Barrow in Furness

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0:00:04 > 0:00:08Where am I today? Well, I'm in the ruins of Furness Abbey,

0:00:08 > 0:00:11one of the richest and most powerful Cistercian monasteries in the country.

0:00:11 > 0:00:15It's on the outskirts of the town it shares its name with, Barrow-in-Furness.

0:00:15 > 0:00:17Welcome to Flog It!, from Cumbria.

0:00:37 > 0:00:42These magnificent ruins are what's left of a once very imposing abbey.

0:00:42 > 0:00:44It was built on land here in 1127,

0:00:44 > 0:00:50granted by King Stephen, using local red sandstone, as you can see.

0:00:50 > 0:00:52Wonderful to touch the history.

0:00:52 > 0:00:55And because of the monks' incredible knowledge of

0:00:55 > 0:01:00agriculture and architecture, the power and the wealth of the abbey just grew and grew.

0:01:00 > 0:01:05They even had land holdings as far away as Ireland and the Isle of Man.

0:01:05 > 0:01:08But closer to home, they protected their business interests

0:01:08 > 0:01:13by focusing on trade with iron ore and wool from the Island of Walney.

0:01:14 > 0:01:18As well as Walney Island, the monks also came here to Piel Island,

0:01:18 > 0:01:21which is just across the water from their main abbey at Barrow.

0:01:21 > 0:01:25And they built this castle to defend their trading routes.

0:01:25 > 0:01:29Later on in the show, I'll be coming back here to find out a little bit more about the history of this

0:01:29 > 0:01:35island and how such a small place has come to have its very own king, but right now, let's go over to

0:01:35 > 0:01:39the valuation day and see if we can find some right royal treasures.

0:01:43 > 0:01:46Today we're in St Bernard's Catholic High School in Barrow,

0:01:46 > 0:01:51and this massive crowd look like they're ready to go straight back to the classroom.

0:01:51 > 0:01:57And who better to educate them than our two experts, the wonderful David Barby and Anita Manning!

0:01:57 > 0:02:03Well, it's now 9:30, it's time to get the doors open and see who goes straight to the top of the class...

0:02:03 > 0:02:06- or in detention! - CHEERING

0:02:06 > 0:02:09So do stay with us because there could be a few surprises.

0:02:09 > 0:02:11- Oh!- Oh!

0:02:11 > 0:02:17The one... The one that is absolutely a knock-out, really,

0:02:17 > 0:02:19is this one here.

0:02:19 > 0:02:22- Oh, I can't believe it! - That's fantastic!

0:02:25 > 0:02:27Our experts have had a good rummage through all the bags and boxes,

0:02:27 > 0:02:32and it looks as if Anita could score an A with her first item.

0:02:32 > 0:02:34Alison, welcome to Flog It!

0:02:34 > 0:02:39It's lovely to have you along, and to bring this lovely item.

0:02:39 > 0:02:42Can you tell me, where did you get it?

0:02:42 > 0:02:46Well, it came from my father, and I would imagine that it came from

0:02:46 > 0:02:51the time when he was working as a bank manager in the City of London.

0:02:51 > 0:02:55And I think, from what I've found out today, really,

0:02:55 > 0:02:58more than anything else, that this silversmith...

0:02:58 > 0:03:03- Stuart Devlin.- Stuart Devlin, that's right. I'd never heard of him before.

0:03:03 > 0:03:08He was one of the most prestigious silversmiths in the latter part of the 20th century.

0:03:08 > 0:03:10- That's amazing.- Came from Australia.

0:03:10 > 0:03:12- I heard that. - But workshops in London.

0:03:12 > 0:03:13Yes. Well, I think...

0:03:13 > 0:03:15I understand that he studied in London

0:03:15 > 0:03:17and then went back to Australia,

0:03:17 > 0:03:22and then in the mid-60s he wanted to set up on his own

0:03:22 > 0:03:26and I presume that he asked my father for a loan.

0:03:26 > 0:03:31- And presumably my father gave him a loan.- Well, that was wonderful.

0:03:31 > 0:03:34And of course, those were the days when your bank manager, you knew

0:03:34 > 0:03:37who he was, he would help you, he would give you advice

0:03:37 > 0:03:42on your business and help you along the rocky road.

0:03:42 > 0:03:45I don't think my father would have been an easy person

0:03:45 > 0:03:47to get a loan out of, quite honestly,

0:03:47 > 0:03:51so I think he must have been impressed by this young man.

0:03:51 > 0:03:56Well, let's have a look at it. I mean, it is a splendid piece and it is in its original case.

0:03:56 > 0:04:01- Yes.- I mean, it has a wonderful 20th century look about it, you know?

0:04:01 > 0:04:07- We are looking at the '60s, '70s, that type of modernist design.- Yes.

0:04:07 > 0:04:10We have our hallmarks here, with the dates and...

0:04:10 > 0:04:13I would imagine it will be around about '65, '66?

0:04:13 > 0:04:15It must be, because if he was just setting up.

0:04:15 > 0:04:20And we have this wonderful twisted handle with the gilt...

0:04:20 > 0:04:22- almost like trellis work.- Yeah.

0:04:22 > 0:04:27And it's very pleasing to the eye, and it's beautifully made.

0:04:27 > 0:04:31But with a fairly modern item like this, Alison,

0:04:31 > 0:04:34it's difficult to be absolutely accurate.

0:04:34 > 0:04:38And I'm really just taking a kind of stab in the dark, here.

0:04:38 > 0:04:40But my feeling is that perhaps

0:04:40 > 0:04:44between 120 and 180 is where we should

0:04:44 > 0:04:46pitch the estimate.

0:04:46 > 0:04:49- We'll know on the day, we'll find the right price.- Yes.

0:04:49 > 0:04:52120 to 180,

0:04:52 > 0:04:57and I think with a firm reserve of 120.

0:04:57 > 0:05:00- Yes.- If it doesn't make 120...

0:05:00 > 0:05:03Well, I'm looking at it with new eyes now,

0:05:03 > 0:05:05so if it doesn't sell, I shall bring it home again.

0:05:05 > 0:05:09But I hope it will, I hope someone will get it who appreciates it.

0:05:09 > 0:05:11I've enjoyed looking at it,

0:05:11 > 0:05:15I've enjoyed handling it and I'm sure it will do very well.

0:05:15 > 0:05:18- So thank you for bringing it along. - Thank you very much as well.

0:05:25 > 0:05:28Tim, it's absolutely ginormous.

0:05:28 > 0:05:33I've never seen such a large piece of Carlton Ware before.

0:05:33 > 0:05:35Does it belong to you or Diana?

0:05:35 > 0:05:40No, It was given to a coffee morning that we help at,

0:05:40 > 0:05:42kindly donated.

0:05:42 > 0:05:44Rather like one of these...

0:05:44 > 0:05:46- Tables, second-hand tables? - Very much so.

0:05:46 > 0:05:49We thought it might be worth something a little more,

0:05:49 > 0:05:53- so we didn't want to sell it on the coffee morning. - How astute of you, really.

0:05:53 > 0:05:56- And how many people would have done that?- Who knows? - Who knows?

0:05:56 > 0:05:59- Did the other piece come from...? - From the same place, yes.

0:05:59 > 0:06:01- They are so diverse, aren't they? - Yeah.

0:06:01 > 0:06:04Let's look at this one first.

0:06:04 > 0:06:05- I think it's lovely.- Yeah.

0:06:05 > 0:06:10I like Carlton Ware, because you've got the major designers of the '20s,

0:06:10 > 0:06:13you've got the sort of Moorcroft pieces,

0:06:13 > 0:06:14you've got Clarice Cliff,

0:06:14 > 0:06:18and I think Carlton Ware should somewhere be at the top.

0:06:18 > 0:06:25The factory started in 1897, and Carlton Ware was one of the product names.

0:06:25 > 0:06:29And they developed, I suppose, more in the 1920s and '30s,

0:06:29 > 0:06:35with very striking designs in what was a style called Art Deco.

0:06:35 > 0:06:37So this is in the Art Deco style.

0:06:37 > 0:06:42The whole concept of putting it on a black ground is typical of the 1920s.

0:06:42 > 0:06:47- Inside, you have this wonderful green sort of lustre.- Yeah.

0:06:47 > 0:06:50You see that on Maling ware that was made up at Newcastle.

0:06:50 > 0:06:53But I think this inside here is lovely.

0:06:53 > 0:06:57The whole thing is beautiful. Are there any features that you've noticed?

0:06:57 > 0:06:59There's a feature...

0:06:59 > 0:07:02just here, silver, and also on the base there

0:07:02 > 0:07:06is a label as well on the base, which I didn't know what that was.

0:07:06 > 0:07:12Right, OK. That little silver mark there is not part of the design.

0:07:12 > 0:07:18- That's the remnants of the Carlton Ware label that was glued on.- Right.

0:07:18 > 0:07:22Now that tells me - and looking inside, cos there's no flower debris

0:07:22 > 0:07:27inside or staining - that this has never been used as a flower vase.

0:07:27 > 0:07:30- Right.- It's probably been used to look at

0:07:30 > 0:07:32as a work of art, but that's about it.

0:07:32 > 0:07:35If I turn it upside down...

0:07:35 > 0:07:38Oh, I can see the mark on the bottom.

