort of early Edwardian.
0:16:47 > 0:16:51It's quality. I love the pattern. The auctioneer said, and you don't know this,
0:16:51 > 0:16:55- he would put 3-4 on it not 2-3.- Good Lord.
0:16:55 > 0:16:57I need a seat.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01It's going under the hammer right now. Let's see if it does the top end.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03And now Lot 267 -
0:17:03 > 0:17:08this very attractive Scottish Wemyss factory biscuit barrel and cover.
0:17:08 > 0:17:10£100 to start.
0:17:10 > 0:17:15100 is bid. And 10, shall we say? 100 is bid.
0:17:15 > 0:17:21And 10? 110, 120, 130, 140, 150,
0:17:21 > 0:17:29160, 170, 180, 190, 200, and 20, sir.
0:17:29 > 0:17:34240, 260, 280, 300,
0:17:34 > 0:17:37and 20, at £300 near me.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39£300 seated? 300.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43And 20, anyone like? In the room, are we all quite clear?
0:17:43 > 0:17:47It's going nearly, at £300, I sell...
0:17:47 > 0:17:51He's done it. Top end, Mark.
0:17:51 > 0:17:52- Well done.- Well done.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54What's the 300 quid going towards?
0:17:56 > 0:17:58Eric's night out.
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- Is that right?- She said it would go on treating herself.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06I disagreed with that since.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08Treat the family I suppose.
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- Have a good night out.- Yes, we will.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Thank you for coming in.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22Pressure's on. It's my time to be the expert.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26Let's see if I can get this right. It's that lovely miniature painting by Mr Burt.
0:18:26 > 0:18:31I've been joined by Tessa and David but something's missing - I think it's the kids.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- Kitty and Millie - where are they? - They're at school today.
0:18:34 > 0:18:35- Oh!- We said they had to go.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38- They're very angry.- I bet they are because they were going to try
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- and talk you into giving them the day off school. - They tried very hard.
0:18:42 > 0:18:46Bless them. Let's hope you can go home with a great surprise.
0:18:46 > 0:18:49Let's hope you get the top end. I'm feeling really scared
0:18:49 > 0:18:52because this is a general sale and I think this is quality -
0:18:52 > 0:18:55something for the connoisseur. It's beautiful.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59You know I wouldn't be selling it. You know I'd love to own it, but I can't.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02- I think it's a little treasure. - Thank you.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07Hopefully, if to people love it as much as I do, they will bid it up - and it'll do £300.
0:19:07 > 0:19:10- Fingers crossed. - It's going under the hammer.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15Lot 348, a Burt miniature portrait of a gentleman,
0:19:15 > 0:19:18inscribed and dated, Newbury, 1836.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21Who'll start me off with this lot at £200?
0:19:21 > 0:19:23£200?
0:19:23 > 0:19:26150, anyone, 150 is bid.
0:19:26 > 0:19:31160, 170, 180,
0:19:31 > 0:19:38190, any advance on 190? At £190 all done...
0:19:38 > 0:19:40and finished.
0:19:40 > 0:19:44- Bids petered out. I'm sorry. - It's OK.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47That was worth a lot more than £190.
0:19:47 > 0:19:51I'm glad he didn't sell for that. We'll take it home and we'll find somewhere to re-hang it.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53And enjoy it.
0:19:53 > 0:19:59I've just been joined by Audrey and John who are going to sell Audrey's granddad's hunter pocket watch.
0:19:59 > 0:20:00- It's nine carat gold.- Yes.
0:20:00 > 0:20:05Why are you flogging something that your granddad had? You could keep that and use it.
0:20:05 > 0:20:06It works.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10- But no-one in our family wears a suit any more.- What about John?
0:20:10 > 0:20:12- Does he do Sunday best?- No, I don't.
0:20:12 > 0:20:18- Very quiet on a Sunday. - Little waistcoat?- Not for me.- No?
0:20:18 > 0:20:20Burlington Bertie - I can see it.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24Good luck. Let's hope we get the top end of the estimate.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28It should do £150. It's got a fob and it's nine carat gold.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32Yeah, and with the chain, it should do very well.
0:20:32 > 0:20:34It's nice, being a hunter as well.
0:20:34 > 0:20:36And it's working.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39Yes, so high hopes for it.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42Time is up. It's going under the hammer. Good luck.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45Next lot is lot 314, coming up.
0:20:45 > 0:20:47This gentleman's nine carat gold
0:20:47 > 0:20:49hunting-case pocket watch with a chain.
0:20:49 > 0:20:53Quality lot at £100. £100 is bid.
0:20:53 > 0:20:55110, I'll take on the side.
0:20:55 > 0:20:57120, anyone like in the room?
0:20:57 > 0:21:00120, near. 130, 140,
0:21:00 > 0:21:03150, 160,
0:21:03 > 0:21:06170, 180. I'll come back, sir, 190.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09200. And 10.
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- 220, 230.- This is quality.
0:21:13 > 0:21:14They love it.
0:21:14 > 0:21:19Quite clear, going at £220 and selling.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Hammer's gone down. Got to be happy with that. Haven't you?
0:21:22 > 0:21:23Very happy, yes.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26More than I could have dreamed. Yes.
0:21:26 > 0:21:29What's it going towards?
0:21:29 > 0:21:35My father wore the watch, so I will split the money between his four great-grandchildren.
0:21:35 > 0:21:40That's sensible, that's a nice idea. He would like that, wouldn't he?
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- He would.- Treat yourself as well. - We will.- Somewhere along the line.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48- Maybe a trip on the Waverley tomorrow - the paddle steamer.- OK.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- Good result, Susan. - Very good result. I'm very pleased.
0:21:52 > 0:21:56I think it did well. Just shows you the quality, doesn't it?
0:21:56 > 0:21:58Quality always does the business.
0:22:04 > 0:22:08We travelled just a few miles down the road from our valuation day
0:22:08 > 0:22:12to the very dramatic Isle of Portland which is famous for this -
0:22:12 > 0:22:14stone.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18Portland is made of a distinctive limestone
0:22:18 > 0:22:20formed 140 million years ago.
0:22:20 > 0:22:22The cliffs are relatively soft.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25The stone in the heart of the island is so strong,
0:22:25 > 0:22:27it's used in construction all over the world.
