Leicester Flog It!


Leicester

Similar Content

Browse content similar to Leicester. Check below for episodes and series from the same categories and more!

Transcript


LineFromTo

-OK, everybody says "cheese."

-ALL: Cheese.

0:00:040:00:09

Fantastic! How appropriate was that, because today we're in an area

0:00:090:00:12

famous for producing Red Leicester and Stilton.

0:00:120:00:15

So you'd have to be crackers not to join us for the show

0:00:150:00:18

because Flog It! comes from...

0:00:180:00:20

ALL: Leicester!

0:00:200:00:22

There are literally hundreds of people queued up outside the Ramada Jarvis hotel

0:00:540:00:58

in the centre of Leicester today

0:00:580:01:00

for our valuation day which means hundreds of items.

0:01:000:01:03

But which are the lucky few that our experts are going to take off to auction?

0:01:030:01:06

Could it be these guys? We don't know until we get inside and hit those Flog It! blue tablecloths.

0:01:060:01:11

Whether it's toys, ceramics, jewellery or bizarre family heirlooms,

0:01:110:01:15

experts Charlie Ross and Adam Partridge will be the ones hunting out the golden oldies

0:01:150:01:20

for us to take off to auction.

0:01:200:01:22

Well, there's only one thing left to do, it's exactly 9.30, so let's get the doors open,

0:01:220:01:27

get this massive queue inside and get the show on the road.

0:01:270:01:31

Paul, I recognise these two characters, no doubt you do,

0:01:350:01:38

and I'm sure somewhere on the figures themselves it'll tell us who they are. But that's certainly Charles I.

0:01:380:01:46

-It is.

-And I think this is his old chum, Oliver Cromwell, is it not?

0:01:460:01:49

It is, it's true, yeah.

0:01:490:01:50

-Tell me where they came from?

-Well, I bought them 30 years ago

0:01:500:01:55

from a pawnshop and the gentleman in the pawnshop told me

0:01:550:01:59

that they'd come out of a big fire

0:01:590:02:01

in Queen Street in Leicester round about the 1910 period.

0:02:010:02:05

But I bought them 30 years ago for £18.

0:02:050:02:09

It's got something on the bottom of the Oliver Cromwell one

0:02:090:02:12

telling you about the fire.

0:02:120:02:15

Whether they got them as an insurance lot, I'm not sure,

0:02:150:02:17

-but that's the history I know.

-They don't look in bad condition to me.

0:02:170:02:21

Oh, no. No, I think it was just a little bit of scorching

0:02:210:02:25

-underneath the base of Oliver Cromwell.

-Yeah.

0:02:250:02:27

-Do you know what they're made of?

-I believe they're made of spelter.

0:02:270:02:30

-That's right.

-Which was considered the poor man's bronze,

0:02:300:02:34

-as I would describe it.

-It is. It is.

0:02:340:02:35

It's a mass-produced alloy. Much, much lighter. They're hollow.

0:02:350:02:40

They won't have the weight of bronze.

0:02:400:02:42

-But they've still got a certain amount of quality.

-I think so.

0:02:420:02:46

These figures are copies of a 19th-century French sculptor

0:02:460:02:53

called Rancoulet and the originals would have been in bronze.

0:02:530:02:56

If we had original bronze ones, we'd be getting very excited.

0:02:560:02:59

The quality is pretty good.

0:02:590:03:02

The historical interest is there.

0:03:020:03:04

17th century, Civil War.

0:03:040:03:07

Let's just have a look at one and see what we can glean from them.

0:03:070:03:11

-They're on simple turned wooden bases.

-Right.

0:03:110:03:14

Date, interestingly enough that you should say that the fire was in 1910

0:03:140:03:19

because that's going to be round about the period of them.

0:03:190:03:21

I should think 1900 is when they were cast

0:03:210:03:25

and that's got the sculptor, Rancoulet, at the bottom there.

0:03:250:03:30

Interestingly enough, isn't it funny that a French sculptor

0:03:300:03:33

should be doing something that is so quintessentially English?

0:03:330:03:37

-That's what surprised me.

-So they have to have been made for export purposes.

0:03:370:03:41

-Right.

-I don't think that the average Frenchman in 1900

0:03:410:03:44

was in the slightest bit interested in Charles I,

0:03:440:03:47

our Charles I as opposed to theirs, or indeed Oliver Cromwell.

0:03:470:03:52

One of the problems with spelter is there's a certain amount of blemishing to the surface.

0:03:520:03:58

And unlike a bronze which you can buff up, with these you've got nowhere to go

0:03:580:04:02

-really other than resurfacing them which you wouldn't want to do.

-No.

0:04:020:04:06

They've had rather a nice gilt finish

0:04:060:04:08

which you can see on the side of Charles's face.

0:04:080:04:11

So that pitting that's there has detracted from the value.

0:04:110:04:15

Other than that, no real damage.

0:04:150:04:18

Right. We've moved to a bungalow and they just look a bit large and dark

0:04:180:04:21

-for the surroundings we're in now.

-Bit dated, aren't they?

0:04:210:04:24

-They are a bit dated.

-Everybody's a valuer, have a stab.

0:04:240:04:27

Well, I would say the old auctioneer's favourite of 80 to 120.

0:04:270:04:34

-You've watched too much Flog It!

-That's right.

0:04:340:04:36

It is my favourite show on television, so, I probably have.

0:04:360:04:40

So I would say 80 to 120.

0:04:400:04:42

There are far too many of us that put 80 to 120 and I'm one of them.

0:04:420:04:45

But I have to say, I think your valuation's pretty well spot on.

0:04:450:04:49

It might even be a little bit bullish in view of what they are

0:04:490:04:52

-but you want to sell them, don't you?

-Yes.

0:04:520:04:54

-I think if we put a published estimate of 80 to 120 and shall we sell them without reserve?

-Yes.

0:04:540:04:59

-Let's just flog 'em.

-Flog 'em.

0:04:590:05:00

That's what I like on this programme. Just let's see them go.

0:05:000:05:04

-See where the true market is and I'm hoping it'll be 80 to 120.

-That's great.

0:05:040:05:08

Hello, John and Valerie.