0:07:38 > 0:07:42First of all we have the transfer mark, which is Carlton Ware,

0:07:42 > 0:07:44and then the other one, which is...

0:07:44 > 0:07:48Deansgate, and it looks like... would it be

0:07:48 > 0:07:51Raywards, Manchester?

0:07:51 > 0:07:52Was that a store?

0:07:52 > 0:07:55I don't know. I know Deansgate, but I don't know Wards.

0:07:55 > 0:07:58That was the place to shop, wasn't it?

0:07:58 > 0:08:02So there's the retail label and, again, it's not been washed off.

0:08:02 > 0:08:05And we also have the Carlton Ware label,

0:08:05 > 0:08:09which hasn't been washed off. So it's in pristine condition.

0:08:09 > 0:08:13And I think it's the size which is so important.

0:08:13 > 0:08:15Something as large as this,

0:08:15 > 0:08:18I'm sure somebody is going to pay £350 to £500.

0:08:18 > 0:08:23- Oh, right. Good.- What about this poor little piece of pottery?

0:08:23 > 0:08:26What can you tell me about this? Nothing, we know nothing about it.

0:08:26 > 0:08:29It's a Staffordshire flat figure, that's as much as we know.

0:08:29 > 0:08:32With this, this is cottage art. Cottage art

0:08:32 > 0:08:35of the mid-19th century. Made in Staffordshire,

0:08:35 > 0:08:38and it's remarkable that you said a flat back.

0:08:38 > 0:08:42Well, of course, the back is always flat.

0:08:42 > 0:08:45You'd never see the back if it was on a mantelpiece,

0:08:45 > 0:08:46so there's no need to decorate it.

0:08:46 > 0:08:52So this figure here represents Sebastopol during the Crimean War.

0:08:52 > 0:08:54You can't see it,

0:08:54 > 0:08:56but there's a label right at the very front

0:08:56 > 0:08:59which has an impressed mark, and if you get it in the right light

0:08:59 > 0:09:01you can see Sebastopol.

0:09:01 > 0:09:05There we have two soldiers either side of a gateway, Sebastopol.

0:09:05 > 0:09:08And there we have a French flag at the side there.

0:09:08 > 0:09:11Nice little piece of Staffordshire.

0:09:11 > 0:09:14- After all that, it's only worth 60, £70.- Oh!

0:09:14 > 0:09:17- But I think we'll put a reserve of £50 on it.- Yeah.

0:09:17 > 0:09:20- OK? Would you be happy? - That's great.- That's good.

0:09:20 > 0:09:21Just bear in mind

0:09:21 > 0:09:25when they go up for auction, you might come out

0:09:25 > 0:09:30- with about £400 to £500 to donate to the charity.- Yeah.

0:09:30 > 0:09:31Do you think the nuns will be happy?

0:09:31 > 0:09:34I think they'll be very happy, yeah. Very happy.

0:09:41 > 0:09:44Bob, Melissa, do you know what you've got here?

0:09:44 > 0:09:47Well, it's a lion.

0:09:47 > 0:09:50It's a naked lady riding a lion, isn't it?

0:09:50 > 0:09:55- It's a bit of Parian ware.- Yeah. - A Victorian invention. This was made

0:09:55 > 0:09:59at the Minton factory, and it was modelled by a guy called John Bell.

0:09:59 > 0:10:03The reason it's called Parian is because it's named after

0:10:03 > 0:10:09the purifying white marble that came from the island of Paros in Greece.

0:10:09 > 0:10:11That's where it's quarried.

0:10:11 > 0:10:12But this isn't white marble.

0:10:12 > 0:10:15This is a hard paste porcelain.

0:10:15 > 0:10:18And this dates to around about 1860, 1870.

0:10:18 > 0:10:22That's about the time that my great-great-grandfather moved to Houghton.

0:10:22 > 0:10:24- Has this been in the family a long time?- I imagine so.

0:10:24 > 0:10:28I remember it when I was a child, I was four, late '50s, early '60s,

0:10:28 > 0:10:32- and it was on my grandparents' dresser. With two ladies as well. - Oh, really?

0:10:32 > 0:10:37- Which have disappeared, so I think my dad sold them at the boot sale. - Parian figures as well?- I think so.

0:10:37 > 0:10:41And it is actually beautiful, and it's a good decorative height.

0:10:41 > 0:10:44It's not too small, it's not too big, it will go anywhere in the house.

0:10:44 > 0:10:48And that's what it was designed for back in the 1860s.

0:10:48 > 0:10:53And it was a way of introducing the naked female figure into the household.

0:10:53 > 0:10:57- She does look very cold.- She does look very cold, doesn't she?

0:10:57 > 0:11:02I can sit here and comfortably say we've seen a lot of Parian ware

0:11:02 > 0:11:05on the show before, and it does vary from 150

0:11:05 > 0:11:10all the way to £600 or £700. Let's give this a fair chance.

0:11:10 > 0:11:14I'm gonna stick my neck out and say £200 to £300.

0:11:15 > 0:11:16OK?

0:11:16 > 0:11:23- Can we put a reserve on this at £170?- OK.- Protect it, make sure it sells

0:11:23 > 0:11:28nothing under 170, because otherwise it means that buyers weren't there on the day.

0:11:28 > 0:11:33- Right.- Keep it, put it in another auction room on another day.- Yeah.

0:11:33 > 0:11:36If I kept it and it was on the mantelpiece, something would happen,

0:11:36 > 0:11:39it would get broken. Four children about, so...

0:11:39 > 0:11:41I'm very clumsy.

0:11:41 > 0:11:45Well, I think she's beautiful, and it's so beautifully modelled.

0:11:45 > 0:11:51- It's going to find a new home. - It is realistic, innit? Very.

0:11:59 > 0:12:06Jean, this is a wonderful object, an absolutely delightful thing.

0:12:06 > 0:12:09Tell me, where did you get it?

0:12:09 > 0:12:12Well, it came from my mother's home in Norway.

0:12:12 > 0:12:17It was in my grandparents' home there, and then when they died, my mother got it.

0:12:17 > 0:12:22And then she's always had it while she's been having her own house. It's something I always remember.

0:12:22 > 0:12:25Yes. Did you visit your grandmother's house in Norway?

0:12:25 > 0:12:27No, it was burned down before...

0:12:27 > 0:12:32I see, I see. But you have brought us along a photograph...

0:12:32 > 0:12:38- Yes.- ..of the interior of your grandmother's house, and it's showing this wonderful bowl.

0:12:38 > 0:12:41- Yes, on the back, there. - I think it's marvellous.

0:12:41 > 0:12:44Well, let's have a look at it, Jean.

0:12:44 > 0:12:49It comes from possibly Austria or Germany.

0:12:49 > 0:12:55It's in the style of WMF, with this decorative white metal.

0:12:55 > 0:12:58But we had a wee look earlier on underneath,

0:12:58 > 0:13:03we're not going to do it now, and it wasn't WMF, but it's in the style of.

0:13:03 > 0:13:05Right.

0:13:05 > 0:13:09It has these wonderful sweeping handles,

0:13:09 > 0:13:15and a marvellous border here which has an Edwardian feel about it.

0:13:15 > 0:13:18And underneath we have...

0:13:18 > 0:13:23an Art Nouveau motif. We have a wee bit of a mixture

0:13:23 > 0:13:28of styles here, not detracting from the object at all.

0:13:28 > 0:13:32Inside, we have this glass liner

0:13:32 > 0:13:37which has been cut on the top in this fan shape.

0:13:37 > 0:13:40Again, the Art Nouveau period -

0:13:40 > 0:13:44they would use that type of motif then.

0:13:45 > 0:13:48The bowl was probably used for fruit.

0:13:48 > 0:13:51Right, I was always wondering what it was.

0:13:51 > 0:13:57I feel that we should put the estimate perhaps 100 to 150.

0:13:57 > 0:14:00Now, would you be happy to let it go at that?

0:14:00 > 0:14:02Yes, yes.

0:14:02 > 0:14:05We will put a reserve of £100 on it,

0:14:05 > 0:14:07it means we will not sell it below that.

0:14:07 > 0:14:11- We have no discretion on it.- Right. - I'm hoping for more,

0:14:11 > 0:14:13because I personally think

0:14:13 > 0:14:15- it's a lovely, lovely thing. - Yes, right...

0:14:15 > 0:14:19- Let's hope it flies at the auction. - Thank you.

0:14:32 > 0:14:35Today I'm off to somewhere very special, Piel Island.

0:14:35 > 0:14:38You can see it just over there on the brow, there, on the horizon.

0:14:38 > 0:14:43Now, I believe the King of Piel himself is coming to pick me up, so I'm very honoured.

0:14:43 > 0:14:47And, in fact, there he is now in that four-wheel-drive.

0:14:47 > 0:14:52I don't know how often the king or the queen get over to the shops, so

0:14:52 > 0:14:57I've brought them a basket full of food, a nice packed lunch we can all enjoy today.

0:14:57 > 0:15:01I'm keen to find out more about the island, and who better to tell me than this chap,

0:15:01 > 0:15:06Steve Chattaway, who's the current landlord of the Ship Inn pub of Piel Island,

0:15:06 > 0:15:09- which means you are the current king, Steve.- I am.

0:15:09 > 0:15:11Now, should I call you Your Highness or Steve?