0:22:29 > 0:22:35Builders were quick to realise that Portland stone was incredibly hard wearing.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39In 1539, even Henry VIII built a castle made from this stone
0:22:39 > 0:22:41and after the Great Fire of London,
0:22:41 > 0:22:44Sir Christopher Wren ordered 6 million tons of it
0:22:44 > 0:22:48to rebuild the city of London and St Paul's Cathedral.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54The popularity of Portland stone reached a peak in the 1800s
0:22:54 > 0:22:57when as many as 800 men worked in the quarries.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Their skills are kept alive by people like Punt Saunders,
0:23:00 > 0:23:05who is going to show me a little of the quarryman's back-breaking work.
0:23:05 > 0:23:08- So tell me what you're going to do here.- I'm going to split this stone.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11These are the old ways with wedges and scales.
0:23:11 > 0:23:16I'm going to make a pit right across the stone and put these in and cut them that way.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21I've seen logs in a forest split with wedges and beetles, so I guess it's the same sort of technique.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- Running with some kind of grain? - That's right, yes.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26- What did you call these again? - Scales.- Scales?
0:23:26 > 0:23:30OK. And when did these come out of fashion?
0:23:30 > 0:23:33- When did they stop using these? - 1955, I think, yeah.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38- These came in.- So the idea is, you drill holes in there?
0:23:38 > 0:23:42Drill holes in there, put these in and just tap them along
0:23:42 > 0:23:43and it should split.
0:23:43 > 0:23:46If it was a very high stone you put some up and down the side
0:23:46 > 0:23:49to help it on as well.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51Also make the cut much greater.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55And is this the average-sized rock that you'd be splitting?
0:23:55 > 0:23:57No, it's much bigger than this.
0:23:57 > 0:23:59This is just a small one. Yes.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02Are you going to give it a clout, see if we can split this?
0:24:02 > 0:24:04- Yeah, OK.- Shall I stand back?
0:24:04 > 0:24:05No, you're all right.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08Almost playing a musical note there on each one.
0:24:08 > 0:24:10Yeah.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14HAMMER REVERBERATES
0:24:14 > 0:24:16There it goes.
0:24:16 > 0:24:18You can hear it, can't you?
0:24:23 > 0:24:28Quarrymen in the 1800s shifted tons of stone a day by hand.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32Life was tough. But there's no stopping progress.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36A revolution is going on, deep inside Portland where the stone is being mined -
0:24:36 > 0:24:38not quarried from the surface - for the first time.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45One man who knows all about stone mines is Mark Godden.
0:24:45 > 0:24:49How does life differ to a quarryman back in the early 1800s, with all the modern technology?
0:24:49 > 0:24:54- It's got to have changed. - As an industry, it was obviously much more labour-intensive.
0:24:54 > 0:24:59We're able to produce large quantities of material with relatively few people.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03Whereas back then, the emphasis was on mass employment -
0:25:03 > 0:25:05hundreds of people in the industry.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08And you can imagine it being dragged with ropes and pulleys,
0:25:08 > 0:25:10wooden cranes getting it down the cliff face.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13- Horses. Lots of horses.- Yeah.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15Of course, this was an island, so they'd have gone by boat.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18The island's very self-sufficient.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21A lot of quarrymen also did things like fishing and gardening...
0:25:21 > 0:25:27- to supplement their incomes. - Typical islanders - a real hardy race.- Very much.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31Quite insular. Not much interchange between the island and the mainland
0:25:31 > 0:25:34up until 150 years ago, when the railway came.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37And where is all this rock going to go now?
0:25:37 > 0:25:41Most of this material that you see around you here will end up going on
0:25:41 > 0:25:45to projects in London - both restoration projects and new buildings as well.
0:25:47 > 0:25:52Before it reaches the building site, the stone must come here to a mason's yard.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55In the early 1800s, stone had to be moved by carts
0:25:55 > 0:26:01or dragged on wooden sleds, so stonemasons' yards had to be close to the quarry.
0:26:01 > 0:26:08Although the steam railway was built in the mid-19th century, the masons' work was still hard, manual labour.
0:26:08 > 0:26:10The work is now highly mechanised.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13Here at Albion Stone, they can handle rock
0:26:13 > 0:26:16the size of two double-decker buses - every week.
0:26:19 > 0:26:25Since mining started on Portland in the year 1200, 32 million tons of stone
0:26:25 > 0:26:29has been transported to stonemasons all over the world.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32It's been used in the United Nations building in New York,
0:26:32 > 0:26:36Waterloo Bridge and of course, BBC's Broadcasting House.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39With all this stone left, there's plenty more landmarks to come.
0:26:39 > 0:26:43Right now, it's time for me to join up with our experts on valuation day.
0:27:00 > 0:27:02Christine, you've brought your daughter
0:27:02 > 0:27:05and also a lovely collection of seals.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07Are you a collector of them?
0:27:07 > 0:27:10Yes, I've been collecting for about 18 years.
0:27:10 > 0:27:13I started off with just a simple one - for jewellery more than anything else.
0:27:13 > 0:27:19Then I found they've got heraldry on the bottom of some of them
0:27:19 > 0:27:21and I became fascinated.
0:27:21 > 0:27:26Finding families and where they'd come from, who owned them perhaps in some of the cases.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31But I've got too many, now.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34- How many have you got? - I suppose probably about 60 or so.
0:27:34 > 0:27:39- Really? Oh, gosh.- I think it was time to get rid of a few.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43- Do you like them, Caroline?- Yes, I think they are very attractive.
0:27:43 > 0:27:45There are some beautiful ones.
0:27:45 > 0:27:48I don't know anything about the heraldry like my mother does,
0:27:48 > 0:27:52but I find it fascinating looking at it, and the history of them.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55And do you display them? Do you keep them in a cabinet?
0:27:55 > 0:28:00Yes, I have got them in a cabinet, but they are difficult to see
0:28:00 > 0:28:02because they are rather small...
0:28:02 > 0:28:06but I wear them when I can.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09It's nice to be able to wear something you're collecting.
0:28:09 > 0:28:14And it's a talking point. You pick this one out - this is an nice agate one.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17Yes. I thought it was very attractive.
0:28:17 > 0:28:20Yes, with the gold around it, and I think it's got some initials on.
0:28:20 > 0:28:23Yes, I don't know whose the initials are.
0:28:23 > 0:28:25I should think someone Victorian?