0:05:120:05:13

-Hi, Adam.

-Hello.

-Thank you for coming along.

0:05:130:05:16

What you've bought is what I call a pair of real belters.

0:05:160:05:20

I really like these. What can you tell me about them?

0:05:200:05:22

They've been in my family for, well, ever since I can remember.

0:05:220:05:26

My mother had them for a wedding present,

0:05:260:05:29

I understand, in 1931 from an older sister.

0:05:290:05:32

She was the youngest of 14.

0:05:320:05:34

So the oldest sister, by the time my mother got married,

0:05:340:05:38

had a china shop in Wharf Street in Leicester.

0:05:380:05:40

And obviously picked two out of stock

0:05:400:05:42

to give to my mother as a present.

0:05:420:05:44

-A matching pair as well?

-Yes.

0:05:440:05:47

What a lovely wedding present.

0:05:470:05:48

-And the date absolutely matches up with the period of these chargers as we know now.

-Yes.

0:05:480:05:54

Did you know what they were yourself or...?

0:05:540:05:56

I didn't, no. I'll be honest, I just thought, "Well", a couple of days ago,

0:05:560:06:00

"we're going to take some things down to Flog It! might as well put those in, and see".

0:06:000:06:04

We looked last night and saw the name C Rhead. Didn't mean a thing.

0:06:040:06:09

-Right.

-But when one of your experts this morning said "Charlotte Rhead"

0:06:090:06:13

something clicked and I thought, "I've heard that name before."

0:06:130:06:15

Yes, well, we have filmed a number of her items.

0:06:150:06:18

Not as many as Clarice Cliff perhaps

0:06:180:06:20

but they're both of the Art Deco period, the 1930s,

0:06:200:06:23

both based at the potteries in Staffordshire.

0:06:230:06:26

She worked mainly at Crown Ducal and for Burleigh Ware.

0:06:260:06:29

I think these are Burleigh Ware ones.

0:06:290:06:32

And she was a well known designer and tube liner.

0:06:320:06:35

This method of production's known as tube lining.

0:06:350:06:37

And they're very unusual as far as I'm aware because where I operate

0:06:370:06:41

is just north of the potteries and we see an awful lot of Charlotte Rhead.

0:06:410:06:45

Most of it has these sort of stylised floral designs and fruit designs

0:06:450:06:50

and things like that and I have not seen any of these

0:06:500:06:53

with boats or ships on of this kind.

0:06:530:06:55

-They look like Viking ships, or galleons.

-Galleons.

-Galleons.

0:06:550:06:59

But they're very stylised and they're very Art Deco

0:06:590:07:02

and I think they're absolutely lovely.

0:07:020:07:04

To have a pair as well.

0:07:040:07:05

-Yes. And not to be chipped or cracked.

-No, they're perfect.

0:07:050:07:09

Let's just prove that there. They've got these manufacturer's holes there.

0:07:090:07:13

-Yes.

-To enable them to be held up without putting those terrible...

0:07:130:07:17

-Oh, those clips.

-..metal hangers we all moan about so much.

0:07:170:07:20

And there's the Charlotte Rhead signature

0:07:200:07:23

and there's the Burleigh Ware mark.

0:07:230:07:25

Now, one other thing is these often have a pattern reference on the back

0:07:250:07:29

as well which is often a number which starts with the letters "TL"

0:07:290:07:33

and then has a reference number as to the pattern.

0:07:330:07:35

These don't have that.

0:07:350:07:37

I'm wondering if they might be quite rare.

0:07:370:07:39

I've sold hundreds of pieces every year and none of these.

0:07:390:07:42

In terms of value, did you have any thoughts on that?

0:07:420:07:45

I thought I wouldn't put them into auction unless they were going to fetch 200 plus.

0:07:450:07:49

200 plus. OK.

0:07:490:07:52

No, I'm joking. Is that each or the pair?

0:07:530:07:58

-Each, I thought.

-Each.

0:07:580:08:00

-Originally I thought estimate of 300 to 500 for the pair will get everyone after these.

-Yes.

0:08:000:08:05

-They should fly away.

-Hope so.

-If you want to put it higher, that's fine,

0:08:050:08:09

but I was in favour of putting them on the kind of conservative end.

0:08:090:08:13

-You're the expert, I'm not.

-Thank you very much.

0:08:130:08:16

-In that case, that's what we shall do. 300 to 500 with a reserve of three.

-Yes.

0:08:160:08:21

Between you and me, they'll probably make... Oh, this is being filmed, isn't it?

0:08:210:08:25

-You can tell me later.

-I reckon they'll make more than 500 quid.

-Be nice if they did.

0:08:250:08:29

If they don't, I'll take you out to dinner after the auction, how about that?

0:08:290:08:33

-That's how confident I am.

-Shall I book a table at The Three Swans?

0:08:330:08:36

-No, they'll make more than 500 quid.

-Yeah.

0:08:360:08:38

I have to say my eyes lit up with glee when I saw you in the queue,

0:08:440:08:49

Edward and Adrian, because I was hoping today to find something of local interest and here we have it,

0:08:490:08:55

and I think a full set of Quorn Hunt plates. Where did they come from?

0:08:550:09:00

-They were bought by my late father-in-law.

-Yeah.

0:09:000:09:03

-Probably late-20s, early-30s.

-Yeah.

0:09:030:09:06

And they've been in the family since.

0:09:060:09:08

And where's the family home?

0:09:080:09:10

Well, the family home was Hackford Hall in Norfolk.

0:09:100:09:13

Oh, right. Right. So they've travelled back from there to here?

0:09:130:09:16

-Yes, yes, and they went out to India as well at one stage.

-When?

0:09:160:09:20

Well, my father-in-law was in the Army and he was out there in the '30s.

0:09:200:09:25

Yeah. They are tremendous.

0:09:250:09:27

A, there's a full set of eight.

0:09:270:09:29

B, they're by Alken, who is the man for hunting prints.

0:09:290:09:34

They are hand-coloured which is magnificent.

0:09:340:09:36

You've got all the best ingredients for a hunting print really.

