0:00:04 > 0:00:09This unusual sculpture tells us a great deal about the history of the town we're visiting today,
0:00:09 > 0:00:12which is Loughborough in the East Midlands.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14Welcome to Flog it!
0:00:39 > 0:00:44Sitting proud in the middle of Loughborough's market place is the sock man,
0:00:44 > 0:00:47a bronze sculpture of a figure admiring his sock.
0:00:47 > 0:00:53It's here to celebrate the knitting industry which has been key to the prosperity of the town.
0:00:53 > 0:00:56It's a wonderful sculpture and over the years
0:00:56 > 0:00:59it's raised quite a few eyebrows. That's maybe because,
0:00:59 > 0:01:03apart from the sycamore leaf here and the sock he's wearing,
0:01:03 > 0:01:04he hasn't got stitch on.
0:01:07 > 0:01:10Later on in the show, I'll be returning to my childhood
0:01:10 > 0:01:12when I explore the story of Ladybird Books,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15a company founded here in Loughborough.
0:01:15 > 0:01:21Since they were first printed in the 1960s they've sold well over 100 million copies worldwide,
0:01:21 > 0:01:24teaching generations of children to read.
0:01:24 > 0:01:27I don't know about you but I'm feeling rather nostalgic.
0:01:27 > 0:01:32But first it's down to business at today's venue, Loughborough Town Hall.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36Well this is where it all starts, a Flog It! valuation day.
0:01:36 > 0:01:40It looks like all of Loughborough has turned out to see us.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42Hundreds of people have lined the streets!
0:01:42 > 0:01:47These two guys have got their work cut out, Elizabeth Talbot and Adam Partridge, our experts today.
0:01:47 > 0:01:51The lucky ones will go through to auction, if you get a good valuation what you gonna do?
0:01:51 > 0:01:53Flog it!
0:01:58 > 0:02:03And it looks like Elizabeth has already found an item with an exotic past.
0:02:04 > 0:02:09Deirdre, in this wonderful mahogany box you've brought an absolute delight,
0:02:09 > 0:02:10which is a little concertina.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14I open up the box, we can see the lid there.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19I'll take it out in a moment, but tell me what you can about the concertina.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22How have you come by it and what's the story?
0:02:22 > 0:02:25Right, well my grandfather came from the south
0:02:25 > 0:02:29and we used to go and see his sister, who was my great Aunt.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33Her husband's brother lived with them.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35He was a bachelor.
0:02:35 > 0:02:38In his youth he'd gone to Australia,
0:02:38 > 0:02:41backwards and forwards mining opals.
0:02:41 > 0:02:44- Right.- He bought this back and he said it was taken off a boat.
0:02:44 > 0:02:48It was one of the sailors. How he'd come by it, I don't know.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51I don't remember him ever playing it, I don't think anybody played it.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53It was just something he'd collected...
0:02:53 > 0:02:56And a story to tell behind it, one of his travels.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58Do you play? Have you learned to play it?
0:02:58 > 0:03:00Oh, no.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Well it's a nice example of its type.
0:03:03 > 0:03:09Concertinas come in a variety of, pardon the pun, but scales of quality.
0:03:09 > 0:03:16What we have here is a very late 19th century concertina, which was English made.
0:03:16 > 0:03:17It is English, is it?
0:03:17 > 0:03:20It's English made and it's in a wonderful mahogany case,
0:03:20 > 0:03:25so it's in a lovely piece of furniture in the outset and I love the fact we have the key.
0:03:25 > 0:03:29- To be honest, I've kept this in the garage for years.- Oh, my goodness!
0:03:29 > 0:03:33We looked everywhere for the key, when we took the concertina out the box, it was under the concertina.
0:03:33 > 0:03:40The great thing is you've got it and that adds a huge amount of charm and originality to the casing.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Is this what sailors would play? Cos I can imagine sea shanties...