0:28:25 > 0:28:31- Yes. It's a nice quality, isn't it? - Yes.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33And these two are nice - silver ones -
0:28:33 > 0:28:3718th century, probably the 1780s, something like that.
0:28:37 > 0:28:42But they're quite... it's quite nice to hold them
0:28:42 > 0:28:45and think who might have worn them and used them.
0:28:45 > 0:28:47Makes you wonder, doesn't it?
0:28:47 > 0:28:51And then it's nice you've got the desk ones here.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- This one has got a bone handle... - Oh, yes.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57..as opposed to a ivory. There's a little ship on that,
0:28:57 > 0:29:00which is quite nice, for Weymouth and things.
0:29:00 > 0:29:02Yes, very appropriate. I hadn't thought of that!
0:29:02 > 0:29:06Very appropriate. These are probably more 19th century.
0:29:06 > 0:29:10Ivory handles... This is a nice turned ivory one, isn't it?
0:29:10 > 0:29:13You've got a little bit of a crack on that one. This one is more...
0:29:13 > 0:29:17it doesn't appear to have a great deal of age to it.
0:29:17 > 0:29:21It doesn't have the quality of some of the ones you've got here.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25Although it's still got a Victorian feel to it, but it's not...
0:29:25 > 0:29:29The definition's not very good on it.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31And so I think that's more of a copy.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34Where do you buy them from?
0:29:34 > 0:29:37Various places. Quite small sales at one time,
0:29:37 > 0:29:41but now they don't usually appear quite so readily.
0:29:41 > 0:29:43You don't seem to be able to get hold of them.
0:29:43 > 0:29:45I suppose they're getting old, like I am.
0:29:45 > 0:29:50But it's like everything, isn't it? Once you start collecting it...
0:29:50 > 0:29:52- They disappear.- Why do you want to sell these ones?
0:29:52 > 0:29:57Well, ideally, I'd perhaps like to buy another one
0:29:57 > 0:30:00that was better quality and maybe had the heraldry on.
0:30:00 > 0:30:05- Yes.- And I think it's time I got rid of a few of them anyway.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09And any idea, from what you've been paying, what they might be worth?
0:30:09 > 0:30:12It's difficult to say because I bought them some time ago,
0:30:12 > 0:30:15but I wouldn't have thought an awful lot of money.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17Yeah. I think, if we were to put them in,
0:30:17 > 0:30:22- we would look maybe at putting a reserve on of 400.- Oh, gosh!
0:30:22 > 0:30:25- With an estimate of 450. - That would be lovely.
0:30:25 > 0:30:30- Would that be all right?- That would be nice. I could buy another seal. - It's quite a collection here.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32To collectors, they should do quite well.
0:30:32 > 0:30:35So let's just hope people are going back to the days
0:30:35 > 0:30:41- of crests and things like that.- Let's hope people write letters now!- Yes.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50Jenny, Barry, a great-looking pair of vases,
0:30:50 > 0:30:54but before we find out what they are, can you fill us in on the family history?
0:30:54 > 0:30:59Well, originally, my husband used them for an ashtray.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01I dislike them intensely.
0:31:01 > 0:31:05They got knocked about a bit, chipped.
0:31:05 > 0:31:09I was eventually going to throw them away and my husband kept saying,
0:31:09 > 0:31:13"My grandfather designed those." And I said, "Yeah, yeah, right."
0:31:13 > 0:31:16But looking into the history of them,
0:31:16 > 0:31:18he did design them for Linthorpe.
0:31:18 > 0:31:22- Well, let's get hubby to have a word now, Jenny.- Please do.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Give us a little bit of the family history.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29- I'm intrigued that those were designed by your grandfather. - My grandfather was a design...
0:31:29 > 0:31:31Not a designer - a painter, or whatever.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36And when he died, my mother took them obviously.
0:31:36 > 0:31:39To cut a long story short,
0:31:39 > 0:31:42Mum went and then we inherited them and as I say,
0:31:42 > 0:31:46- I used them as an ashtray as I was walking down the porch. - What was your grandfather's name?
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- Arthur Pascal Shorter. - Yes, Arthur Pascal Shorter.
0:31:49 > 0:31:54And I did notice, actually, on one of the vases, we have got a monogram of AS,
0:31:54 > 0:31:57which obviously ties in with that, which is lovely.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00And of course, the magical word you've mentioned is Linthorpe,
0:32:00 > 0:32:02because Linthorpe was an interesting factory
0:32:02 > 0:32:09and has become a lot more collectable over recent years because of the association of Christopher Dresser,
0:32:09 > 0:32:14which is a very, very well-known and very forward-thinking Victorian designer
0:32:14 > 0:32:18who produced actually things that were very Art-Deco looking,
0:32:18 > 0:32:24even though they are 30 or 40 years earlier than the Art-Deco period.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28What I particularly like is these fuchsias. Because I love fuchsias.
0:32:28 > 0:32:32I remember, as a child, I used to go up and pop them. Did you ever do that?
0:32:32 > 0:32:35- Yes, I did.- I loved popping fuchsias all over the place.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38But they're lovely and they're very, very well done.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41The slip decoration is very, very finely done.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43You've got lots of details in the leaves.
0:32:43 > 0:32:49He might have produced them just for the family. As you say, you have had them restored.
0:32:49 > 0:32:52- There's some restoration where the chips were.- Yes.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54But they're a really fine-looking pair.
0:32:54 > 0:32:59- Have you ever thought that they might be worth anything?- Well...
0:32:59 > 0:33:05Well, really, I would have liked to get the restoration money back, which was £200.
0:33:05 > 0:33:09So I'd like to get that back, but other than that, I have no idea.
0:33:09 > 0:33:13Well, I think we should be able to get you the £200 back.
0:33:13 > 0:33:17I think it all depends on whether we can attract the right buyers.
0:33:17 > 0:33:22We've got to put down the provenance. We've got to mention your grandfather's name.
0:33:22 > 0:33:29- We'll mention the restoration, but I would put an estimate of between £300 and £400 on them.- Blimey.
0:33:29 > 0:33:31- Blimey.- Would that please you?
0:33:31 > 0:33:36- Yes, fine.- And we'll put the reserve as 300 with 10% discretion.
0:33:36 > 0:33:39- That would be fine.- And I think the auction house certainly is a good one
0:33:39 > 0:33:44and I'm sure they'll want to put them on the Internet and get all those Linthorpe collectors in.