0:09:360:09:40

The colour, the artist, the publisher,

0:09:400:09:44

-and one of the most famous hunts there is.

-Yes.

0:09:440:09:48

-The Quorn. Do you know how the Quorn got its name?

-No, I really don't.

0:09:480:09:52

Well, I have to confess that I didn't but I found out

0:09:520:09:56

since I left you in the queue.

0:09:560:09:58

It's a shortened version of Quorndon, the village of Quorndon, which is where the hunt started.

0:09:580:10:05

The original date of these Alkens are 1835.

0:10:050:10:09

Now, these aren't 1835 in my opinion but they are certainly 19th-century

0:10:090:10:15

and I would be surprised if they were much later than 1860-1870.

0:10:150:10:18

And they're good quality.

0:10:180:10:20

There is, however, one big problem, isn't there?

0:10:200:10:23

Yes. The foxing.

0:10:230:10:25

Foxing. Pardon the pun.

0:10:250:10:28

They are heavily foxed and that's a problem.

0:10:280:10:31

Yes, yes. Well, we decided that we wouldn't have them done because of the advice that we got.

0:10:310:10:37

Yeah, well, you're quite right, I think. It's a difficult job

0:10:370:10:40

to get the foxing out of a print without the print losing its colour.

0:10:400:10:45

Leave it to the experts and being a full set they're going to be

0:10:450:10:49

well sought after, I think in the sale room.

0:10:490:10:51

Just wondering whether, with the ban coming in with hunting, would that affect the value in any way?

0:10:510:10:57

Well, in my experience, no.

0:10:570:10:59

Even if it were banned completely and was never seen again,

0:10:590:11:02

I think there would be more interest in collecting something like this for historical reasons.

0:11:020:11:08

-Yes.

-Somebody must have said over the years, "These are worth X, Y or Z"?

0:11:080:11:13

I've had a valuation of between £300 and £1,200.

0:11:130:11:16

So you want them to be up the top really?

0:11:160:11:19

I think that's bullish with this foxing, I have to say.

0:11:190:11:22

-I think a conservative estimate is 400 to 600.

-Right.

0:11:220:11:25

If you twisted my arm I might say 500 to 800.

0:11:250:11:30

My view as an auctioneer is the more realistic the estimate, the better chance you've got of them taking off.

0:11:300:11:36

-Yes, absolutely.

-If you publish them at 400 to 600,

0:11:360:11:38

there will be sufficient interest to take them up above that figure. would you be happy with that?

0:11:380:11:42

Yes, yes, very much so.

0:11:420:11:44

Some of the money is going for his wedding?

0:11:440:11:47

-Oh, your wedding?

-Yes.

-Oh, magnificent.

0:11:470:11:49

-Oh, splendid. We'll see how many top hats we can get out of this.

-Absolutely.

0:11:490:11:54

Well, let's hope we can help the wedding plans along as we head off to the auction room.

0:11:560:12:01

The spelter statues survived a fire but will we get burned with

0:12:010:12:05

Charlie's valuation in the sale room?

0:12:050:12:07

Valerie and John don't like their Charlotte Rhead chargers,

0:12:070:12:10

although Adam's confident they'll make waves.

0:12:100:12:13

And finally we're looking for an exciting chase

0:12:130:12:15

to win the Quorn Hunt prints brought in by Edward and Adrian.

0:12:150:12:19

For today's sale we've come to Gilding's Auctioneers in the heart of Market Harborough.

0:12:250:12:29

So let's go inside and see how the auction's shaping up.

0:12:290:12:34

And running today's proceedings is auctioneer, John Gilding.

0:12:340:12:39

Well, right now we're just about to sell the kids' inheritance.

0:12:390:12:42

We've got a couple of spelter figures. I've been joined by Paul.

0:12:420:12:45

It's mixed metal and it sounds a bit like a mixed valuation.

0:12:450:12:48

We've got £80 to £120 with no reserve, Charlie Ross.

0:12:480:12:52

He doesn't want to take them home.

0:12:520:12:56

-But what if they only sell for a fiver?

-Charlie's in big trouble.

0:12:560:12:59

Charlie's in big trouble!

0:12:590:13:01

The kids will get him!

0:13:010:13:03

-And the grandkids.

-OK, seriously, why are you flogging these?

0:13:030:13:07

We've had Charles and Oliver Cromwell live with us for the past 30 years

0:13:070:13:11

-and it's time for them to move on.

-OK.

0:13:110:13:13

-And you bought them for £17?

-£18.

0:13:130:13:15

-£18.

-30 years ago.

-Right, OK. So we could have a good investment here.

0:13:150:13:19

We could get, what, sort of £100, Charlie? Mid-estimate for you?

0:13:190:13:22

-50, I think.

-50?

0:13:220:13:25

So where does the estimate 80 to 120 come from then?

0:13:250:13:28

-I was having a bad day.

-OK.

0:13:280:13:30

Cromwell and Charles I.

0:13:300:13:32

Good old battling pair. There we go.

0:13:320:13:33

What would you say with that lot 20,

0:13:330:13:36

the French patinated spelter figures?

0:13:360:13:38

Bidding starts with me here. No reserve here. At £20 I'm bid.

0:13:380:13:43

At £20 I'm bid, 22, 22, 25, bid 25.

0:13:430:13:46

At £25, 28, bid 28, bid 30, 30, 30...

0:13:460:13:49

-Oh, somebody's getting worried.

-How absurd.

-35.

-Keep going.

0:13:490:13:52

-£35...

-It's a dangerous game to play, no reserve.

0:13:520:13:55

No reserve, it has to be sold. At £35.

0:13:550:13:57

-Inheritance isn't looking too good.

-At 35.

-Hammer's gone down.

0:13:570:14:01

That's a sold sound.

0:14:010:14:03

-You wanted them to go?

-That's right.

0:14:030:14:05

-Yeah, they've sold.

-Cheaply.

0:14:050:14:07

Just that the grandchildren are coming for Charlie now.

0:14:070:14:09

It is a dangerous game to play, I keep saying it, never put something into auction without a reserve.

0:14:090:14:15

-I know you guys love it.

-Absolutely.

0:14:150:14:17

Did you want to take it home, Paul?