0:03:43 > 0:03:46Absolutely. It was a nice, compact little instrument
0:03:46 > 0:03:51which was quite a versatile in sound and it wasn't only confined to sailors, obviously,
0:03:51 > 0:03:56but it was perfect accompaniment to shanties and sing-songs and so on.
0:03:56 > 0:03:58It's actually encased in mahogany.
0:03:58 > 0:04:05Now, the finest and most expensive concertinas were made of more important woods than this.
0:04:05 > 0:04:08Rosewood examples are a next step up.
0:04:08 > 0:04:13- Some concertinas actually have fret carved or fret pierced metal ends. - Yes.
0:04:13 > 0:04:18The more elaborate the ends, the more intrinsically valuable the ingredients
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- and the more valuable the instrument remains today.- Yes.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25If we take it out of its case, thank you very much, we'll take that out there.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27You can see the wonderful bellows.
0:04:27 > 0:04:29These are paper bellows with leather lining.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32What's lovely about this is the bellows are in good order.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36Some of the expensive work of repairing, or the value, is held in the bellows.
0:04:36 > 0:04:39The fact that they're in such good order is a bonus there.
0:04:39 > 0:04:45I'm not a player but we'll just see if it does make as much sound as good quality bellows suggest it should.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47Ooh, yes.
0:04:47 > 0:04:49It's quite loud isn't it, really?
0:04:49 > 0:04:51I can do a siren. There we go.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56We've got high notes and low notes, so that's good. It's very playable.
0:04:56 > 0:04:58This really is a collector's piece.
0:04:58 > 0:05:00I think a collector would delight in owning this.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02I'm very enthusiastic about it.
0:05:02 > 0:05:04I think it's a lovely example of its type.
0:05:04 > 0:05:08D'you have any idea of value? Have you brought it with expectations?
0:05:08 > 0:05:11No, I'm surprised I haven't thrown it out, to be honest!
0:05:11 > 0:05:19- Well I think, in the current market, if it had a pre-auction estimate of, say, 180 to £250...- My goodness.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22I don't think anybody'd balk at that. I think that would be...
0:05:22 > 0:05:25I just did!
0:05:26 > 0:05:28I'm pleased to have made your day.
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- That's good if you're pleased with that.- I am, yes.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35- But I do think it's important we put a reserve on it so that you're comfortable...- OK.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37That on the day it'll be looked after.
0:05:37 > 0:05:42If I say £150 firm I'm sure the auctioneer will promote it well.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45It'll be picked up through the cataloguing and so on.
0:05:45 > 0:05:48- We will see what we will see. - We will.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50As the sailor said!
0:05:50 > 0:05:52As the sailor said, yeah!
0:06:01 > 0:06:03- Marion?- Yes, me.- Daughter Linda?
0:06:03 > 0:06:06- Yes.- Welcome to Flog It! - Thank you very much.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10Very nice to see you here and to see such a recognisable statue.
0:06:10 > 0:06:11It's a very famous image.
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- Yes, it is.- You know who it is?
0:06:14 > 0:06:16Yes, but I've forgotten now you've asked me that!
0:06:16 > 0:06:19The Greeks called him Hermes, the Romans called him Mercury.
0:06:19 > 0:06:23Now, first of all, where did you get it from?
0:06:23 > 0:06:25It goes back to my husband's father.
0:06:25 > 0:06:30He was a chauffeur for Oswald D'Andrea, the Shakespearean actor.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- Right.- It was given to him as a gift for so many year's service.
0:06:34 > 0:06:38Oh, really? And then it got passed to you as things do?
0:06:38 > 0:06:41Yes. Come down the line.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- It's a copy of a very famous bronze...- Of course.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46By a sculptor called Giambologne,
0:06:46 > 0:06:52who was a Flemish/Italian sculptor in the 16th century.
0:06:52 > 0:06:55- As long ago as that?- This dates from the end of the 19th century.
0:06:55 > 0:07:02A number of these are made often in Italy at the end of the 19th century as decorative furnishings.