0:33:44 > 0:33:49- Lovely, yeah.- And why now, though, do you want to sell them?
0:33:49 > 0:33:56Well, we've got three children, we've gone through the family and nobody wants them.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58They think they're hideous.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00So...we're selling them.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02Well, in one way, the nice thing is
0:34:02 > 0:34:06that they're going to go to someone who collects Linthorpe.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10- That's right.- And they're interested because of the wonderful history of your grandfather.
0:34:10 > 0:34:13And I think we should attract a lot of interest.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16I'll look forward to seeing you at the auction
0:34:16 > 0:34:20- and thank you, for taking part in the show.- Thank you very much.- Thank you.
0:34:20 > 0:34:25Dorothy and Brian, I see you've brought along a nice pair of oil paintings for me.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27- Yes. - What can you tell me about them?
0:34:27 > 0:34:31My parents found them in the attic of a house we lived in.
0:34:31 > 0:34:36They were just sitting up there and we got them down and had a look at them.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39- Your parents had put them up there, or...- No, no, no.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43They must have been there from the previous owners, so we were very lucky to find them.
0:34:43 > 0:34:48- Oh, so they're a bit of a bonus then, aren't they?- They certainly are, yes. - Yes. Yeah.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50So they're actually oil on canvas.
0:34:50 > 0:34:55- Yes.- And they are signed at the bottom, on both of the pictures -
0:34:55 > 0:34:56Abraham Hulk, Junior.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00Yes, we were unable to read that until today. We didn't realise.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03- It is hard to read, but you can just make it out.- You can now.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07- And there's Senior and Junior. - Oh, right.
0:35:07 > 0:35:13And Abraham Hulk, he was working a lot in the Surrey area and this is a picture in Dorking.
0:35:13 > 0:35:16It's actually written on the back. It's a scene in Dorking
0:35:16 > 0:35:19and I think this, again, is a scene somewhere in Surrey,
0:35:19 > 0:35:22but I'm not 100% sure where.
0:35:22 > 0:35:26- It has got on the back, Tread... - The Treadmills. Yes.
0:35:26 > 0:35:29But they were... they were established artists.
0:35:29 > 0:35:33They did landscapes and marine art - they knew they were selling...
0:35:33 > 0:35:36- Oh, I see.- So they did churn them out a little bit.
0:35:36 > 0:35:38But they were of some standing.
0:35:38 > 0:35:41- He exhibited at the RA - over 20 pictures...- Really?
0:35:41 > 0:35:44You know, it's not bad going, is it?
0:35:44 > 0:35:48- Was it mainly just in that area, in Surrey?- Mainly in the Surrey area.
0:35:48 > 0:35:51- Oh, right.- So yes, not bad at all.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53I particularly like this picture.
0:35:53 > 0:35:55I don't know if you've got a favourite.
0:35:55 > 0:35:57Yes, that's always been my favourite.
0:35:57 > 0:36:01You know, I think this has been quite well executed, hasn't it,
0:36:01 > 0:36:02with the sailing boat here?
0:36:02 > 0:36:05You know, it looks a quite nice, tranquil setting.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08They have been nicely done. There is...
0:36:08 > 0:36:12there's a little bit where the canvas is coming through in areas.
0:36:12 > 0:36:14My mother used to hang it on the gas meter,
0:36:14 > 0:36:16to hide the gas meter,
0:36:16 > 0:36:19so I think that might be the damage on that one.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22Yes, you can see the light coming through there.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24I think that's what it is, yeah.
0:36:24 > 0:36:26So why are you thinking of selling them?
0:36:26 > 0:36:29Well, we had them on the wall for a few years,
0:36:29 > 0:36:32but we're more into modern art now
0:36:32 > 0:36:37and we put them back in the attic and we thought, "It's not right for them."
0:36:37 > 0:36:43Brian, have you ever had them valued or considered their value or anything like that?
0:36:43 > 0:36:47Yeah, it was about 10 years ago, I think, when they were valued.
0:36:47 > 0:36:49When we had them actually framed.
0:36:49 > 0:36:54- Oh, yes?- We had a rough estimate then.
0:36:54 > 0:36:59- And what did they say?- I think it was about 150 or something, the pair.
0:36:59 > 0:37:03The market is a little bit slow, I have to say,
0:37:03 > 0:37:07particularly for this sort of Victorian oil painting, as you say,
0:37:07 > 0:37:10people either are going more in for the modern art
0:37:10 > 0:37:14or more for the minimalist look and things,
0:37:14 > 0:37:17- so it's not that commercial. - Oh, right.
0:37:17 > 0:37:23So I have to say that probably, today, you know, we would look at sort of £150 to £200 for the pair.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25Oh, right.
0:37:25 > 0:37:27- But would you be happy with that? - Yes.- Yes.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30We can put them in the auction and just give them a go and...
0:37:30 > 0:37:35They ought to do well. They're a known artist so they ought to do more than that.
0:37:35 > 0:37:38But just to sort of cover it, we'll put a reserve on for you.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42But let's face it, it's better to get, you know, sort of £150
0:37:42 > 0:37:45- than chuck them back in the attic.- Certainly is.
0:37:45 > 0:37:48I mean, we got them out of the attic before we came.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52- Yeah, that's where they were.- So anything's a bonus, I suppose.- It is.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59- Rosalind.- Yes?
0:37:59 > 0:38:03We do a lot of Moorcroft on this show and I don't normally go for it any more
0:38:03 > 0:38:05- unless it's something a little bit unusual.- Right.
0:38:05 > 0:38:09- And your leaning bowl of Weymouth is quite interesting here.- Right.
0:38:09 > 0:38:11Tell us a little bit of the history of it.
0:38:11 > 0:38:16Well, it's just that I bought it at Gray's Antique Market in London...
0:38:18 > 0:38:20..in the 1980s.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22Right. So what attracted you to it?
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Well, the pansies, I think.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27- Well, pansies are for thought, aren't they, Rosalind?- Yes.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31I like them. And what did you pay for it in the 1980s?
0:38:31 > 0:38:34About £59, something like that.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38- Well, that's not bad, is it?- No. - Not bad at all because, actually, if we look at the bowl -
0:38:38 > 0:38:43we can tell it's Moorcroft even though we can't see the mark on it.
0:38:43 > 0:38:47But if we turn it upside down, we've got a nice pewter stand here,
0:38:47 > 0:38:50which is sort of hammered pewter, as the decoration.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55And we've got the mark of Tudric and then Moorcroft underneath as well.