0:15:11 > 0:15:16- Steve's fine.- I think that's better, don't you?- Definitely.- Look what I brought.- Thank you very much.

0:15:16 > 0:15:19- This is courtesy of us, from Flog It!- Makes a change from making my own bread.

0:15:19 > 0:15:22How often do you make this trip across to the mainland?

0:15:22 > 0:15:26It depends how busy the island is and how many stores we go through, how much beer we sell,

0:15:26 > 0:15:28but two or three times a week, usually.

0:15:28 > 0:15:30And are these sands dangerous?

0:15:30 > 0:15:32- It's very tidal here, isn't it? - They can be dangerous.

0:15:32 > 0:15:37I wouldn't recommend anybody going across without local knowledge or taking advice first.

0:15:37 > 0:15:40- So can we jump in? - Course we can. Climb aboard.

0:15:40 > 0:15:46Piel Island is located just off the Furness Peninsula, a stone's throw away from Barrow-in-Furness.

0:15:46 > 0:15:52There is evidence of human habitation on the island going back at least 3,000 years,

0:15:52 > 0:15:58and it was probably visited by the Celts and later the Romans during their conquest of Britain.

0:15:58 > 0:16:03The island boasts a castle, Piel Castle, which was built around 1327

0:16:03 > 0:16:07by the monks that resided at Furness Abbey in Barrow,

0:16:07 > 0:16:12and it was mainly used as a fortified warehouse for the storage of grain and wool.

0:16:12 > 0:16:17There is also an inn on Piel Island called The Ship, and although its origins are obscure,

0:16:17 > 0:16:20it is thought to date back at least 300 years.

0:16:22 > 0:16:23Welcome to Piel Island.

0:16:23 > 0:16:27Oh, thank you very much. Innit lovely?!

0:16:27 > 0:16:30So what brought you over to the island?

0:16:30 > 0:16:34- Oh, it's... We've been coming over since we were kids...- Yeah.

0:16:34 > 0:16:37Just can't keep away from the place.

0:16:37 > 0:16:40Cos we sail too, so we used to come over every weekend with the yacht

0:16:40 > 0:16:42when the kids were little, it was fantastic.

0:16:42 > 0:16:46- You applied for the job of landlord of the pub?- Yes. Yeah, we did.

0:16:46 > 0:16:49- And how many people applied for that?- There was 300 applicants,

0:16:49 > 0:16:52from all over the world, from Russia, Poland, America.

0:16:52 > 0:16:54Everybody fancied being a king. PAUL LAUGHS

0:16:54 > 0:16:58We were fortunate enough to be selected by the local council.

0:16:58 > 0:17:01And obviously, with the pub, you inherit the title.

0:17:01 > 0:17:03How does that work and why does that work?

0:17:03 > 0:17:09In 1487 a chap called Lambert Simnel invaded with 3,000 mercenaries.

0:17:09 > 0:17:13- Yeah.- With the intention of taking over the throne from Henry V.

0:17:15 > 0:17:19But what happened was, basically they got trounced at Stoke Field,

0:17:19 > 0:17:25Lambert Simnel was only a young boy at the time and finished up his time serving in the king's household.

0:17:25 > 0:17:31Ever since then, it's become a tradition that the landlord of the pub becomes the King of Piel Island.

0:17:31 > 0:17:34So we have a crown and we have a sword and a throne.

0:17:34 > 0:17:37So how long have you been landlord and king?

0:17:37 > 0:17:40We had a coronation last year on September the 13th.

0:17:40 > 0:17:45We've actually had the licence for about three years, but we've only been trading for two.

0:17:45 > 0:17:48- Are you enjoying it so far? - Oh, it's absolutely fantastic.

0:17:48 > 0:17:50Absolutely fantastic. And it's quirky as well, being a king.

0:17:50 > 0:17:53What are your...sort of, royal duties?

0:17:53 > 0:17:55What do you have to do?

0:17:55 > 0:17:59The royal duties, basically you have to appoint knights.

0:17:59 > 0:18:03Services to the Crown, basically to the Crown and the island and the community.

0:18:03 > 0:18:07It's sort of like a reward, which is quite a big celebration and party.

0:18:07 > 0:18:08Any other duties?

0:18:08 > 0:18:12Well, you're entitled to the virtue of any maiden on the island.

0:18:12 > 0:18:16But there's not many of them around!

0:18:16 > 0:18:17What does your wife think of that?

0:18:17 > 0:18:20You can ask her if you like, she's here.

0:18:20 > 0:18:24Come on in, Sheila. We're only jesting, aren't we really?

0:18:24 > 0:18:29- Well, yes.- What role do you have to do, as the queen?

0:18:29 > 0:18:31I live in Steve's shadow, really.

0:18:31 > 0:18:35I do all the background work and Steve is the face of the island.

0:18:35 > 0:18:37You're the king and queen of the island.

0:18:37 > 0:18:39Can I have a tour of your kingdom?

0:18:39 > 0:18:42- Of course you can. - Show me round, come on then.

0:18:56 > 0:18:59Tell me the little bit more about the history of the pub.

0:18:59 > 0:19:01The pub goes back to about the 17th century...

0:19:03 > 0:19:06It originally, as far we can gather, it was a chandler's

0:19:06 > 0:19:10and then evolved into a pub, and then a guesthouse and hotel.

0:19:12 > 0:19:15How do the visitors get to the island?

0:19:15 > 0:19:19They can walk across the sands is one way. We do guided walks and things.

0:19:19 > 0:19:25Alternatively, they can get the ferry from Roa Island. There's a little 12 person ferry.

0:19:25 > 0:19:28Or if you've got your own boat, you can sail here.

0:19:28 > 0:19:30The Ship Inn is currently being refurbished.

0:19:30 > 0:19:33When it re-opens, it's going to provide accommodation.

0:19:33 > 0:19:35Conditions on the island are basic.

0:19:35 > 0:19:37There's no mains electricity.

0:19:37 > 0:19:39Instead, the generator is relied upon.

0:19:39 > 0:19:44This doesn't stop the hordes of campers who come to Piel when the weather is good.

0:19:44 > 0:19:48- I can see the ruins of the castle there. Shall we take a look?- Yeah.

0:19:50 > 0:19:56One of the major attractions on the island is Piel Castle, which is the most breathtaking of ruins.

0:20:02 > 0:20:04Absolutely incredible!

0:20:04 > 0:20:06- Isn't it?- It's beautiful.

0:20:06 > 0:20:08What does the castle date back to?

0:20:08 > 0:20:11It dates back to the 12th century.

0:20:11 > 0:20:15It was built by the Cistercians at Furness Abbey.

0:20:15 > 0:20:21It was built as a warehouse and as a secure stronghold originally, because of the export of wool.

0:20:21 > 0:20:25Can you imagine the Abbots at the time, were like the local mafia?

0:20:25 > 0:20:29There was some serious money changing hands.

0:20:29 > 0:20:34- They had to build something like this.- You don't expect to see this when you get to the island, do you?

0:20:34 > 0:20:37No. It's a really well-built castle.

0:20:37 > 0:20:39It's not been a cheap and nasty affair.

0:20:39 > 0:20:41It's a top of the range castle.

0:20:41 > 0:20:43This is the bailey here, isn't it?

0:20:43 > 0:20:47That's correct. We came through the gate house. This was actually where I was crowned King of Piel.

0:20:47 > 0:20:52There was about 2,500 people on this inner bailey, sat on the walls and things.

0:20:52 > 0:20:54- It was absolutely fantastic. - What a ceremony.

0:20:54 > 0:20:56What a view!

0:20:56 > 0:20:58It's awesome, isn't it?

0:20:58 > 0:21:02This is where we come every evening, we sit and see the sunsets and have a gin and tonic,

0:21:02 > 0:21:05when everybody has gone home and it's nice and peaceful.

0:21:05 > 0:21:07And you think, "Yes, it's worth it."

0:21:07 > 0:21:09This is why we live here, yeah.

0:21:11 > 0:21:16It may feel like a bleak outpost of the British Isles, but Piel has a unique charm all of its own.

0:21:16 > 0:21:19I can just imagine what it's like on a sunny day.

0:21:19 > 0:21:23Thank you so much for showing me around. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

0:21:23 > 0:21:26I'm going to come back and have a pint when the pub is open.

0:21:26 > 0:21:30- Please do.- You're not sending me back the same way though, are you?

0:21:30 > 0:21:33No, you've got the illustrious John, who's going to take you off.

0:21:33 > 0:21:35- The Piel ferry. - That Piel ferry, yes.

0:21:35 > 0:21:37- I'll give it a go. Cheerio.- Bye. - Bye.

0:21:37 > 0:21:39Good to see you, John.

0:21:42 > 0:21:46I've got my brolly, because I feel it's going to pour down with rain.

0:22:04 > 0:22:06We've had a fabulous morning so far.

0:22:06 > 0:22:11Right now it's time for our first trip to the Kendal auction rooms, so while we make our way over there,

0:22:11 > 0:22:14here's a quick recap just to jog your memory, of our experts' choices.

0:22:14 > 0:22:16And hopefully they're all A+.

0:22:16 > 0:22:20Alison inherited this paper knife made by a prestigious silversmith,

0:22:20 > 0:22:23and Anita thinks it should go to the top of the class.