0:07:02 > 0:07:03They often came as a pair.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06I think his companion was the goddess Fortuna.
0:07:06 > 0:07:09Yes. Sadly we haven't got her.
0:07:09 > 0:07:14Well, you see more of Fortuna than you see of the Hermes or Mercury.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17Now you brought it in, the show's called Flog It!,
0:07:17 > 0:07:19so I assume you want to...?
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- Flog it, yes.- I know more about Flog It! than you do!
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- Do you? Are you a big fan? - Yes.- Yes.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- Who's your favourite expert then? - You are.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- Very good!- Well, I like all of you.
0:07:28 > 0:07:32Marrion, that was a diplomatic answer but I preferred Linda's answer.
0:07:32 > 0:07:33Oh, I know that.
0:07:33 > 0:07:36Now, why d'you want to sell it, first of all?
0:07:36 > 0:07:39Like me, the house is getting older.
0:07:39 > 0:07:45- It wants rewiring so I'm going to put whatever I get towards rewiring the house.- OK, do you like it?
0:07:45 > 0:07:47- Yeah, I love it, yes. - What about you, Linda?
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- We both like it, yes. - She doesn't live in my house.- No.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53We all like it. There's three girls and we all like it,
0:07:53 > 0:07:55we're all fighting over it so we said the best thing
0:07:55 > 0:07:58was for it to be sold so Mum could have the money for it.
0:07:58 > 0:08:03- So you've been through that whole process of what to do with it? - There's no problem, really.
0:08:03 > 0:08:06- Yes.- What better way than getting on your favourite TV show to do it!
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- Yes, that's right. - Now, what about value?
0:08:09 > 0:08:12I've no idea. No idea at all.
0:08:12 > 0:08:14What was the minimum you'd like for it?
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- She'd like at least £100 for it. Right. That would help, yes. - Rewiring's expensive.
0:08:18 > 0:08:22I think we can do that. How does 300 to £500 sound?
0:08:22 > 0:08:26- Ooh.- Wow! Wow!
0:08:26 > 0:08:28I think that's fairly achievable.
0:08:28 > 0:08:31You're the best presenter on the show!
0:08:31 > 0:08:34- You took your time, but you got there in the end.- Well, I got there!
0:08:34 > 0:08:37- I'd estimate 300 to £500.- Wonderful.
0:08:37 > 0:08:39I'd hope that it would make £500.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44- But in order to protect it, I suggest we put 300 on it.- Yes.- Fixed.
0:08:44 > 0:08:46No discretion, not a penny less.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48- Thank you very much.- Lovely.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- You've made my day.- Thank you.
0:08:50 > 0:08:54Let's hope it comes to fruition at the auction and you'll hopefully have £500 or so to spend
0:08:54 > 0:08:58- to improve the quality of your life with your wiring and everything.- Yes.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01- That would be wonderful. - Keep my lights shining!
0:09:01 > 0:09:06- Thank you very much for coming. - Thank you so much.- It's been a pleasure meeting you.- Thank you.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17Katherine, thank you for bringing in this lovely book,
0:09:17 > 0:09:20The Magic Of A Line. It's the autobiography of Laura Knight.
0:09:20 > 0:09:22What story do you have behind it?
0:09:22 > 0:09:25Well, I was sent it as a Christmas present in 1965.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27Right.
0:09:27 > 0:09:33- My uncle was the bursar at the Royal Academy and Laura Knight was the Royal Academician.- Yes.
0:09:33 > 0:09:36I suppose she was promoting her book at the Royal Academy.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38He asked her to sign it for me.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- Right.- She said, well I'll draw a picture for her as well.
0:09:41 > 0:09:47- How wonderful.- I was actually living in India at the time, so it was sent to me in India as well.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52- It's very exciting.- It's travelled a long way and you obviously weren't expecting such a present?