0:38:55 > 0:38:57And the shape number, here.
0:38:57 > 0:39:01Or design number for the stand, which is rather nice.
0:39:01 > 0:39:05And they're very typical bowl decorations of Moorcroft,
0:39:05 > 0:39:08the nice blues and the deep colours and things, you know?
0:39:08 > 0:39:13- Somebody has dropped something on it, though. It's slightly tilted to one side.- Yes.
0:39:13 > 0:39:19So somebody would have to spend a little bit of time building that stand up again, somehow.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22But it is a very decorative fruit bowl.
0:39:22 > 0:39:25- Have you thought what it might be worth today?- No.
0:39:25 > 0:39:30I wasn't sure, because I thought this would take away any value.
0:39:30 > 0:39:32- What, the pewter stand?- Yes. - Oh, no, no.
0:39:32 > 0:39:35Moorcroft, like a lot of other factories, went to Liberty's
0:39:35 > 0:39:41and they combined their designs to sell them through the Liberty's store.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44So it hasn't taken anything away from the value.
0:39:44 > 0:39:49The slight shifting has, but I think we've got to be sensible about it.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52It's a realistic market. If we were putting it in for sale,
0:39:52 > 0:39:58I would have thought we should put it in somewhere in the region of £150 to £250.
0:39:58 > 0:40:01Something like that. Would you be comfortable with that?
0:40:01 > 0:40:06- Yes, yes.- And maybe give the reserve a 10% discretion.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10But why do you want to sell it now, Rosalind?
0:40:10 > 0:40:12Well, I'm de-cluttering.
0:40:12 > 0:40:13- You're de-cluttering?- Yes.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15We're all de-cluttering at the moment.
0:40:15 > 0:40:19- But nobody wants my old '70s clothes!- No?
0:40:25 > 0:40:31Earlier in the programme, we saw how stone from Portland has been used for buildings all over the world.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34But there's another, totally different,
0:40:34 > 0:40:35use for the island's rock.
0:40:39 > 0:40:41The 200 year-old workings here at Tout
0:40:41 > 0:40:44are Britain's first sculpture quarry,
0:40:44 > 0:40:47where ancient geology collides with contemporary art.
0:40:49 > 0:40:52The rocks have been exposed by hundreds of years of digging.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55And the sculptors have painstakingly shaped them
0:40:55 > 0:40:59where they came to rest, in a truly stunning outdoor gallery.
0:40:59 > 0:41:03I'm meeting up with Hannah to talk me through the works,
0:41:03 > 0:41:07which are great to look at, to touch and to explore.
0:41:08 > 0:41:12- It's a really good sound, isn't it? - STATUE RESONATES
0:41:12 > 0:41:15Yeah. That's better. Sounds like a Buddhist chant now.
0:41:15 > 0:41:17- Isn't that lovely?- Mmm.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22Artists come from all over the world to work here
0:41:22 > 0:41:25and each of them brings new and different ideas.
0:41:27 > 0:41:31Look at this. There's a surprise on every rock if you look carefully.
0:41:38 > 0:41:44Well, this is the piece I've been looking forward to seeing - Antony Gormley. Very dynamic, isn't it?
0:41:44 > 0:41:47It's carved from the whitbed, which is the good building stone
0:41:47 > 0:41:51where they had to get to to get the stone out,
0:41:51 > 0:41:54and it's a beautiful figure. It's life size.
0:41:54 > 0:41:57And it's called Still Falling,
0:41:57 > 0:42:00as in time, still in time, but still falling.
0:42:00 > 0:42:04It's on a really significant part of a rock face here.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06So you have the whole strata.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10We featured Antony Gormley's work before with the Angel of the North.
0:42:10 > 0:42:13How important is it for his involvement here?
0:42:13 > 0:42:17It was really important in '83 because he was the first artist, one of the first artists,
0:42:17 > 0:42:23to come here. And he talked about the skills, he talked about the inspiration from the environment,
0:42:23 > 0:42:25all of the things that kind of matter, really,
0:42:25 > 0:42:28how it could be used as an exhibition and a studio space.
0:42:28 > 0:42:31He is right, isn't he, really?
0:42:31 > 0:42:33It is one big, outdoor art gallery.
0:42:39 > 0:42:43There's a heart-warming treat in every nook.
0:42:43 > 0:42:49This piece, by Timothy Shutter, called Hearth, reminds me of what some of Portland's stone has become.
0:42:52 > 0:42:55I think what's been done here is amazing
0:42:55 > 0:42:59and it shows the artists' work in an entirely new way.
0:43:01 > 0:43:04Tout is not just for established artists.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07Sculpting courses are run here and people from all over the world
0:43:07 > 0:43:10come to learn the techniques of stone carving
0:43:10 > 0:43:13handed down by the masons centuries ago.
0:43:27 > 0:43:31You're responsible for all of this school. Why did you start one here?
0:43:31 > 0:43:33Well, it's working with stone in the place of origin.
0:43:33 > 0:43:37It's working with the tradition, passing on skills.
0:43:37 > 0:43:40- It's a heritage, really.- Yeah.
0:43:40 > 0:43:47And it's working with the material in a rough, you know, really, from a raw piece of stone, really.
0:43:47 > 0:43:53- What are you working on now? - Well, it's...the stone sort of suggested a wing.
0:43:53 > 0:43:58So there's a kind of a feather there, really, a wing.
0:43:58 > 0:43:59And it...
0:43:59 > 0:44:03moves along here, it comes up, it goes down there.
0:44:03 > 0:44:07Let's look at the tools you're using - traditional hammer and chisel.
0:44:07 > 0:44:13Yes, they're basic tools. They're tools that were used years ago.
0:44:13 > 0:44:16These tools haven't changed since the beginning of civilisation.
0:44:16 > 0:44:18Punch, which is a point.
0:44:18 > 0:44:21Artists call them points, masons call them punches.
0:44:21 > 0:44:25- That will do almost everything for you.- That one's a gouge.
0:44:25 > 0:44:27That's a gouge - a bit more complicated.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30It's a smaller chisel, for more detailed work.
0:44:30 > 0:44:34You know, so if I wanted to work with the, the curve...
0:44:34 > 0:44:35- It's like a pencil.- Yeah.
0:44:35 > 0:44:38You know, it draws the form, really.