0:22:23 > 0:22:27It's very pleasing to the eye and it's beautifully made.

0:22:27 > 0:22:30Diane and Tim rescued this Carlton Ware vase

0:22:30 > 0:22:33and Staffordshire flat back from a bric-a-brac table

0:22:33 > 0:22:35to raise more money for charity.

0:22:35 > 0:22:39I was delighted with Bob and Mel's Minton Parian ware.

0:22:39 > 0:22:41It's been in the family a long time

0:22:41 > 0:22:43and they're worried that it will get damaged.

0:22:43 > 0:22:47If I kept it and it was on the mantelpiece, something would happen,

0:22:47 > 0:22:51- it would get broken. Four children about, so...- I'm very clumsy.

0:22:51 > 0:22:55And, finally, Jean's majestic fruit bowl. It used to grace

0:22:55 > 0:22:58her grandmother's sideboard, but it's time to find it a new home.

0:23:02 > 0:23:05And this is where we're selling all our lots today,

0:23:05 > 0:23:07the Kendal Auction Rooms in Kendal.

0:23:07 > 0:23:09It's a very busy morning so, with a bit of luck,

0:23:09 > 0:23:12there will be some eager bidding to raise the roof on all our lots.

0:23:12 > 0:23:16Taking turns on the rostrum today are auctioneers Kevin Kendal,

0:23:16 > 0:23:19and David Brookes. First up,

0:23:19 > 0:23:22Kevin is selling Alison's paper knife,

0:23:22 > 0:23:25and Alison has brought along her husband for moral support.

0:23:25 > 0:23:28Right, this knife, a little bit special.

0:23:28 > 0:23:31- Yes.- We've upped the reserve...- Yes.

0:23:31 > 0:23:35..from 120 to £150. You've done a bit more research?

0:23:35 > 0:23:39Well, I've found out that Stuart Devlin is still around and I've been in touch with him.

0:23:39 > 0:23:45He didn't actually give it to my father, but it must have come from the Goldsmiths Company, I think.

0:23:45 > 0:23:52- OK.- And as Anita said, he designed the first lot of Australian decimal coins.

0:23:52 > 0:23:54He is an Australian by birth.

0:23:54 > 0:23:57So hopefully with this information and if the auctioneer knows this

0:23:57 > 0:24:01and everybody's aware in the sale, it will put the value up. He is a sought-after artist?

0:24:01 > 0:24:07He's one of the most prestigious silversmiths of the latter half of the 20th century.

0:24:07 > 0:24:11- This might find its way back to Australia.- I doubt it.

0:24:11 > 0:24:16Silver parcel gilt paper knife. A very stylish piece, Stuart Devlin,

0:24:16 > 0:24:19and I will start the bidding with me at £140.

0:24:19 > 0:24:22- Yeah.- Good, good.

0:24:22 > 0:24:24140 bid now. 140 bid.

0:24:24 > 0:24:2650, where? 150.

0:24:26 > 0:24:29160. 170. 180?

0:24:29 > 0:24:31180 now. 180 on commission.

0:24:31 > 0:24:34We are selling away this time, then, at 180...

0:24:34 > 0:24:37- Yes! We've done it.- That was good.

0:24:37 > 0:24:39- £180.- I'm happy with that.

0:24:39 > 0:24:44- That is exactly the right auction price for it.- Yes.

0:24:44 > 0:24:45Yes. I'm pleased that it did that.

0:24:52 > 0:24:55Going under the hammer now we've got some real quality.

0:24:55 > 0:24:58We've got a Staffordshire piece and a wonderful piece of Carlton Ware.

0:24:58 > 0:25:01It's not a little bit, it's a MASSIVE piece.

0:25:01 > 0:25:04We have the items but, unfortunately we don't have the owners.

0:25:04 > 0:25:07They can't make it today. So good luck to Tim and Diane.

0:25:07 > 0:25:11David's going to get on the phone when we've sold both of these. Here's the first lot.

0:25:11 > 0:25:14Victorian Staffordshire flat back, the fort.

0:25:14 > 0:25:15That's attractive enough.

0:25:15 > 0:25:1850 for this, please? 50?

0:25:18 > 0:25:21Start me 40, then, somewhere? £40?

0:25:21 > 0:25:22No? £40?

0:25:22 > 0:25:27Not as popular as they used to be, I'm afraid. £40, anywhere?

0:25:27 > 0:25:31- No?- Not one bid in the room. Oh.

0:25:31 > 0:25:33- OK, here's the second... - You can phone them!

0:25:33 > 0:25:37Ok. Here's the Carlton Ware, top end, £500.

0:25:37 > 0:25:39The Carlton Ware vase,

0:25:39 > 0:25:43that's a nice large lump, there. Rather attractive.

0:25:43 > 0:25:45and I have commission interest,

0:25:45 > 0:25:51so I'm gonna have to start bidding with me at £340, lot 615.

0:25:51 > 0:25:54- With me at £340?- That's just sold it, really.

0:25:54 > 0:25:58With the commissions I'm going in straight at £340, here to be sold.

0:25:58 > 0:26:00340.

0:26:00 > 0:26:02- Oh, good.- 360, is that?- Yes.- 360.

0:26:02 > 0:26:03380, now, with me?

0:26:03 > 0:26:07- Yes.- 380. That's a 400?- Yes.

0:26:07 > 0:26:08I have 405 commission.

0:26:08 > 0:26:12With me at £405, it's going, make no mistake.

0:26:14 > 0:26:15Yes, the hammer's gone down.

0:26:15 > 0:26:18We got the second one away, and that was mid estimate,

0:26:18 > 0:26:20- so that was well done, David. - That's good.

0:26:24 > 0:26:28Now, this next lot is so unusual, I've not seen anything like it.

0:26:28 > 0:26:31I kind of like it because it's so different. It's a fruit bowl

0:26:31 > 0:26:33shaped like a boat and it belongs to June,

0:26:33 > 0:26:36- and we're looking for 150-odd pounds?- We're hoping so.- Top end.

0:26:36 > 0:26:38It's a nice thing.

0:26:38 > 0:26:41I don't know how the bidders of Kendal are going to take to this,

0:26:41 > 0:26:45- cos it's quite striking in design, isn't it?- It is very exciting.

0:26:45 > 0:26:49- I think it's a little bit exotic. - Yeah.- I love it.

0:26:49 > 0:26:53Yeah, it's definitely got the Scandinavian kind of look about it, hasn't it?

0:26:53 > 0:26:56When you think about designers like Georg Jensen,

0:26:56 > 0:26:59you think, "Yes, different, but there's quality there."

0:26:59 > 0:27:01Fingers crossed. Let's see what it does.

0:27:01 > 0:27:05Art Nouveau pewter. Rather nice fruit bowl.

0:27:05 > 0:27:09£100, anywhere? £80, I'm bid, thank you very much. 80.

0:27:09 > 0:27:1385. 90. 95. 100.

0:27:13 > 0:27:15Commission's out. 100 in the room, now.

0:27:15 > 0:27:18In the room at £100. Any advance? To my right

0:27:18 > 0:27:23- In the room at £100. 110.- Great. - Ah, yes!- 120.

0:27:23 > 0:27:28In the room at £120. It's going in the room at £120.

0:27:29 > 0:27:32- He's sold it.- That's probably about the right price for it.

0:27:32 > 0:27:34- Yeah, we did it, we did it. - Great, it's sold!

0:27:41 > 0:27:43Right, it's my turn to be the expert.

0:27:43 > 0:27:49We've got some Parian ware, it's Minton, it belongs to Bob and Mel, who's just here. Hello!

0:27:49 > 0:27:52- How've you been since the last time I saw you?- Fine.

0:27:52 > 0:27:55School holidays now. Enjoying it?

0:27:55 > 0:27:58It's really fun, cos in the school holidays it's like...

0:27:58 > 0:28:00- there's loads of things to do.- Yeah.

0:28:00 > 0:28:02Well, we've got £200 to £300 on this, Bob.

0:28:02 > 0:28:05We've got a reserve of 170.

0:28:05 > 0:28:09I hope I don't let you both down, do you know that?

0:28:09 > 0:28:15I think we have to put our fingers together. Let's cross our fingers. OK, Mel? Oh, Mel's already done it.

0:28:15 > 0:28:19Rather attractive piece of Minton Parian ware, Una and the Lion.

0:28:19 > 0:28:24I have commission bids, so I'm going to have to start this one

0:28:24 > 0:28:26between the two and go at £320.

0:28:26 > 0:28:30- Oh, yes!- £320. - Straight in at the top end.

0:28:30 > 0:28:32With me at 320. 340, anywhere?

0:28:32 > 0:28:37At £320, now. With the commission at 320.

0:28:38 > 0:28:41Straight in at £320, Mel!

0:28:41 > 0:28:43So what's the money going towards?

0:28:43 > 0:28:45- We'll recarpet my dad's house. - Will you?

0:28:45 > 0:28:48So he's doing his house up, is he, really?

0:28:48 > 0:28:49Are you gonna get any money as well?

0:28:49 > 0:28:53School holidays. What would you like to do, if you could?

0:28:53 > 0:28:56- I'd like to go to London.- You'd like to go to London, would you?

0:28:56 > 0:28:58Ooh, do you really wanna go there?