0:09:52 > 0:09:55Not at all, no. I'm always pleased to get books as a present
0:09:55 > 0:09:59but when I opened it and saw that it was signed and the picture, that made it really special.
0:09:59 > 0:10:05Interestingly enough, the book itself, which is a first edition, 1965,
0:10:05 > 0:10:09- can actually still be bought on eBay even for 45.- Really? Gosh.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13- So the book itself is really modest and straight forward.- Yes.
0:10:13 > 0:10:19As you point out, the exciting, exciting piece is this frontispiece which is just lovely.
0:10:19 > 0:10:22Now, it's personalised to Katherine.
0:10:22 > 0:10:27This wonderful clown, which Dame Laura Knight was very well-known for doing.
0:10:27 > 0:10:33- Yes.- Of course her designs of clowns went on to everything, including ceramics.- Oh, right.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37Her designs were seen in art form, picture form,
0:10:37 > 0:10:45but also commandeered for some of the mid-20th century factories that produced quirky ceramics of the time.
0:10:45 > 0:10:48You've kept it well. It's obviously been happy in its travels,
0:10:48 > 0:10:50on its bookshelf, and that's important.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54So, the paper is in good condition, the ink hasn't run
0:10:54 > 0:10:59and it's not been manhandled or torn or anything so that's fantastic.
0:10:59 > 0:11:06Laura, Dame Laura Knight's art work is now highly sought after which can make vast sums of money.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11- Yes.- Have you any idea what you think that that might, what the value might be added to in terms of...?
0:11:11 > 0:11:16- Not at all, no.- I think it would certainly fetched 300 to £500.
0:11:16 > 0:11:19- Gosh.- With a fixed reserve of £300 to protect it...
0:11:19 > 0:11:25- Yes, that's fine.- It'll be an exciting day on the day it auctions to see exactly how it's responded to.
0:11:25 > 0:11:27I might need to apologise to my Uncle.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30You can say that he was a canny man.
0:11:30 > 0:11:32- He was, yes. - Thank you for bringing it in.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34- That's wonderful. - Thank you very much.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39- It's a great honour for me to see it because it's quite a rarity. - Thank you very much.
0:11:47 > 0:11:49Kayleigh, this is a lovely little nest of drawers.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51What are you doing with this?
0:11:51 > 0:11:53I brought it today to get a valuation.
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- You're not selling it then? - No, probably not selling it.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58Whose is it? How did you inherit this?
0:11:58 > 0:12:03- I bought it quite recently but it was from the money for a present for my friend here.- Right, OK.
0:12:03 > 0:12:05So was it your birthday then?
0:12:05 > 0:12:07- No, for Christmas. - For Christmas. Right.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11It's a classic piece of early Edwardian, late Victorian.
0:12:11 > 0:12:16It was obviously for business cards, a filing system, basically. It's built of oak.
0:12:16 > 0:12:17It's nicely constructed.
0:12:17 > 0:12:22It's got through dovetails coming from the edge so you can see its construction.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26- It's certainly going to last another couple of hundred years, put it that way.- Yeah, hopefully.
0:12:26 > 0:12:28- How much did you pay for it?- £20.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- Well, I think you got a bargain. - You think so?
0:12:31 > 0:12:34I think you got a good bargain because, hopefully in another 20 years time,
0:12:34 > 0:12:37- this is going to be worth at least £150.- Oh, excellent.
0:12:37 > 0:12:43I'd say something like this, made of solid oak like that, has got to be worth £80 today of anybody's money.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- That's brilliant.- OK? What are you going to do with this?
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Put it in my room and put some more CDs in it, I think.
0:12:49 > 0:12:55That's a great way of recycling a piece of Edwardian furniture, isn't it?
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- Yes. Thank you.- It's a CD drawer now, how wonderful!