0:14:170:14:19

-No, no, no.

-You did the right thing.

-I'm quite happy. I'm quite happy. We're OK.

-You're a kind man.

0:14:190:14:25

I'll let you off the hook this time, Charlie.

0:14:250:14:27

Well, there should be lots of local interest on this next lot,

0:14:310:14:34

the Quorn Hunt prints belonging to Edward and Adrian. Why are you flogging these?

0:14:340:14:39

-Well, because Adrian's getting married.

-Right.

0:14:390:14:42

-And we want to raise some money.

-I see. Congratulations.

0:14:420:14:45

-What's the young lady's name?

-Ella.

-Ella. Ah, wonderful.

-So August 2008.

0:14:450:14:49

Right, not a lot of pressure then, Charlie.

0:14:490:14:52

We've got £400 to £600.

0:14:520:14:54

There is a great deal of foxing.

0:14:540:14:55

There's a lot of water damage here.

0:14:550:14:57

I'm not sure I've discounted the condition enough, have I? I'm getting cold feet.

0:14:570:15:01

They're up there on the wall, they look good.

0:15:010:15:03

They can be restored but I think you had a quote, didn't you?

0:15:030:15:06

-Absolutely and it was a bit too expensive really.

-Right.

0:15:060:15:09

We're going to find out what the bidders think

0:15:090:15:12

because they're just about to go under the hammer.

0:15:120:15:14

Lovely set of eight, the engravings on the back there, please.

0:15:140:15:19

Published in 1835.

0:15:190:15:20

And bidding starts for me at £220.

0:15:200:15:24

-That's a start.

-220 I'm bid, 240, 260, 280, 300, and 20, 340.

0:15:240:15:29

-360, 380, £400 in the room.

-Are you excited? Ho-ho!

0:15:290:15:34

At £400 - the commissions are all finished. £400.

0:15:340:15:39

Yes! That was good.

0:15:390:15:41

£400 towards the wedding. It was a close call.

0:15:410:15:44

Because condition is everything. People do get put off by it.

0:15:440:15:47

As you know yourself, because what was the quote you had?

0:15:470:15:50

£110 per print.

0:15:500:15:52

-Per print. A lot of money.

-The best part of £1,000, extraordinary.

0:15:520:15:56

Yeah. I think you did the wise thing. I really do. Congratulations.

0:15:560:16:02

-Thank you very much indeed.

-Well done, Charlie. You got it spot-on.

0:16:020:16:06

Next up, some Charlotte Rhead plates.

0:16:110:16:13

It's a pair. I've just been joined by John and Valerie.

0:16:130:16:15

And we've got a valuation of £300 to £500.

0:16:150:16:18

Put on by our expert, Adam Partridge. Were you happy with the valuation, 3 to 5?

0:16:180:16:22

-Yes.

-Can we do something with that, if we get the top end? What would you put £500 towards?

0:16:220:16:27

We're going to visit Morocco in the summer.

0:16:270:16:29

My daughter has an apartment in Tangiers.

0:16:290:16:31

So we thought that will go towards that.

0:16:310:16:35

OK, there we go. Pressure's on.

0:16:350:16:36

You've got to get them out there on holiday.

0:16:360:16:39

I think we'll do it. I love these two.

0:16:390:16:41

-They're super things.

-Anyway, it's too late. They are going under the hammer right now.

0:16:410:16:45

This is it. Good luck.

0:16:450:16:46

A lovely pair of Charlotte Rhead chargers here, please.

0:16:460:16:50

-Beautiful. They look great.

-And bidding starts with me at £200.

0:16:500:16:55

-£200, 220, 240, 260, 280 on the telephone, 300.

-More, more, more.

0:16:550:17:01

-320, 350. 380, 400.

-The suspense!

0:17:010:17:08

-420, 450, 480, 500.

-Yes!

0:17:080:17:14

-520, 550...

-Lots of phones ringing.

0:17:140:17:18

580, 600, 620.

0:17:180:17:22

All done? Sold at £620.

0:17:220:17:27

Yes, the hammer's gone down on £620!

0:17:270:17:31

What a brilliant price! What a brilliant price.

0:17:310:17:34

We were rightfully confident!

0:17:340:17:36

-You were indeed.

-As I said at the valuation, I didn't like them, but I like them now!

0:17:360:17:41

It's not often on the show that we say something is a matter of life and death but today it really is.

0:17:470:17:53

I have come to Nottingham to visit a firm that take pride in giving their clients a very special send-off.

0:17:530:17:59

# Now there are three steps to heaven... #

0:17:590:18:03

The firm was started in 1879 as a joinery and undertaking business.

0:18:050:18:09

Then in 1958, two new partners stepped in to create Vic Fearn and Company.

0:18:090:18:15

They stopped arranging funerals and built a factory to specialise in the manufacture of coffins.

0:18:150:18:21

Business prospered and the firm now makes around 20,000 traditional coffins each year.

0:18:250:18:30

Back in 1990, the directors noticed a trend was starting to flourish.

0:18:300:18:34

People were requesting their own coffins and their loved ones' coffins to be, let's say,

0:18:340:18:40

slightly more personalised.

0:18:400:18:41

# Now most people think of heaven and they see those pearly gates

0:18:410:18:47

# But I looked a little closer, and there's a sign says "do not skate". #

0:18:470:18:52

And that's exactly how Crazy Coffins was born.

0:18:520:18:55

-Hello, David, thank you very much for showing me around.

-Welcome.

0:18:550:18:59

-Where did the idea for the crazy coffins come from?

-Purely by chance.

0:18:590:19:03

It was not our idea.

0:19:030:19:04

A lady said could we make a Red Arrows coffin?

0:19:040:19:08

In the design of the aeroplane - she was a big fan.

0:19:080:19:11

And this was for her?

0:19:110:19:12

This was for her. She was in good health.

0:19:120:19:14

She said, I want to store it, but when I do die, I want to be buried in my aeroplane.

0:19:140:19:18

It seems kind of hard to talk about it.

0:19:180:19:20

I don't think the English are very good at preparing for or talking about death.