0:28:58 > 0:29:02- You get stuck in traffic. - I want to go sightseeing. - Sightseeing.- See everything.

0:29:02 > 0:29:07- Dad'll take you one day, won't you? - At least she's not shopping. - At least you're not shopping!

0:29:09 > 0:29:13Not a bad start then but the real shocks are yet to come.

0:29:13 > 0:29:16Oh, you'll get that fish and chips now.

0:29:16 > 0:29:20But before we look to the future, let's turn our sites on the past.

0:29:28 > 0:29:33Remember James Ramsden? He was one of the founding fathers

0:29:33 > 0:29:36of modern Barrow, and helped the town become what it is today.

0:29:36 > 0:29:40He introduced modern shipbuilding to Barrow in 1871,

0:29:40 > 0:29:44which was the driving force behind the town's success and development.

0:29:44 > 0:29:47The shipyards built some of the most advanced vessels

0:29:47 > 0:29:54of the day from steam yachts to liners, cargo ships, and even submarines.

0:29:54 > 0:30:01But it was in 1897 that the fortunes of Barrow's shipyards really changed.

0:30:01 > 0:30:06They were bought by steel makers Vickers & Sons and arms manufacturers Maxim,

0:30:06 > 0:30:11and they were immediately able to benefit from the soaring demands for re-armament.

0:30:11 > 0:30:12As the order books filled up,

0:30:12 > 0:30:16the town struggled to house the rapidly increasing labour force.

0:30:16 > 0:30:21This housing shortage was so great that workers were forced to lodge on

0:30:21 > 0:30:26the Atlantic liner Alaska, berthed in the nearby Devonshire Dock.

0:30:26 > 0:30:30Necessity forced Vickers to find a solution, so they bought land here

0:30:30 > 0:30:34on Walney Island just across the Walney Channel,

0:30:34 > 0:30:40and in 1900 they built around 1,000 houses in two estates, and so Vickerstown was born.

0:30:40 > 0:30:47It was designed as more than just a housing estate, developers envisioned self-sufficient,

0:30:47 > 0:30:52classless communities where the man-made was balanced with nature.

0:30:52 > 0:30:56But with 250 workers already living in a floating hostel,

0:30:56 > 0:30:59these grand ideals proved impractical.

0:30:59 > 0:31:04So plans were scaled down to give workers decent, basic living conditions

0:31:04 > 0:31:07on the principle that a happy worker was a productive worker.

0:31:07 > 0:31:09And far from being a classless community,

0:31:09 > 0:31:13the estate layout segregated the workers from the management

0:31:13 > 0:31:17and the majority of the houses were like this, built for the workers.

0:31:19 > 0:31:24Homes like these were designed for the skilled people and foremen.

0:31:26 > 0:31:31These grand villas with their wonderful views and large gardens were reserved for the elite.

0:31:44 > 0:31:47The first tenant, David Mason, moved into this house,

0:31:47 > 0:31:5228 Latona Street, in November 1900. Others were quick to follow.

0:31:52 > 0:31:56By 1903, the population was more than 3,000,

0:31:56 > 0:32:00and people were moving in even before the cottages were finished.

0:32:00 > 0:32:03But not everybody was eligible, to become a tenant you had to be

0:32:03 > 0:32:07a reliable worker and have a recommendation from the foreman.

0:32:10 > 0:32:14And a house like this is typical of the type a foreman would have enjoyed,

0:32:14 > 0:32:18and thanks to its current owners, who have lovingly restored it,

0:32:18 > 0:32:23we can see what life was like back in the early 1900s in Vickerstown.

0:32:29 > 0:32:32- And here are the couple, Russ and Nicola.- Hello.

0:32:32 > 0:32:34- Pleased to meet you. - Pleased to meet you too.

0:32:34 > 0:32:36What a talented couple, as well!

0:32:36 > 0:32:41- Thank you.- This is so impressive, just on first impressions it's like a mini museum.

0:32:41 > 0:32:45It really is, but the whole house embraces you as well.

0:32:45 > 0:32:49- So this was the foreman's cottage or the foreman's house?- Yes.

0:32:49 > 0:32:50We think it could be, yes.

0:32:50 > 0:32:53So how does that differ from the ordinary worker?

0:32:53 > 0:32:58He was probably on more money and therefore he's got a slightly bigger house here.

0:32:58 > 0:33:01So he's got more enriched details with things compared to some

0:33:01 > 0:33:05of the other houses that weren't as embellished.

0:33:05 > 0:33:07So this is more like a three-up, three-down,

0:33:07 > 0:33:09as opposed to a two-up, two-down.

0:33:09 > 0:33:12This one has a hallway, the other ones in the street don't.

0:33:12 > 0:33:15You are straight into the sitting room?

0:33:15 > 0:33:17And a lot of them would have had outside toilets

0:33:17 > 0:33:20whereas this one had one included in the house.

0:33:20 > 0:33:22Attention to detail.

0:33:22 > 0:33:24You spotted it!

0:33:24 > 0:33:26Lots of it.

0:33:26 > 0:33:28- Who's it down to?- It's both of us.

0:33:28 > 0:33:30We've both have got a good eye for things.

0:33:30 > 0:33:32We both like the same things.

0:33:32 > 0:33:35This was very fashionable, this look, in the early 1900s,

0:33:35 > 0:33:38it reminds me of William Morris, you've got the whole theme going on.

0:33:38 > 0:33:43It is very in keeping, we've done lots of research into it,

0:33:43 > 0:33:45but it's what we love.

0:33:45 > 0:33:46- Really?- Yeah.

0:33:46 > 0:33:49How did this come about? You obviously bought the house,

0:33:49 > 0:33:51- you're local anyway.- Yeah.

0:33:51 > 0:33:55It was very old and dilapidated when we got in, it was crying out...

0:33:55 > 0:33:57The fencing was collapsed...

0:33:57 > 0:34:01Yeah, to be loved really. It was just in a desperate...

0:34:01 > 0:34:05You had to renovate it, but where did the idea come in

0:34:05 > 0:34:09to actually go right back to 1903 and dress it properly,

0:34:09 > 0:34:12buy the furniture, choose the carpets.

0:34:12 > 0:34:14It's just what we like.

0:34:14 > 0:34:17William Morris, as you mentioned before,

0:34:17 > 0:34:22has been a very big influence so we've started with the wallpaper and expanded, really.

0:34:22 > 0:34:26Then all the ornaments and knick-knacks have been made up over years of collecting.

0:34:26 > 0:34:30Were the skirting boards and the architraves and the cornices here?

0:34:30 > 0:34:32- No. Put them in myself. - Really? Yourself.

0:34:32 > 0:34:34- Yeah.- Right.

0:34:34 > 0:34:39- Were you a carpenter by trade? - Yes, I served my time in the yard as a carpenter.

0:34:39 > 0:34:43That's really quite nice, actually, because

0:34:43 > 0:34:48that's really taking it back to... In the early 1900s,

0:34:48 > 0:34:51- you would have been working in the shipyard, living here. - That's right.

0:34:51 > 0:34:54Maybe as a foreman carpenter, and here you are now.

0:34:54 > 0:34:57Yeah. Maybe we've lived here before.

0:34:57 > 0:34:59Yeah, this could be our second time.

0:34:59 > 0:35:02- Spooky.- So how much of the house is original?

0:35:02 > 0:35:05The layout is more-or-less as it was.

0:35:05 > 0:35:07We've done slight changes in the kitchen,

0:35:07 > 0:35:09there was a pantry there, but that's gone.

0:35:09 > 0:35:15- But the hallway floor is original, all our doors and door handles were all left here.- The fireplaces?

0:35:15 > 0:35:18No, they've been replaced.

0:35:18 > 0:35:20How do you take this house into the millennium?

0:35:20 > 0:35:23What's the kitchen like?

0:35:23 > 0:35:25- Well, come and have a look.- OK.

0:35:27 > 0:35:28Oh, wow!

0:35:28 > 0:35:33Very nice. I like the Aga, obviously you cook on this.

0:35:33 > 0:35:35Yeah, we do, just about.

0:35:35 > 0:35:37We heat things on it.

0:35:37 > 0:35:41So how has this changed, what have you done in here?

0:35:41 > 0:35:45Originally, it used to be a small kitchen, half and half,

0:35:45 > 0:35:47and the downstairs bathroom.

0:35:47 > 0:35:50So there was a toilet, bath and sink there, we've taken that upstairs now.

0:35:50 > 0:35:53Where are the white goods?

0:35:53 > 0:35:55LAUGHTER

0:35:55 > 0:35:58- If you look in that cupboard there.- Can I look in your cupboard?

0:35:58 > 0:36:02- You certainly can.- Oh, yeah, look at that, a fridge freezer.

0:36:02 > 0:36:04- Well, hidden away.- Microwave...

0:36:04 > 0:36:06And toaster under there, and underneath there.

0:36:06 > 0:36:10Everybody's got to do some washing, so there's the washer and dryer.

0:36:10 > 0:36:13They're all the boring bits.

0:36:13 > 0:36:16Great, though, isn't it? So what's your favourite room then?

0:36:16 > 0:36:19Difficult, difficult one.

0:36:19 > 0:36:21It changes every day.

0:36:21 > 0:36:25The bathroom's really nice because we've got proper period fittings in there.