0:44:38 > 0:44:42The sculptors work with fantastic precision and patience.
0:44:42 > 0:44:45It doesn't look easy, but there's no harm in trying.
0:44:50 > 0:44:53Actually, it is very, very therapeutic.
0:44:55 > 0:44:57That's better.
0:45:08 > 0:45:12We've seen that Portland stone has been quarried for centuries
0:45:12 > 0:45:14and is being used in ever-changing ways
0:45:14 > 0:45:18and it looks set to be a part of island life for many more centuries to come now.
0:45:18 > 0:45:19This is my attempt at a face.
0:45:19 > 0:45:24That's what it's saying to me, so I'll chip away. I'll catch up with you a bit later.
0:45:34 > 0:45:39We're off to the auction, but let's get a quick reminder of what's going under the hammer.
0:45:41 > 0:45:45Christine's desktops got the seal of approval from Susan
0:45:45 > 0:45:47and if they reach £450,
0:45:47 > 0:45:49it will be something to write home about.
0:45:49 > 0:45:53Jenny and Barry were going to bin their vases
0:45:53 > 0:45:56but now they could be going home with £300 to £400.
0:45:56 > 0:46:00This lovely pair of oils, brought in by Brian and Dorothy,
0:46:00 > 0:46:03could see them go away with £150 to £200.
0:46:03 > 0:46:07And finally, although Rosalind's bowl has a tilt,
0:46:07 > 0:46:09it could still make £250.
0:46:12 > 0:46:14Fingers crossed for our lots.
0:46:14 > 0:46:17Now let's get some insider knowledge on how they just might do.
0:46:21 > 0:46:26A pair of oils on canvas, brought in by Brian and Dorothy. Now, they got really lucky.
0:46:26 > 0:46:28They found these when they bought their house
0:46:28 > 0:46:32and they've been in the attic ever since - and looking at them I can see why.
0:46:32 > 0:46:34I really don't like them.
0:46:34 > 0:46:38But somebody will like them. There's always a buyer for something, as you know.
0:46:38 > 0:46:43And our expert, Susan, has put £150 to £200 on these as a pair.
0:46:43 > 0:46:46That's a bit of an estimate that doesn't really say anything
0:46:46 > 0:46:50in particular because these are signed Abraham Hulk, Junior,
0:46:50 > 0:46:53son of Senior, and if they are by him,
0:46:53 > 0:46:57and I think therein lies the question, they will be more valuable
0:46:57 > 0:47:03than that estimate, so they could be £500, £600 because they are a good size and they're very decorative.
0:47:03 > 0:47:06Actually, he painted in a smaller scale normally,
0:47:06 > 0:47:08but I think there's an element of doubt
0:47:08 > 0:47:12- as to whether they are or are not by this particular artist. - What do you think?
0:47:12 > 0:47:15I would be more cautious, I think.
0:47:15 > 0:47:18I think they're quite widely painted and they're rather diffused
0:47:18 > 0:47:21and he painted in quite a detailed style.
0:47:21 > 0:47:24And I wouldn't really be putting my, kind of, hand on my heart
0:47:24 > 0:47:27and saying, "I know they're definitely by Hulk,"
0:47:27 > 0:47:32so I think £100 to £200 would be realistic,
0:47:32 > 0:47:36if they're not by this particular artist, which I think is most likely.
0:47:36 > 0:47:38Now, this one's quirky.
0:47:38 > 0:47:41Rosalind's Moorcroft bowl, with Tudric base. Yes.
0:47:41 > 0:47:46We see a great deal of this on the show but it is the first one we've seen with a Tudric base.
0:47:46 > 0:47:51Our expert, Mark, who's also an auctioneer, Mark Stacey,
0:47:51 > 0:47:55he's put a very wide £100 to £250 estimate on this,
0:47:55 > 0:47:59with a 10% discretion, which takes it down to £90.
0:47:59 > 0:48:01Now, where is its real value?
0:48:01 > 0:48:04Well, it is a very wide estimate and it's probably -
0:48:04 > 0:48:07one doesn't want to pick on fellow auctioneers -
0:48:07 > 0:48:11but a bit of a cop-out because it's wider than we would normally think of.
0:48:11 > 0:48:13Yeah, exactly.
0:48:13 > 0:48:16It is a fine bowl and people like to collect Moorcroft.
0:48:16 > 0:48:18The base, it's good that it's stamped Tudric.
0:48:18 > 0:48:22It's a pewter base and Archibald Knox was the designer for these pieces.
0:48:22 > 0:48:26It was a big, big name in that area.
0:48:26 > 0:48:29The base is actually slightly wonky if you look at it closely,
0:48:29 > 0:48:31which I think can't help.
0:48:31 > 0:48:34I would have thought, to refine that estimate
0:48:34 > 0:48:36would have been relatively sensible.
0:48:36 > 0:48:41And if we thought of 150, 180, 200 - it might be more realistic.
0:48:41 > 0:48:44Not that I would want to criticise any auctioneer
0:48:44 > 0:48:48- for using a wide range nowadays. - Very diplomatic.- Thank you.
0:48:48 > 0:48:50So it's going to sell whatever happens.
0:48:50 > 0:48:53Certainly, with the lower estimate as it is,
0:48:53 > 0:48:55I think we can be fairly sure it will sell.
0:48:55 > 0:49:00It might not necessarily make the top end, but you never know -
0:49:00 > 0:49:04you get two collectors that really want it and it's unusual with a Tudric base.
0:49:04 > 0:49:06They might decide it's the thing to have and off we go.
0:49:06 > 0:49:09- It's not an exact science, is it?- It isn't, if only it was.
0:49:09 > 0:49:12And there's another cliche as well!
0:49:18 > 0:49:21Well, this next item's guaranteed to leave its mark
0:49:21 > 0:49:23because it is a collection of seals,
0:49:23 > 0:49:26brought in by Christine and Caroline. Mum and daughter?
0:49:26 > 0:49:27- Yes.- Mum's collection.
0:49:27 > 0:49:32- Yes, she's a big collector and she's really selling your inheritance, in a way.- Yes.
0:49:32 > 0:49:35Great little collection. Why are you selling them?
0:49:35 > 0:49:40- I know you've got 60-odd.- I've been collecting a long time and I'd gone into the heraldic ones,
0:49:40 > 0:49:43which I find more interesting, so I want to get rid of some.