0:19:200:19:23

I would say up until maybe the last seven or eight years, we didn't talk about it.

0:19:230:19:28

Nobody wanted to know.

0:19:280:19:30

I even had less friends

0:19:300:19:32

because of my job.

0:19:320:19:33

Everybody thinks about it more today. It is very popular now to do a complete funeral pack.

0:19:330:19:39

So you go to your funeral director and say, "I don't want tradition,

0:19:390:19:42

"I don't want what you want for me, I want what I want.

0:19:420:19:46

"I want it personalised. And this is how I want my funeral."

0:19:460:19:50

Talking about travelling in style, or passing away in style, this is a Rolls-Royce,

0:19:500:19:56

-I believe.

-It is, yes, 1913.

0:19:560:19:58

Apparently, I believe he had one of these in his garage and his family

0:19:580:20:02

always said, "If you don't sell it, we will bury you in it."

0:20:020:20:06

And they said, "Well, why not bury Dad in a Rolls-Royce?"

0:20:060:20:09

Fortunately, we have a very good team here, who work on Crazy Coffins and we have

0:20:090:20:13

a very good designer, Richard Mullard, who can do all the hard work for us.

0:20:130:20:17

That's exactly who I'm off to see right now, so, David, thank you very much for showing me around.

0:20:170:20:21

# Singing, if I die before I wake

0:20:210:20:26

# At least in heaven I can skate. #

0:20:270:20:30

Richard, how do you do?

0:20:300:20:32

You're the artist in residence, the creative side of the package, here.

0:20:320:20:36

But how did you get involved with the firm?

0:20:360:20:38

I enjoy going for trips into the Arctic.

0:20:380:20:41

And I always felt quite comfortable with my equipment.

0:20:410:20:46

It was good company for me.

0:20:460:20:48

I just felt that I would like to make my final trip, surrounded by the things that are important to me.

0:20:480:20:53

What did they think when you presented them with this idea?

0:20:530:20:56

They thought it was a bit wacky and I like to think it is.

0:20:560:21:01

-I think it is - very wacky!

-I wanted to make my final journey wearing my beloved skis and I also, I suppose,

0:21:010:21:08

wanted to give someone a bit of a headache, which I think it will.

0:21:080:21:12

I think so, burying this. Definitely.

0:21:120:21:14

And from there, as you can see, we went on to produce...

0:21:140:21:19

It's progressed, hasn't it?

0:21:190:21:21

# Oh-oh-oh-oh, when I'm dead and gone.... #

0:21:210:21:27

-Something's caught my eye.

-Yes, I thought it might.

0:21:290:21:32

Come this way. Canal boats.

0:21:320:21:34

I've got to take a closer look at these. They're stunning.

0:21:340:21:39

They catch everyone's eye because they're so colourful, aren't they?

0:21:390:21:43

And most people can relate to them.

0:21:430:21:45

This is a perfect job for me because, in my other life, I'm a sign writer and I actually paint

0:21:450:21:49

-real canal boats.

-You've done a wonderful job again on this.

0:21:490:21:52

So, who's commissioned this pair?

0:21:520:21:54

Yeah. It's a couple.

0:21:540:21:57

People who live not too far away.

0:21:570:21:58

-So it's a his and hers?

-It is, yes, man and wife.

0:21:580:22:01

I think they use them as a blanket boxes, to be honest.

0:22:010:22:03

That's a nice idea. There's a function,

0:22:030:22:05

and not only that but they are very, very decorative.

0:22:050:22:08

What does your family and friends think of your career?

0:22:080:22:11

Erm, I've got two children.

0:22:130:22:15

They're well aware of what I do. In fact, my daughter is quite artistic.

0:22:150:22:19

She very often comes up with her own ideas.

0:22:190:22:22

When I'm working on a coffin, she comes with her sketches and says...

0:22:220:22:27

-Daddy, look at this!

-"Don't you think mine's better?"

0:22:270:22:29

# Just follow steps, 1, 2 and 3. #

0:22:290:22:34

Look at this.

0:22:350:22:37

It's the Angel of the North, isn't it? It's Antony Gormley.

0:22:370:22:40

It's actually made of canvas and wood. I know it looks like metal.

0:22:400:22:43

I quite like the idea of fooling people.

0:22:430:22:46

It's kind of like the mummified shape, isn't it?

0:22:460:22:49

Well, Tutankhamen was buried in something similar.

0:22:490:22:52

Richard, thank you very much. It's given me a great deal to think about

0:22:520:22:56

but now it's time to get straight back to the land of the living.

0:22:560:23:00

Let's join our experts back at the valuation day.

0:23:000:23:02

Good morning, Omar, how are you?

0:23:150:23:17

-Fine, thank you.

-You've brought along a pair of watercolours here.

0:23:170:23:20

What can you tell me about them?

0:23:200:23:22

-I can't tell you anything about it because I don't know nothing about the painting.

-When did you get them?

0:23:220:23:27

In 1980, about 25 years ago.

0:23:270:23:30

And where from?

0:23:300:23:32

-A local auction, in Leicester.

-And what did you pay for them?

0:23:320:23:36

£2.50 each.

0:23:360:23:37

Right, so that makes £5?

0:23:370:23:41

-That's right.

-Very good. Is there two big marks on your wall now, where you've taken these down?

0:23:410:23:47

I never hanged them up because the house is too small and we have nowhere to hang them.

0:23:470:23:51

So where have they been?

0:23:510:23:53

-They have been in the loft, lying for 25 years.

-A bit of insulation?

0:23:530:23:56

I guess you're right.

0:23:560:23:58

Lying in the loft for 25 years?

0:23:580:24:00

-That's right.

-And now you've brought them out? Well, the colours have survived very well.

0:24:000:24:04

Sometimes, these fade in the sunlight.

0:24:040:24:05

So it maybe wasn't a bad thing, putting them in the loft.

0:24:050:24:08

Do you know anything about the artist?

0:24:080:24:10

-No idea.

-Giovanni Barbaro.

0:24:100:24:12

Where do you think he comes from?

0:24:130:24:15

-Probably Italy?

-Sounds Italian, doesn't it?