0:12:58 > 0:13:02Well done. Well, our experts have been working flat out.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06We found our quota to take off for our first visit to today's auction room.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08So while we make our way over there,
0:13:08 > 0:13:12we're gonna leave you with a run-down of all the items that are going to go under the hammer.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16Deidre's concertina has plenty of sea shanties left in it
0:13:16 > 0:13:24and Elizabeth thinks it'll sail away at auction for 180 - £250.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26I don't think anybody would balk at that.
0:13:26 > 0:13:28I just did!
0:13:29 > 0:13:32Flog It! fan, Marian, finally made up her mind about Adam
0:13:32 > 0:13:37when he valued the statue of Hermes at 300 to £500.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Wow!
0:13:39 > 0:13:42You're the best presenter on the show!
0:13:42 > 0:13:43You took your time!
0:13:43 > 0:13:47And with its personal dedication by Dame Laura Knight,
0:13:47 > 0:13:49Katherine's book is a rare find.
0:13:49 > 0:13:52Now, will we hold the front page for this one?
0:14:01 > 0:14:04This is where we put all our expert's valuations to the test,
0:14:04 > 0:14:07courtesy of Gilding's auction rooms in Market Harborough.
0:14:07 > 0:14:10As you can see it's packed, isn't it?
0:14:10 > 0:14:12I hope they're here to bid on all our lots.
0:14:12 > 0:14:14Don't go away, we're gonna find out.
0:14:14 > 0:14:19Wielding the gavel this morning is auctioneer Mark Gilding.
0:14:19 > 0:14:21First up is the statue of Hermes.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27Its bronze, it's beautiful and we've got £300 to £500 on this.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29- Marion, it's gorgeous.- Yes.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32I know is is a bit of a family affair, because Linda's here, your daughter.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34- Yes.- You've got two other daughters.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- Yes.- The reason we're selling this is because you all love the statue,
0:14:38 > 0:14:40but how can three people own this, Adam?
0:14:40 > 0:14:42Can't split a bronze, can you?
0:14:42 > 0:14:44No. So what do you do? You put it into auction.
0:14:44 > 0:14:48This is our lot. Fingers crossed, here we go.
0:14:48 > 0:14:5380 is a bronze, which is after Bologna, Flying Mercury.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Lot number 80, lots of bids here,
0:14:56 > 0:15:01- 250, 60, 70, 80, 90, £310. - Right, we're there.
0:15:01 > 0:15:05- We're in.- 310 bid here, at 310, are you all out in the room at 310?
0:15:05 > 0:15:07I'll take 20 if you like.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10At £310, 310, with me, you're all out,
0:15:10 > 0:15:14the internet is out at 310 and selling at 310.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20Yes, £310, we just got that one away and made the lower end.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- I'm happy about that. - You're happy about that.
0:15:23 > 0:15:25- Yeah, brilliant. - That's rewiring, isn't it.
0:15:25 > 0:15:28It's been worth it to get your autograph.
0:15:29 > 0:15:3126.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38Next up, we've got that wonderful autobiography.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42It's a first edition by Dame Laura Knight and it belongs to Katherine.
0:15:42 > 0:15:43It's signed to you as well.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47What a privilege. She's one of my favourite artists.
0:15:47 > 0:15:51Now, she specialises in sort of dancing, clowns, those kinds of things.
0:15:51 > 0:15:55- We've got a clown image in there.- We have, yes.- It could fetch top money.
0:15:55 > 0:16:00That's what we're here for, that's what auctions are all about. Here we go, we're gonna find out.
0:16:00 > 0:16:03220, Laura Knight, The Magic Of A Line
0:16:03 > 0:16:06with inscription and a sketch of a clown.
0:16:06 > 0:16:10Bidding starts, £190.
0:16:10 > 0:16:14190 bid here, 190, 200, 210,
0:16:14 > 0:16:15220, 230,
0:16:15 > 0:16:19230, I'll take 40 if you like,
0:16:19 > 0:16:21it's with me at 230, watching it carefully.
0:16:21 > 0:16:26230, here with me at 230 and away now at £230.