0:49:43 > 0:49:47And they are more collectable as well because anything with an armorial on it.
0:49:47 > 0:49:50- Yes.- You're not daft, are you?
0:49:50 > 0:49:52Mind you, you should get £400.
0:49:52 > 0:49:56Yes, it's a lovely collection. There's 10 of them - that's only £40 each.
0:49:56 > 0:50:02They've got to be all right and there's some nice Georgian ones there and some silver, some ivory ones.
0:50:02 > 0:50:06- They should be fine.- So it's got the mark of approval from everybody?
0:50:06 > 0:50:08- Yes.- To go under the hammer. This is it.
0:50:08 > 0:50:12298 is now the next lot, coming up, which is this nice little collection
0:50:12 > 0:50:19of ivory, silver, pinchbeck fobs and seals. £200 if I can?
0:50:19 > 0:50:20200 is bid. At 200.
0:50:20 > 0:50:24And 20. 220. Any advance on... 240.
0:50:24 > 0:50:26260 on the side.
0:50:26 > 0:50:30260, 280, 300, good lot.
0:50:30 > 0:50:37320, 340, 360, £340 then, on this side. 340.
0:50:37 > 0:50:40360 will anyone say? At £340.
0:50:40 > 0:50:42360?
0:50:42 > 0:50:46380, 400, £400?
0:50:46 > 0:50:49400 on the side. Any advance on 400?
0:50:49 > 0:50:51I'll take 20 if anyone likes. Are we quite clear?
0:50:51 > 0:50:55Selling, then. Going for £400.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58Yes! How about that. Happy?
0:50:58 > 0:51:00Very, very pleased.
0:51:00 > 0:51:02That's lovely. Thank you very much.
0:51:02 > 0:51:05We've had a wonderful time, so thank you very much.
0:51:05 > 0:51:08Up for grabs right now, a pair of Linthorpe vases
0:51:08 > 0:51:11brought in by Jenny and Barry here. Lovely couple.
0:51:11 > 0:51:15Why are you flogging these vases?
0:51:15 > 0:51:18- Because, simply, nobody wants them in our family.- No, they don't.
0:51:18 > 0:51:21Come on - your grandfather made them.
0:51:21 > 0:51:24The children don't want them, so... I don't know.
0:51:24 > 0:51:26I used to use them as an ashtray.
0:51:26 > 0:51:29Yeah, exactly. And he's giving up smoking, isn't he?
0:51:29 > 0:51:33- Yes.- He's put on a bit of weight. - Don't point that out.
0:51:33 > 0:51:36There's a lot of good investments gone into that.
0:51:36 > 0:51:39- Cost a fortune.- When we talk about antiques on the show,
0:51:39 > 0:51:43we talk about investing in quality, condition and a good maker's name.
0:51:43 > 0:51:47This lot has got the lot, but it's also a pair and there's always a premium on a pair
0:51:47 > 0:51:51so fingers crossed we'll get the top end. We're looking at what, £300 to £400?
0:51:51 > 0:51:55- We are, yeah.- But you've actually put the reserve fixed now at £300.
0:51:55 > 0:51:59- Yes.- So there's no discretion, so we're going to find out,
0:51:59 > 0:52:01but first let's ask expert Mark Stacey.
0:52:01 > 0:52:02- Hello.- Will they do the top end?
0:52:02 > 0:52:05Well, we did have a typing error in the catalogue.
0:52:05 > 0:52:10I'd like to think it was a typing error because they did put Linthorpe-type vases.
0:52:10 > 0:52:12- They did, didn't they?- Yes.
0:52:12 > 0:52:14- But they are Linthorpe, not Linthorpe-type.
0:52:14 > 0:52:16Now, lot 118,
0:52:16 > 0:52:19this pair of very attractive brown-glazed Linthorpe vases.
0:52:19 > 0:52:21Good luck, they're going under the hammer. This is it.
0:52:21 > 0:52:25Lot 118, and who'll start me with this lot, please, £200?
0:52:25 > 0:52:28- 200 to get on? - Come on, don't sit on your hands.
0:52:28 > 0:52:31I have 150 bid, take 160 now from anyone?
0:52:31 > 0:52:33150, 160 anywhere?
0:52:33 > 0:52:37From collectors, 160? 170, 180,
0:52:37 > 0:52:41190, 200.
0:52:41 > 0:52:43And 10, 210?
0:52:43 > 0:52:47220, 230.
0:52:47 > 0:52:50It's like pulling teeth.
0:52:50 > 0:52:5440 anyone like? Going then now at £230.
0:52:54 > 0:52:57- He's not sold them.- Never mind.
0:52:57 > 0:53:00- Just shy of the reserve, well, by 70 quid.- Doesn't matter.
0:53:00 > 0:53:02I'd rather take them home, really.
0:53:02 > 0:53:06I think that's a sign that your grandfather is saying, "Hang on to them."
0:53:06 > 0:53:08They tried flogging them and it didn't work.
0:53:08 > 0:53:10We're going to find out why.
0:53:10 > 0:53:12Right now. From this chap.
0:53:12 > 0:53:14What could you say, Paul?
0:53:14 > 0:53:18I think, I mean, £300 was certainly not expensive.
0:53:18 > 0:53:20It just wasn't the right buyers on the day.
0:53:20 > 0:53:24I mean, I would have loved them. I mean, I could live with these.
0:53:24 > 0:53:26I thought they were charming. I love the fuchsia one.
0:53:26 > 0:53:29- You might get them. - What, as a present?
0:53:29 > 0:53:32- Yeah.- I've got £10, 10, 10, 15.
0:53:32 > 0:53:3520, anyone? At 20.
0:53:36 > 0:53:38It's time to find out what the bidders think
0:53:38 > 0:53:42of those two oil paintings we looked at earlier, brought in by Brian and Dorothy.
0:53:42 > 0:53:49I must admit, OK, I love fine art, I love oils on canvas but those ones didn't really appeal to me.
0:53:49 > 0:53:51That's why we're selling them.
0:53:51 > 0:53:54Thank goodness you said that! I didn't know how you felt about them,
0:53:54 > 0:53:58but it was a pretty good gambit - you're flogging them, so you don't want them.
0:53:58 > 0:54:01No, they've been in the attic for some years.
0:54:01 > 0:54:04We're looking at a valuation of 150, around there.