0:24:150:24:17

Sounds like a wonderfully Italian name. Giovanni Barbaro.

0:24:170:24:19

-It's actually a pseudonym for a man called Arthur Dudley.

-Right.

0:24:190:24:24

But I think if he put Arthur Dudley on the pictures, they wouldn't have sold so well.

0:24:240:24:29

He was a London and Bath-based painter and he did a lot of these watercolours of Arabian scenes,

0:24:290:24:36

street scenes, desert scenes, and he also did a lot of still-life

0:24:360:24:39

flowers in the Italian style, but he was an Englishman. So it was a bit of a cheat, that.

0:24:390:24:44

"Oh, I've got a Giovanni Barbaro"

0:24:440:24:46

sounds a bit better than "I've got an Arthur Dudley."

0:24:460:24:49

Apologies to anyone out there called Arthur Dudley, of course.

0:24:490:24:53

I'm not saying it's not a nice name at all.

0:24:530:24:55

It's a very distinguished name. Well, they've gone up a bit.

0:24:550:24:59

It's not one of those faint moments.

0:24:590:25:00

Don't worry, you don't have to be sitting down. They're probably going to make 100-200 at auction.

0:25:000:25:05

Somewhere between those. Is that all right with you, 100-200?

0:25:050:25:08

-Yeah, fine.

-Do you want to put a reserve on?

0:25:080:25:10

No reserve, I just want to flog it.

0:25:100:25:12

Good man! No reserve, I just want to flog it.

0:25:120:25:15

That's what it's all about, selling for the best price.

0:25:150:25:17

The auction house we're going to, I've been before, I know them well,

0:25:170:25:20

-I think they'll do a good job for us.

-I hope so.

-The frames have had a bit of damage.

0:25:200:25:23

-Was that like that when you got them?

-Yes.

0:25:230:25:26

That's a great pair of pictures.

0:25:260:25:28

Good decorative. Large pictures, you can see how big they are cos I'm eight foot tall and they're massive.

0:25:280:25:33

Right, Jackie, open up your box and reveal all.

0:25:390:25:42

Ho, ho... I can't believe if you brought these along that you don't know all about them.

0:25:450:25:49

-I have done some research.

-Good girl.

0:25:490:25:51

Saved me some time. I can just sit and listen.

0:25:510:25:55

They're a set of silver spoons by William Comyns of London.

0:25:550:25:58

-Yeah.

-They're hallmarked 1892.

0:25:580:26:01

Are they really? That surprises me, but carry on going.

0:26:010:26:04

I bought them locally about 18 years ago and then moved to Portsmouth,

0:26:040:26:09

-the area where case says they're from.

-Yeah.

0:26:090:26:12

Did some research and discovered something quite fascinating about the ships on the top.

0:26:120:26:16

Right.

0:26:160:26:18

They're a replica of the Golden Barque, the weather vane on top of Portsmouth Cathedral.

0:26:180:26:22

Really? The reason I was surprised is because looking at the case, it looks a real 1920s case to me.

0:26:220:26:31

It doesn't look Victorian.

0:26:310:26:33

The hallmark will say it all and William Comyns was a maker of generally small items,

0:26:330:26:39

photograph frames, dressing-table mirrors, trinket boxes, things like that.

0:26:390:26:47

He did a huge, huge amount.

0:26:470:26:49

-Can we pull out one spoon and have a look?

-Of course.

0:26:490:26:52

They've got the ship there, or the stylised version of the ship on the top.

0:26:520:26:56

At the back we've got Portsmouth.

0:26:560:27:01

Here is the hallmark. The lion passant...

0:27:010:27:04

We've got the leopard's head which tells you it was made in...

0:27:040:27:08

-London.

-You have done your homework.

0:27:080:27:10

And, we've got the letter stamp for 1892.

0:27:100:27:15

So, if they had been made one year earlier, you'd have Victoria's head on the hallmark.

0:27:150:27:20

My real favourite is the tongs. They actually have the Neptune head as the base. It's gorgeous.

0:27:200:27:27

Marvellous! Pop that back in.

0:27:270:27:29

-There is one piece of damage, isn't there?

-Yes, there is.

0:27:290:27:32

It's only one flag. I don't think that's a real problem.

0:27:320:27:36

-You can't have done all that research without having a clue about the value.

-No.

0:27:360:27:41

I had them valued a few years ago for insurance purposes.

0:27:410:27:44

It came out at £1,000.

0:27:440:27:46

£1,000 for insurance, right.

0:27:460:27:48

-How long ago?

-Seven years.

0:27:480:27:50

Seven years. I would suspect that things haven't moved much for something like that over seven years.

0:27:500:27:56

That's probably reasonably accurate.

0:27:560:27:59

I would, as a thumb rule, say insurance would be three times the sale value.

0:27:590:28:04

If you're expecting £1,000 for them we'd better part company now because I don't think they are £1,000.

0:28:040:28:09

250-350, that sort of figure.

0:28:090:28:11

-Would you be happy with that?

-Yes, very happy.

-Are you sure?

-Yes.

0:28:110:28:15

So, 250-350...

0:28:150:28:17

Reserve 250 with 10% discretion.

0:28:170:28:19

-That's fine.

-If we can turn it into £300 or £400...

-Even better.

0:28:190:28:22

-What are we doing with the money?

-A holiday.

0:28:220:28:24

Holiday! Well, we better get £1,000 for them, then!

0:28:240:28:28

-Hi, Ros.

-Hi.

-Where are the oysters?

0:28:330:28:36

-Sorry, I forgot to bring them.

-Ah, and I was getting hungry!

0:28:360:28:39

I've ruined your day, I apologise. There's no dips either.

0:28:390:28:43

Clearly, these are majolica oyster plates.

0:28:430:28:47

Please tell me how long you've had them, where you got them and all that sort of stuff.

0:28:470:28:51

-They were my grandma's. She left them to my mum and they're still my mum's.

-Right.

0:28:510:28:55

-Is your mum with you today?

-No.

-Does she know you've brought them?

0:28:550:28:58

-Yes.

-OK. Yes, I've rung her and told her that you'd like to sell them and she said, "Yes, go ahead."