0:36:25 > 0:36:29The most recent one we've done though is the bedroom,

0:36:29 > 0:36:31that's probably the favourite one of them all.

0:36:31 > 0:36:33We've done the best job there.

0:36:33 > 0:36:35- Can I have a look? - You certainly can, yes.

0:36:35 > 0:36:38Come with me.

0:36:47 > 0:36:50So, this is our favourite room at the moment.

0:36:50 > 0:36:53- Great colours again.- Nice, isn't it? Really rich and warm.

0:36:53 > 0:36:55Yeah. Is it all original?

0:36:55 > 0:36:57Most of it is, yeah.

0:36:57 > 0:37:01Most of the windows are, the fireplace is original.

0:37:01 > 0:37:03There's one thing that's not original.

0:37:03 > 0:37:06I've just looked up, I think I can guess.

0:37:06 > 0:37:08It's the biggest coving you've ever seen!

0:37:08 > 0:37:10- Look at that cornice!- I know.

0:37:10 > 0:37:13We made a little mistake, but we think we've got away with it!

0:37:13 > 0:37:16- That is a bit OTT, isn't it?- Yeah, it is.

0:37:16 > 0:37:19- But, hey, it's a bedroom. It looks great.- It's nice and rich.

0:37:19 > 0:37:24Thank you for showing me around. I think it's great. It's a trip back in time, definitely.

0:37:24 > 0:37:27- Thank you.- It's been a pleasure showing it off.

0:37:34 > 0:37:37Wasn't that fabulous?

0:37:37 > 0:37:42We see so many stately homes and manor houses on Flog It!, but what's great about this house

0:37:42 > 0:37:46is it belonged to an ordinary working person,

0:37:46 > 0:37:49and restoring it like they have, back to its former glory,

0:37:49 > 0:37:56the early part of the 1900s, it's keeping another precious part of our social history well and truly alive.

0:38:03 > 0:38:10Back at the valuation day, David's looking at his own snapshot of history.

0:38:10 > 0:38:15Pippa, I'm fascinated by the objects you've brought along, because it's a complete cavalcade,

0:38:15 > 0:38:20is it not, of late-19th and early-20th century life,

0:38:20 > 0:38:26- captured in a dual form on stereographic viewing slides.- Yes.

0:38:26 > 0:38:30It's a bit of a mouthful, but this way, you see a three-dimensional image.

0:38:30 > 0:38:33- Right.- Are these family pieces?

0:38:33 > 0:38:36- No.- Tell me where they came from.

0:38:36 > 0:38:38When we moved into the house...

0:38:38 > 0:38:43- In Barrow?- In Barrow. ..A few years down the line, we found them in the loft.

0:38:43 > 0:38:46But you've got all the elements here,

0:38:46 > 0:38:50you've got stereographic slides, but most importantly,

0:38:50 > 0:38:54you've got the camera, which is a combined camera and also viewer.

0:38:54 > 0:38:58- Yes.- And it's beautifully inscribed, and it's called...

0:38:58 > 0:39:03- Le Glyph-oscope. Or Le Glye-phoscope. - Glyph-oscope. I wouldn't know!

0:39:03 > 0:39:06And this was patented by Jules Richard of Paris.

0:39:06 > 0:39:08Right.

0:39:08 > 0:39:10You put the glass negative in,

0:39:10 > 0:39:12you slide that along...

0:39:14 > 0:39:17..pull it out...

0:39:17 > 0:39:20You may decide to put this on a tripod...

0:39:21 > 0:39:23Look through it,

0:39:23 > 0:39:27- and you take a photograph. - Fascinating. - That is absolutely fascinating.

0:39:27 > 0:39:31But when you've taken that and you have them developed,

0:39:31 > 0:39:33you then want to use this for viewing.

0:39:33 > 0:39:38- Now, you've picked out two that you think we might be interested in?- Yes.

0:39:38 > 0:39:43- OK. Well, I can see one is entitled Mermaids.- Yes. - Is that bathing belles?

0:39:43 > 0:39:46- It is.- Right, let's have a look.

0:39:46 > 0:39:51This is almost like being a child again, isn't it?

0:39:51 > 0:39:54Oh, and that's absolutely super.

0:39:54 > 0:39:57There are two rather attractive-looking girls

0:39:57 > 0:40:01going into one of those bathing huts with wheels.

0:40:01 > 0:40:05- Yes.- Rather good, aren't they?- They are good.- The costumes are superb.

0:40:05 > 0:40:11- It's the costumes that make it, I think.- And what's the other one? - The other one's Furness Abbey.

0:40:11 > 0:40:14Oh, right, let's have a look at that. Put the clip down.

0:40:18 > 0:40:20Oh, that's extraordinary,

0:40:20 > 0:40:23and in the foreground there's a family picnicking.

0:40:23 > 0:40:25Oh, that's absolutely brilliant!

0:40:25 > 0:40:28- So, you're gonna sell these?- Yes.

0:40:28 > 0:40:31There's nothing here that you really want to keep, is there?

0:40:31 > 0:40:33No, there's no family, nothing.

0:40:33 > 0:40:38- No, nothing at all. So, it doesn't mean an awful lot to you apart from its historical context?- Yes.

0:40:38 > 0:40:43It's an extraordinary collection, and I'm sure there will be great demand,

0:40:43 > 0:40:45- particularly for the local views.- Right.

0:40:45 > 0:40:51I would like to price it somewhere in the region possibly about 150 to 200.

0:40:51 > 0:40:54- Uh-huh.- So, if we say, a reserve of, what, £150?

0:40:54 > 0:40:57- That would be fine.- Would you be happy?- Yes, that would...

0:40:57 > 0:41:00The beauty is, that, with the camera,

0:41:00 > 0:41:03these are unique.

0:41:03 > 0:41:08- Nobody else has got a collection of these, cos they've all been taken with this camera.- Yes.

0:41:12 > 0:41:15- Jenny, welcome to Flog It!. - Thank you.

0:41:15 > 0:41:19I'm always delighted to see samplers at Flog It!,

0:41:19 > 0:41:23- I think that they're a wonderful piece of social history.- Yes.

0:41:23 > 0:41:25Where did you get them?

0:41:25 > 0:41:29I came across them when we were clearing my mother's house out,

0:41:29 > 0:41:34and when I did find them, they weren't in their frames, it was just the two samplers.

0:41:34 > 0:41:37And they looked as if they were getting a little bit frail,

0:41:37 > 0:41:42so I took them to one of the shops in town that specialise in framing,

0:41:42 > 0:41:46and the gentleman there kept them for quite a while,

0:41:46 > 0:41:50because he said he needed to research the best materials

0:41:50 > 0:41:55- to use in framing them, so he didn't, sort of, compromise the samplers.- Yeah.

0:41:55 > 0:41:58Erm... Do you like them?

0:41:58 > 0:42:02I do, yes, but like a lot of things, they're just, sort of, hanging on the wall,

0:42:02 > 0:42:04and after a while, you don't notice them.

0:42:04 > 0:42:09Uh-huh. I mean, they're so sweet, they're done by children.

0:42:09 > 0:42:15You've got little girls who were made to sit silent on the settee

0:42:15 > 0:42:18and do all this type of stuff.

0:42:18 > 0:42:24This one here is perhaps a little bit more typical, where you have the alphabet,

0:42:24 > 0:42:28her numbers, her name, Sarah Johnson, and the date here.

0:42:28 > 0:42:34This one here, which is a little faded, has the Tree of Life

0:42:34 > 0:42:38- and, I believe, Adam and Eve here.- Yes.

0:42:38 > 0:42:40And I think this is the most... THEY BOTH LAUGH

0:42:40 > 0:42:43- ..dreadful poem!- Dreadful, yes!

0:42:43 > 0:42:49"So on a tree divinely fair, Grew the forbidden food,

0:42:49 > 0:42:53"Her mother took the poison there, And tainted all her blood."

0:42:53 > 0:42:56I think that's a bit, sort of...!

0:42:56 > 0:42:57It is really, isn't it? Yes.

0:42:57 > 0:43:04But these were ideas that they had in those days.

0:43:04 > 0:43:08A nice little piece of Victorian history.

0:43:08 > 0:43:14But I must say, Jenny, that the collectors like them in the original frames.

0:43:14 > 0:43:19You did the right thing. By reframing, you were protecting.

0:43:19 > 0:43:22- That's what I thought. - But I'd put both of them together.

0:43:22 > 0:43:25Yes, that's fine.

0:43:25 > 0:43:29- I would put an estimate of £100 to £150?- Yeah, that would be beautiful.

0:43:29 > 0:43:36- With a reserve price of £80. - That'll be fine.- Is that fine with you?- That's great.

0:43:36 > 0:43:40But I think that they'll go beyond £100, I feel that they should.

0:43:40 > 0:43:44- That'll be lovely. - Will you be sorry to see them go?

0:43:44 > 0:43:50Not really, no. I'll be quite happy to have a little bit of something back to put in the holiday pot!

0:43:50 > 0:43:55- Oh, yes, that's always nice! - Yes, yes. Thank you very much.

0:44:02 > 0:44:07Ken, I find it extraordinary that we've come on a programme called Flog It!.

0:44:07 > 0:44:10I think it should be renamed Attic Treasures.