0:54:04 > 0:54:06- Hopefully 200 top-end.- Who knows?
0:54:06 > 0:54:10I had a chat with the auctioneer earlier. He was a bit dubious.
0:54:10 > 0:54:13A bit damaged, one of them has got a hole in and he was a bit...
0:54:13 > 0:54:16They've been catalogued as "In the manner of,"
0:54:16 > 0:54:19so they're thinking they may not be by this artist.
0:54:19 > 0:54:22I think it's cautious cataloguing and they ARE by the artist.
0:54:22 > 0:54:25- See, he wasn't sure... - He's quite commercial...
0:54:25 > 0:54:28He thought it was too loose - it didn't have the detail. We'll find out.
0:54:28 > 0:54:32We're going to find out. This is it. Good luck.
0:54:32 > 0:54:34Now we're onto lot 399,
0:54:34 > 0:54:39which are the oils on canvas, signed Abraham Hulk, Junior.
0:54:39 > 0:54:41Who'll start me off at £100 again?
0:54:41 > 0:54:44£100 is bid. And 10. For the Hulks.
0:54:44 > 0:54:51110, commission bid 120. 130, anyone like? 130, 140. 140, 150.
0:54:51 > 0:54:54160. 160, with me? 170 bid.
0:54:54 > 0:54:56180 commission bid with me. 180.
0:54:56 > 0:54:59Are we all done at 180 now? All out?
0:54:59 > 0:55:01With me, it goes.
0:55:01 > 0:55:03They've gone under the hammer.
0:55:03 > 0:55:06I said earlier that someone will buy them.
0:55:06 > 0:55:08There is no accounting for taste.
0:55:08 > 0:55:09Just not my taste or yours.
0:55:09 > 0:55:13- No.- Or Susan's. - There we go.- OK, 180 quid.
0:55:13 > 0:55:15What are you going to do with that?
0:55:15 > 0:55:19- We were hoping to retire on what we got but...- Yeah, come on.
0:55:19 > 0:55:24But as we got that, we're revamping our garden so we'll probably buy a greenhouse or something.
0:55:24 > 0:55:26Yeah, or plant something up.
0:55:26 > 0:55:28Nurture it and think of Flog It!
0:55:28 > 0:55:31Well, the greenhouse would be a nice memory, wouldn't it?
0:55:37 > 0:55:43Ready to do auction battle right now is Rosalind and the Moorcroft bowl, which we all love.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46And you do, but you've had this, what, 25 years?
0:55:46 > 0:55:48Now you've decided to flog it. Why, after 25 years?
0:55:48 > 0:55:51- I need the room. - What, that much room?
0:55:51 > 0:55:52Yes.
0:55:52 > 0:55:57It's a lovely Moorcroft bowl. I've not seen one on Tudric base before.
0:55:57 > 0:56:00But I prefer them without the base. I'd rather just have the bowl.
0:56:00 > 0:56:02I would, I would too.
0:56:02 > 0:56:08I like it with the base. You don't like Tudric and I like it. I think we should call the whole thing off.
0:56:08 > 0:56:10He thought I'd sat on it!
0:56:10 > 0:56:13I'm not going to ask you what you're doing.
0:56:13 > 0:56:15- Have you ever used it? Did you use it?- No.
0:56:15 > 0:56:17- Not all all?- No.
0:56:17 > 0:56:19- Just in the cabinet.- Mmm.
0:56:19 > 0:56:21It's going under the hammer right now. This is it.
0:56:21 > 0:56:24I've got my lucky dice.
0:56:24 > 0:56:25And it's showing number 6.
0:56:25 > 0:56:27Good luck. Good luck.
0:56:27 > 0:56:31And now lot 170, which is this Moorcroft Tudric bowl.
0:56:31 > 0:56:34Moorcroft bowl with a Tudric base.
0:56:34 > 0:56:36£50 to start? 50 bid, thank you, sir.
0:56:36 > 0:56:3850. And 60, I'll take from anyone in the room.
0:56:38 > 0:56:4260, 70, 80,
0:56:42 > 0:56:4590, 100, and 10.
0:56:45 > 0:56:51- Good, good, good. - 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170.
0:56:51 > 0:56:53170, sir?
0:56:53 > 0:56:57180, 190, 200,
0:56:57 > 0:56:59220, 240.
0:56:59 > 0:57:03- They like it! - 240. 260, right at the back?
0:57:03 > 0:57:07280, 300, and 20.
0:57:07 > 0:57:08340...
0:57:08 > 0:57:10Money back, plus!
0:57:10 > 0:57:14At £320 in the room, seated. You're at 320.
0:57:14 > 0:57:16At 320? Any advance on 320?
0:57:16 > 0:57:21All perfectly clear, I sell in the middle of the room, £320.
0:57:21 > 0:57:25£320! That sound is a "Sold!" sound!
0:57:25 > 0:57:26The hammer's gone down.
0:57:26 > 0:57:29- 320 quid!- Yes.
0:57:29 > 0:57:32- That is brilliant. Happy with that, aren't you?- Yes.
0:57:32 > 0:57:34- Very happy, thank you very much. - I was as well.
0:57:34 > 0:57:40- It's not bad, is it?- I was getting a bit worried because the auctioneer said the bottom end, so...
0:57:40 > 0:57:44Well, I should have gone one to 320.
0:57:44 > 0:57:48I think everybody should go and sit on their bowls with Tudric bases, don't you?
0:57:48 > 0:57:50It might increase the prices.
0:57:50 > 0:57:51One to 320!
0:58:01 > 0:58:04Well, that's it, it's all over for our owners, and all I can say
0:58:04 > 0:58:07from Dukes in Dorchester is, "You win some, you lose some!"
0:58:07 > 0:58:11That's auctions for you. That's what makes them so exciting.
0:58:11 > 0:58:16I was astonished that my picture didn't sell and quite amazed that Susan's choice did.
0:58:16 > 0:58:19I can't wait to find out what happens at our next auction,
0:58:19 > 0:58:22and I hope you can join me. See you soon on Flog It.
0:58:29 > 0:58:32If you'd like to take part in Flog It, then come along
0:58:32 > 0:58:35to the Memorial Hall in Wrexham on Sunday, 15th January.
0:58:35 > 0:58:38The doors open 9.30am to 4.30pm.
0:58:38 > 0:58:40We'll see you there.
0:58:45 > 0:58:49Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd 2006