0:28:580:29:03

Well, they're interesting.

0:29:030:29:05

They're majolica, which is the name for this type of earthenware.

0:29:050:29:08

Many people will know that. We've done majolica a lot on these programmes.

0:29:080:29:12

They're clearly oyster dishes and they're made by the well-known firm of George Jones

0:29:120:29:16

who was one of the most famous majolica makers around the 1870s, 1880s.

0:29:160:29:21

They should be marked for him and there's the G and J there, which is the George Jones mark.

0:29:210:29:26

This is a registration lozenge here. We could look in a book and it would

0:29:260:29:29

tell you exactly when this was produced, the day, the month, the year - everything.

0:29:290:29:34

These symbols in every corner. We could find that out as well with the right books and things like that.

0:29:340:29:39

Here we have the pattern number.

0:29:390:29:40

Sometimes they're not marked with the GJ. I think this one...

0:29:430:29:45

This one isn't marked very clearly.

0:29:450:29:49

-No.

-They always wipe off this little bit here to write the reference number on there.

0:29:490:29:53

I thought that was faulty because it had a bit wiped off.

0:29:530:29:56

Sometimes, if you're watching and you see majolica with this rubbing,

0:29:560:30:01

you know it's George Jones even if it hasn't got their mark on it.

0:30:010:30:04

-This one, as you can see, has an old...

-It's been eaten.

0:30:040:30:08

..old damage on the bottom. Apart from that, it's got a few little chips and nicks here and there.

0:30:080:30:14

Majolica is very prone to damage. There's a lot of this crazing in every bit.

0:30:140:30:18

There's a bit of a hairline crack that goes around the other side as well.

0:30:180:30:21

-The condition isn't great.

-I know that, yes.

0:30:210:30:23

Why have you brought them in? Because they're languishing in a cupboard?

0:30:230:30:26

-That's right.

-Any idea what they might be worth?

0:30:260:30:28

No idea at all.

0:30:280:30:31

Have you ever shown them to anyone else before?

0:30:310:30:33

My father died 13 years ago.

0:30:330:30:35

At that time an antique dealer came to the house and he offered us £30.

0:30:350:30:40

-£30.

-At the time we weren't at all bothered so we left them in the cupboard.

0:30:400:30:44

I don't think that was the most generous offer but maybe the market has improved a bit.

0:30:440:30:48

-I'd estimate £100 to £150 for the pair.

-Fine.

0:30:480:30:54

Which I think is a fair auction estimate and hopefully they might make a little bit more.

0:30:540:30:59

-Better than sitting in a cupboard.

-Absolutely, yeah.

0:30:590:31:02

We should put a reserve on them so they don't go for nothing.

0:31:020:31:05

-That's fine.

-I'd suggest on that a fixed 80.

0:31:050:31:08

-No less than 80. Does the money go to mother?

-Yes.

-What do you think she'll do with it?

0:31:080:31:14

-We're having a new kitchen so it might buy a couple of door knobs.

-They are expensive nowadays!

-Yes.

0:31:140:31:20

And now some more tasty treats to serve up in the auction room.

0:31:230:31:26

We're taking Omar's exotic watercolours by the artist

0:31:260:31:30

who didn't think his name was quite exotic enough.

0:31:300:31:33

Jackie's shipshape collection of silver spoons, which Charlie hopes will make a splash,

0:31:330:31:39

and Adam may have underestimated the power of oysters with his valuation of Roslyn's plates.

0:31:390:31:46

But first, let's see what our auctioneer, John, has got to say about them.

0:31:460:31:50

The pairs are good. We like pairs. It puts a lot of value on the item, doesn't it?

0:31:500:31:54

These belong to Roslyn. George Jones majolica, great name.

0:31:540:31:58

We've got a valuation of £100 to £150 put on by our expert.

0:31:580:32:02

-Very conservative.

-It is a bit, isn't it?

0:32:020:32:05

-Very conservative.

-Especially for George Jones.

-And a pair.

0:32:050:32:09

It's not often you see two of anything of George Jones.

0:32:090:32:13

I like these. I think the colour's very good.

0:32:130:32:16

I'm sure you'll find these will double or treble the estimate.

0:32:160:32:20

-Your bottom estimate.

-Yes, exactly, £300.

0:32:200:32:23

And for majolica, which is very easily chipped, they're in very good condition.

0:32:230:32:29

-It's a soft paste, so it doesn't put off majolica buyers, does it?

-No, not at all.

0:32:290:32:33

I don't know why Adam has put £100 to £150 on these.

0:32:330:32:38

He is normally so spot-on that it's quite annoying.

0:32:380:32:41

Well, he may still be right, Paul.

0:32:410:32:44

-Yes.

-I haven't sold them yet but I'll try and prove my point.

0:32:440:32:47

I just happen to like them.

0:32:490:32:51

-I hope you're right for Roslyn.

-I just like them more than he did.

0:32:510:32:55

-But it has peaked. The Americans have stopped buying majolica.

-Yes, but they'll start again.

0:32:550:32:59

-They'll start again.

-They will when they see these!

0:32:590:33:03

Right, now it's the moment of truth for Omar's Arabian watercolours.

0:33:070:33:11

We've got a nice pair of these and they've been in the attic for 25 years. The condition's fantastic.

0:33:110:33:16

-We've got a value of £100 to £200.

-Yeah.

-There's quality there.

0:33:160:33:19

Yeah, well he's a known prolific artist, Giovanni Barbaro, real name Arthur Dudley.

0:33:190:33:25

Glamorous pseudonym!

0:33:250:33:27

They usually make that sort of money so I'm fairly confident.

0:33:270:33:30

No great surprises, hopefully no great disappointments. We'll see.

0:33:300:33:33

Well, the money's going to come in handy, £200.

0:33:330:33:35

Let's hope we get that top end.

0:33:350:33:37

This is it. It's going under the hammer now. Good luck.

0:33:370:33:40

Giovanni Barbaro.

0:33:400:33:42

Showing here.

0:33:420:33:44

Bidding starts with me at £55.

0:33:440:33:47

There's no reserve. 55 I'm bid, 55. 60.

0:33:470:33:51

65, 70, 75, 80.