0:44:10 > 0:44:14- Yeah, probably.- Because these have come out of your attic.- They have.

0:44:14 > 0:44:19- How long have they been stuck up there?- Over 30 years, I think, since the '70s, anyway.

0:44:19 > 0:44:24So you've kept them in a box, un-looked at, unloved...

0:44:24 > 0:44:27- Yeah.- ..and not admired.- Exactly.

0:44:27 > 0:44:30Have you tried to sell these or give them away?

0:44:30 > 0:44:35I once offered them to a model railway club, and they said, "Well, they're just worthless,

0:44:35 > 0:44:38"but we'll take them, and we might use one or two of them."

0:44:38 > 0:44:41But I thought, "No, I'll not bother."

0:44:41 > 0:44:45I can't believe that! But it's only probably recently

0:44:45 > 0:44:50that these are now appreciated for what they are, as, sort of, railway - or "railway-ana" - art,

0:44:50 > 0:44:56- which is very popular at the moment, and these will create a great deal of interest.- Oh, good.

0:44:56 > 0:45:01Now, I've gone through them, I've taken out one or two which I think are interesting,

0:45:01 > 0:45:07from the design point of view, or my own selfish reasons, cos I can relate to them, like this one here,

0:45:07 > 0:45:12which is Royal Leamington Spa, where I used to work. I've worked in Royal Leamington Spa for 25 years.

0:45:12 > 0:45:20I recognise this as the Spa Rooms, where there was a spa for taking the waters, and it's still there.

0:45:20 > 0:45:26If you saw this on railway hoardings, you'd think, "I might take a train to Leamington Spa."

0:45:26 > 0:45:29- These all date from the '50s and the '60s.- They do.

0:45:29 > 0:45:31How did you actually acquire them?

0:45:31 > 0:45:36Well, it was a friend that had asked me to be the executor under his will...

0:45:36 > 0:45:41- Yes.- ..and he meticulously left all his possessions to different people,

0:45:41 > 0:45:44and I got the leftovers, as you call it.

0:45:44 > 0:45:47And I got these and an electric wheelchair.

0:45:47 > 0:45:51So what's happened to the wheelchair? THEY BOTH LAUGH

0:45:51 > 0:45:54Well, that's gone to a person that needed it!

0:45:54 > 0:45:58Oh, good! Well, I think these are going to prove quite interesting.

0:45:58 > 0:46:03This one here, if you wanted a camp holiday, you could go to Prestatyn.

0:46:03 > 0:46:05And what does it say?

0:46:05 > 0:46:10"Prestatyn Holiday Camp, luxury all-in holiday on the North Wales coast."

0:46:10 > 0:46:11But what I love about this

0:46:11 > 0:46:16is the colours they've used, it's more like the French Riviera.

0:46:16 > 0:46:20- They were good salespeople. - Absolutely. And in the middle here,

0:46:20 > 0:46:25you've got this sun motif with the attractions for the holiday camp. I think this is lovely.

0:46:25 > 0:46:29We're not just talking in terms of just a few pounds, I can assure you.

0:46:29 > 0:46:32These are very evocative of the period,

0:46:32 > 0:46:35and the excitement of travel by train in England

0:46:35 > 0:46:37- that is...that is gone.- Gone.

0:46:37 > 0:46:39This one we've included,

0:46:39 > 0:46:42because it has this wonderful Rita Hayworth-type figure,

0:46:42 > 0:46:48this wonderful female here, and she's having a happy holiday in Ayr.

0:46:48 > 0:46:52I think this is absolutely super, but it gets even better.

0:46:53 > 0:46:55I note that these have been folded.

0:46:55 > 0:47:00- Unfortunately.- Unfortunately, for it creates damage at the corners.

0:47:00 > 0:47:02So a lot of the posters will have to be backed.

0:47:02 > 0:47:04- Right.- But the one...

0:47:04 > 0:47:11The one that is absolutely knockout, really, is this one here.

0:47:13 > 0:47:18If you wanted a winter holiday you would go to Southport,

0:47:18 > 0:47:22and this is the clientele that apparently they hoped to attract.

0:47:22 > 0:47:29These film stars, they're straight out of Hollywood, aren't they, of the 1930s?

0:47:29 > 0:47:31Look at that wonderful car there.

0:47:31 > 0:47:36But look at these fabulous clothes, most have cost an absolute fortune,

0:47:36 > 0:47:38and the haughty look on the people's faces.

0:47:38 > 0:47:41One wonders whether they're having a happy time or not!

0:47:41 > 0:47:45But this is wonderful, this is the best,

0:47:45 > 0:47:48and you've got, probably, about, what? 25 others?

0:47:48 > 0:47:53- Roughly, yeah.- You thought they're worth round about £1, £2 a time? - £1 each, something like that.

0:47:53 > 0:47:55- We're looking at about £30. - Something like that.

0:47:55 > 0:48:02- I'll give you £60 and take them off your hands.- No, I think you'll knock commission off that as well!

0:48:02 > 0:48:05- These are to go up for auction.- Yeah.

0:48:05 > 0:48:10I suggest that we leave it up to the auctioneer to put these posters into various groups.

0:48:10 > 0:48:13- Whatever he thinks. - This will be sold on its own.- Right.

0:48:13 > 0:48:17OK? And it might realise something in the region of about £250 to £300.

0:48:17 > 0:48:20- Oh, you're joking!- But I think this is absolutely superb.

0:48:20 > 0:48:24- Good.- I think we can look favourably to getting...

0:48:25 > 0:48:32- I'll not get you too excited...- No. - ..but probably about £600 to £800. - Oh, blimey! Yeah, well...

0:48:32 > 0:48:37- I'd be more than happy with that. - But I hope it's going to make more!

0:48:37 > 0:48:40- THEY BOTH LAUGH - So do I!

0:48:40 > 0:48:43- I think they're absolutely super. - You surprised me, now, yeah.

0:48:43 > 0:48:49When you consider that a reproduction in one of these poster shops, you'd pay £100 for it.

0:48:49 > 0:48:54- True.- OK, so, rationalise it. This is an original.

0:48:54 > 0:48:57- Ken, thank you very much. - No, I'm glad I brought them in.

0:48:57 > 0:49:02So am I! You've really made my day, this is wonderful.

0:49:05 > 0:49:09We'll be back at the auction house for our last few items,

0:49:09 > 0:49:14But before they go under the hammer, there's time for a quick chat with auctioneer David Brooks,

0:49:14 > 0:49:18to see what he thinks of the marvellous collection of railway posters.

0:49:19 > 0:49:22- We're surrounded.- We are!

0:49:22 > 0:49:25You've done a fantastic job of putting these up, actually,

0:49:25 > 0:49:28cos they all deserve to be seen individually.

0:49:28 > 0:49:32And, I guess, you have to do that, because David was unsure what to do at the valuation day.

0:49:32 > 0:49:38- He couldn't see all of them, that was the problem.- No, he kind of suggested maybe lots of six or ten.

0:49:38 > 0:49:43He's put an overall valuation of £600, and obviously

0:49:43 > 0:49:46you've split every single one, which is fabulous.

0:49:46 > 0:49:50- It's give them more of a chance, as each one appeals to different people.- Exactly.

0:49:50 > 0:49:54I particularly like the ones with the women on, I think they're fantastic.

0:49:54 > 0:49:59- This, I think, is...- Southport. That's an early one.- What sort of value would that do by itself?

0:49:59 > 0:50:04Well, we're hoping mid-hundreds, but it could easily go well over that.

0:50:04 > 0:50:09I'm getting quite excited thinking we've got 29, and some are worth £400 to £500?

0:50:09 > 0:50:13And some are worth 50. Both ends of the spectrum. Something for everyone.

0:50:13 > 0:50:18Could we be looking at, for argument's sake, somewhere in the region of £2,000 to £3,000?

0:50:18 > 0:50:22- I think we could well be, with the wind in the right direction.- Yes.

0:50:22 > 0:50:25Fingers crossed, eh?

0:50:25 > 0:50:29He's gonna be chuffed to bits, if you pardon the pun!

0:50:29 > 0:50:35Now, before we get to them, let's not forget the other items we've brought along to the auction.

0:50:35 > 0:50:41Pippa's camera and slides may have been dusty from the attic, but they really clicked with David.

0:50:41 > 0:50:43Oh, that's absolutely brilliant!

0:50:43 > 0:50:46That really brings the past alive, you know.

0:50:46 > 0:50:50Despite the modern frames, Anita still thinks the Victorian samplers

0:50:50 > 0:50:55Jenny inherited from her mother will bear fruit at the auction.

0:50:57 > 0:51:01Watch us focus on this next lot, the stereograph and the camera.

0:51:01 > 0:51:04It belongs to Philippa, found in that loft. Great find.

0:51:04 > 0:51:10£150 to £200, David's put on this. It's all about capturing that social history that's disappeared,

0:51:10 > 0:51:12and that's what the collectors buy in to.

0:51:12 > 0:51:16- So, good for you for not chucking it away, thinking it's a load of rubbish!- I nearly did!

0:51:16 > 0:51:20- I know!- But...- It's going under the hammer now! Good luck!

0:51:20 > 0:51:23We come now to lot 57, the stereoscopic viewer.

0:51:23 > 0:51:27A rather attractive piece, some wonderful illustrations with this.