0:33:510:33:54

They're creeping up.

0:33:540:33:56

85, 90, 95, 100.

0:33:560:34:01

110, 120.

0:34:010:34:02

-We've sold them.

-130, 140.

0:34:020:34:05

150, 160.

0:34:050:34:08

-170, 180.

-This is great. They love it.

0:34:080:34:11

190, 200.

0:34:110:34:13

We've done it. We've got that top end of the estimate.

0:34:130:34:16

200 in the room and sold... 20.

0:34:160:34:18

240, 260.

0:34:180:34:20

-Fresh legs.

-What did they cost you?

0:34:200:34:22

-£5.

-340, 360. Are you all done?

0:34:220:34:25

And sold at 360.

0:34:250:34:28

The hammer's gone done.

0:34:280:34:30

Omar, £360, what are you going to put that towards?

0:34:300:34:33

-A holiday, probably.

-Where are you going to go?

0:34:330:34:35

-Probably the Far East or India.

-OK.

0:34:350:34:38

Well, have a great time, won't you?

0:34:380:34:40

-Thank you.

-What a surprise.

0:34:400:34:42

Well, it was a good result. I've always been lucky here.

0:34:420:34:45

You have, haven't you?

0:34:450:34:47

Jackie's here. We've got your spoons and tongs just about to go under the hammer.

0:34:530:34:56

£250 to £350 was put on by our expert, Charlie.

0:34:560:35:01

I had a chat to the auctioneer earlier.

0:35:010:35:04

He thinks they just might...

0:35:040:35:08

struggle.

0:35:080:35:09

I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry.

0:35:090:35:11

I wanted to say they'd do really, really well. They're unusual. I like the ships on them.

0:35:110:35:15

They haven't been sold yet!

0:35:150:35:16

-No, I know.

-Faith in the valuer.

0:35:160:35:19

It's his local market. He knows the scene here.

0:35:190:35:22

I'm hoping you're right, Charlie. I really do.

0:35:220:35:24

-They're good quality and they've got an interesting history.

-Absolutely.

0:35:240:35:28

Well then, let's prove him wrong, shall we?

0:35:280:35:30

It's going under the hammer now, this is it.

0:35:300:35:32

A set of six cast teaspoons with the sugar nips. Blimey!

0:35:320:35:36

275. the bidding starts with me at £200.

0:35:360:35:42

He was wrong, you were right, Charlie.

0:35:420:35:44

-220, £240...

-They're selling.

0:35:440:35:46

I shall be selling, please. You're out in the room.

0:35:460:35:48

The bid's on commission at £240.

0:35:480:35:51

Brilliant.

0:35:520:35:54

That's a fantastic result.

0:35:540:35:55

Well done, I'm so pleased for you.

0:35:550:35:57

When John the auctioneer looked down at his paperwork he went, "Blimey."

0:35:570:36:01

He didn't believe he'd got a bid to start the opening.

0:36:010:36:05

Perhaps somebody left 700 on them.

0:36:050:36:06

-Jackie, what are you going to do with the money?

-I'll probably put it towards something for the garden.

0:36:060:36:11

Plant something up, watch it grow?

0:36:110:36:13

Possibly a summerhouse, something like that.

0:36:130:36:15

Lovely, well, enjoy it.

0:36:150:36:17

-I will, thank you.

-Time in the garden.

0:36:170:36:19

Great result.

0:36:190:36:21

Time to put the oyster plates to the test.

0:36:240:36:27

They've caused lots of stir. We've talked about them.

0:36:270:36:30

I've just been joined by Roslyn.

0:36:300:36:31

We like them. The auctioneer likes them. Adam loves them.

0:36:310:36:35

I've forgot the oysters again.

0:36:350:36:37

We've had a valuation of £100 to £150.

0:36:370:36:39

I had a chat to John. the auctioneer.

0:36:390:36:42

-He thinks they might possibly creep to £300 to £400.

-Lovely.

0:36:420:36:45

Majolica is so hot at the moment. It's one of those "come and buy me" estimates.

0:36:450:36:51

Bearing in mind the condition, you want to put it nice and tempting, get them all at it.

0:36:510:36:55

-Hopefully we'll get another great result.

-I think we will.

0:36:550:36:59

-This is it.

-One of the prize lots of the day, 170.

0:36:590:37:04

Commission bids start here at £750.

0:37:040:37:08

Yes, that's a "come and buy me", Adam!

0:37:100:37:12

£750, I'm bid.

0:37:120:37:15

Any telephone bidding?

0:37:150:37:16

750, 780. 800.

0:37:160:37:19

Wow!

0:37:190:37:21

And 20, 850.

0:37:210:37:24

At 850... 880. 900.

0:37:240:37:29

920. 950.

0:37:290:37:33

£980...

0:37:330:37:37

All done? Sold.

0:37:370:37:39

£980, how about that?

0:37:390:37:41

-Serving up for you, right now, on those plates.

-Fantastic.

0:37:410:37:45

-I guess we missed a nought off that estimate, didn't we?

-Wow!

0:37:450:37:49

What are you going to do with that? It's nearly £1,000.

0:37:490:37:51

It's going towards Mum's kitchen fund and that'll be granite worktops, I think.

0:37:510:37:55

Wow, how about that. Won't it be luxury, granite worktops.

0:37:550:37:58

-Adam, that was a "come and buy me".

-It was, very conservative, Paul.

0:37:580:38:03

The condition was what we were worried about.

0:38:030:38:05

I did think they'd make more, but I am surprised that they made quite that much.

0:38:050:38:08

And that's what auctions are all about.

0:38:080:38:10

The auction's still going on but it's all over for our owners.

0:38:150:38:19

What a great day we've had here.

0:38:190:38:20

It was great to see that big smile on Roslyn's face when her two oyster plates,

0:38:200:38:25

the George Jones majolica, fetched a staggering £980.

0:38:250:38:29

Join me next time for plenty more auction surprises.

0:38:290:38:32

So, from Market Harborough, it's cheerio.

0:38:320:38:34

Doors open at 9.30.

0:38:530:38:56

Download Subtitles

SRT

ASS