0:51:27 > 0:51:30£200 for this, please? 200?

0:51:30 > 0:51:33Start me £100, somewhere? 100, thank you, sir, now...

0:51:33 > 0:51:35110, 120... 130 with the commission...

0:51:35 > 0:51:38140... 150...

0:51:38 > 0:51:41Take 160? No? 150, now. Any advance?

0:51:41 > 0:51:43160. Commission out. Are you bidding?

0:51:43 > 0:51:46160 in the room, with the lady seated.

0:51:46 > 0:51:49The lady seated at 160, 170, fresh bid.

0:51:49 > 0:51:51180.

0:51:51 > 0:51:52190...

0:51:52 > 0:51:54- 200...?- This is more like it!

0:51:54 > 0:51:57200 now, I'll take 220. 200, the lady seated.

0:51:57 > 0:52:00The lady seated, now, at £200, and selling at 200...

0:52:00 > 0:52:02- Selling at 200.- Oh!

0:52:02 > 0:52:05- Yes! Top end to that estimate. Well done.- Very good!

0:52:09 > 0:52:14Right now, something for all you textile lovers, we've got two perfect samplers.

0:52:14 > 0:52:17They're in cracking condition, and they belong to Jenny,

0:52:17 > 0:52:21and we got a valuation of £100 to £150 on the pair.

0:52:21 > 0:52:23- Yes.- And they're being sold as a pair.

0:52:23 > 0:52:28- Yes.- Hopefully they'll be kept together just like your mother had them, which is nice.

0:52:28 > 0:52:30- It is.- Did you enjoy them, and put them on the wall?

0:52:30 > 0:52:33Yes, they've been on the wall in the bedroom,

0:52:33 > 0:52:38- and since I took them down, I haven't dared to hang anything back up!- Ah.

0:52:38 > 0:52:41Just in case they don't sell, so it's just a bit of reverse psychology,

0:52:41 > 0:52:43so I've left the wall bare, just in case!

0:52:43 > 0:52:46Well, I'm pretty confident they're going to sell.

0:52:46 > 0:52:51They're so sweet, I mean, I have a soft spot in my heart for samplers, and I know you like them.

0:52:51 > 0:52:54- Yes, I do as well.- They're lovely.

0:52:54 > 0:52:57- A good subject, the Tree of Life there, which is great.- Yes.

0:52:57 > 0:53:01That's what it's all about. And it's just teaching those needlework skills to young girls.

0:53:01 > 0:53:07- Yes.- It's fabulous. Great piece of our social history, and thankfully they've been protected

0:53:07 > 0:53:11- and someone else is going to enjoy them now.- Exactly. - They're going under the hammer.

0:53:11 > 0:53:15We come now to lot 350, two samplers...

0:53:15 > 0:53:19and I have commission interest. I'm going to have to start the bidding

0:53:19 > 0:53:22at...£300...

0:53:22 > 0:53:24THEY ALL GASP

0:53:24 > 0:53:28- Exactly £300. - Oh, that's great, isn't it?

0:53:28 > 0:53:31Any advance? Exactly £300.

0:53:31 > 0:53:34- I might need a treat!- That's 150 each, not 150 for the two.

0:53:34 > 0:53:37I'll take 310, if it helps. It's with me at £300.

0:53:37 > 0:53:39Going at 300...

0:53:39 > 0:53:42And gone! In and out. £300!

0:53:42 > 0:53:44Oh, I can't believe it, I can't believe it!

0:53:44 > 0:53:49That's fantastic. Well, the quality, and the colour's still there, those chromatic hues,

0:53:49 > 0:53:51they're not too faded. Condition's perfect.

0:53:51 > 0:53:53That's just absolutely stupendous!

0:53:53 > 0:53:56- Ooh...!- I just can't believe it.

0:54:00 > 0:54:03Well, this moment's going to be quite exciting,

0:54:03 > 0:54:06we've got 29 railway posters about to go under the hammer.

0:54:06 > 0:54:11- We're joined by Kenneth and his wife. Hello. What's your name?- Joan.

0:54:11 > 0:54:14- Joan, what do you think of all the posters?- Oh, wonderful.

0:54:14 > 0:54:18- Well, it got David excited.- Well, looking at them now, they're superb.

0:54:18 > 0:54:21- Why didn't you hang them at home? - Because they'd been in the loft!

0:54:21 > 0:54:25Not been in the loft, we don't live in a mansion, you know!

0:54:25 > 0:54:29- You could have used them for wallpaper!- We might have done, for all you know!

0:54:29 > 0:54:32The auctioneer's done us proud, they're all displayed.

0:54:32 > 0:54:34He's decided to sell them individually,

0:54:34 > 0:54:37I had a chat with him before the sale, and he's rather excited.

0:54:37 > 0:54:41- On a good day, you could do a couple of thousand pounds.- Ooh!

0:54:41 > 0:54:43And there's a few stars.

0:54:43 > 0:54:46Joan, we're gonna be in the money!

0:54:46 > 0:54:48I think you are!

0:54:48 > 0:54:52I'd like to see this do, well, a couple of thousand pounds.

0:54:52 > 0:54:56We'll tally it up at the end. Don't go away, this could take a little bit of time,

0:54:56 > 0:54:59but here we go with the first of the posters.

0:54:59 > 0:55:02We come on to the first of the railway posters now.

0:55:02 > 0:55:05I have commission interest, so I'll start the bidding...

0:55:05 > 0:55:11at £60. Lot five with me at £60, now, straight in. Bidding.

0:55:11 > 0:55:1365, 70, now, with me.

0:55:13 > 0:55:1675. 80. I have 80 on commission.

0:55:16 > 0:55:19- 85 on the phone. 90. - It's a good start.

0:55:19 > 0:55:2195. 100.

0:55:21 > 0:55:25With me now, any advance? And, selling. No further bid...

0:55:25 > 0:55:28£100, that's the first one. That's a good start. Great start.

0:55:28 > 0:55:31- One of how many?- 29!

0:55:32 > 0:55:36The West Highland Line. 380 on the internet, now, and, going...

0:55:36 > 0:55:39The next five posters sell for more than £1,000,

0:55:39 > 0:55:40and so with only six sold,

0:55:40 > 0:55:43we've already smashed through David's estimate.

0:55:45 > 0:55:51- £1,140!- Oh, you'll get that fish and chips, now!

0:55:51 > 0:55:55British Railways, Prestatyn. £60 on the internet, thank you.

0:55:59 > 0:56:01That's another ten lots sold,

0:56:01 > 0:56:06taking our total to £3,200, and we're only halfway through.

0:56:06 > 0:56:10- 380 on the internet now, going... - I can't believe this!

0:56:12 > 0:56:16Bristol, romantic centre for a delightful holiday...

0:56:16 > 0:56:21- £300. It's going at 300... - There are still four lots to go,

0:56:21 > 0:56:24and we've already made an amazing £4,600.

0:56:24 > 0:56:28Could we be heading for a Flog It! record?

0:56:28 > 0:56:32I've never seen anything like this on Flog It! before!

0:56:32 > 0:56:35And finally, the one that really caught David's attention.

0:56:35 > 0:56:37Now we have the Southport one,

0:56:37 > 0:56:40This is rather attractive. Well...

0:56:40 > 0:56:42- 550 on the internet...- 550?!

0:56:42 > 0:56:44We've jumped to 550 on the internet.

0:56:44 > 0:56:48650 on the internet, 700.

0:56:48 > 0:56:53- Oh, God!- You know, you haven't stopped smiling!- 1,000...

0:56:53 > 0:56:58- 1,000. 1,000.- I'm tingling now! - 19, now, on the internet.

0:56:58 > 0:57:03- This is unbelievable! - £2,100.- £2,100!

0:57:03 > 0:57:0822. 23 on the phone. 24 on the internet.

0:57:08 > 0:57:122,500, I'll take. 26. 27.

0:57:12 > 0:57:14Gosh...!

0:57:14 > 0:57:18- 26 now on the internet, any advance? - It is a new car, isn't it?

0:57:18 > 0:57:21£2,600 on the internet, now, and selling...

0:57:21 > 0:57:24£2,600...!

0:57:25 > 0:57:28£8,000 for all the posters put together! Fantastic!

0:57:28 > 0:57:31- I feel like applauding!- Yeah, I know!

0:57:31 > 0:57:33BURST OF APPLAUSE

0:57:35 > 0:57:39- Joan, give us a hug!- Thank you very much, it's been wonderful!

0:57:39 > 0:57:42And don't spend it all at once!

0:57:42 > 0:57:43Absolutely brilliant.

0:57:43 > 0:57:48- That's got to be a Flog It! record, David.- Thank you very much. - I go in the record books?- You do.

0:57:48 > 0:57:51I think Southport helped us out a bit, don't you?

0:57:51 > 0:57:56- Really good, a touch of Hollywood. - Yes.- I couldn't believe that.

0:57:56 > 0:57:59- Absolutely wonderful. - What a great day we've had here.

0:57:59 > 0:58:04Sadly, we've run out of time, but keep watching, because there's more surprises where this came from.

0:58:04 > 0:58:08So, until the next time, it's cheerio from all of us.

0:58:20 > 0:58:23Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd

0:58:23 > 0:58:26Email subtitling@bbc.co.uk