0:16:26 > 0:16:28- Oh, it didn't. - I'm disappointed with that.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30Maybe it's not meant to go.
0:16:30 > 0:16:33I did say to my son, "Perhaps I should have let you have it."
0:16:33 > 0:16:38Yeah, I think what does devalue it is the fact that it's got your name, it's to Katherine.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43- That's right.- If it was just signed by her and dated with that little clown in the edge of the sketch,
0:16:43 > 0:16:44yes, we'd have got it.
0:16:44 > 0:16:46My sister has one with a better sketch.
0:16:46 > 0:16:48Oh, does she?
0:16:48 > 0:16:50A clown on horseback.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52I wish I'd got one.
0:16:58 > 0:17:00Next up, something for all you music lovers.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04It's a concertina and it belongs to Deidre. So why are you selling it?
0:17:04 > 0:17:08Well, I'm clearing my house out and having alterations done,
0:17:08 > 0:17:10trying to get low-maintenance, as everybody is,
0:17:10 > 0:17:15it's been in the garage for years, unfortunately it's such a shame,
0:17:15 > 0:17:20- just to send it...- Lots of DIY? - Not myself, no. No.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24- I'm allergic to that as well. - I'm not that talented!
0:17:24 > 0:17:27It does haemorrhage money, doesn't it?
0:17:27 > 0:17:31Somebody said DIY stood for do it for years if you do it yourself!
0:17:31 > 0:17:36I like that. We're going to do a bit of DIY right now because we are just about to flog, hopefully,
0:17:36 > 0:17:40fingers crossed, this wonderful little squeeze box. Here we go.
0:17:40 > 0:17:45Lot number 70, Lachenal & Co concertina, mahogany frame,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48numbered and within a mahogany carrying case.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51A nice concertina this and reflected in commission bids with me here.
0:17:51 > 0:17:53- Let's hope we hit the right note. - Oh, yes.
0:17:53 > 0:17:56Reflected in commission bids with me here,
0:17:56 > 0:17:58I have to start bidding at £300.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- How much?!- 300.- Oh, my God!
0:18:01 > 0:18:04I'll take 25.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06300, I'm bid at 300.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10You're out, commissions at 300, will sell here at £300.
0:18:10 > 0:18:14Selling away now at £300.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17Well, that'll help towards the home improvements.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20Yes, it will, it certainly will. Thank you very much.
0:18:20 > 0:18:26That's a great start and we'll be back later when an unloved statue causes a real stir in the saleroom.
0:18:26 > 0:18:31There's been an incredible amount of interest on the internet from around the world.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- So this could go overseas?- I'm fairly sure it will end up overseas.
0:18:34 > 0:18:36That's incredible, isn't it?
0:18:39 > 0:18:42Now, are you sitting comfortably? Because
0:18:42 > 0:18:47I'm going to tell you the story of some remarkable children's books.
0:18:51 > 0:18:56Well, you've just caught me genning up on one of my favourite subjects, the history of television.
0:18:56 > 0:19:02Now, I know this is a little out of date but actually what I've got here is an iconic guide.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06You see for nearly 95 years Ladybird books have been opening up
0:19:06 > 0:19:10our reading horizons with imaginative storytelling.
0:19:10 > 0:19:11Wonderful illustrations.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14But best of all, accessible knowledge.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16You can learn so much from one of these little books,
0:19:16 > 0:19:22all manner of subjects from the history of television to exploring space.
0:19:22 > 0:19:24And, as the home town of Ladybird,
0:19:24 > 0:19:29it's no wonder the people of Loughborough hold these little books really close to their hearts.
0:19:31 > 0:19:38The story of Ladybird began in 1873, when a businessman and printer called Henry Wills
0:19:38 > 0:19:42bought the Angel Press in Loughborough's market place.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46The company established itself by printing a range of commercial material.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49When the war threatened in 1914, the firm,
0:19:49 > 0:19:56now operating as Wills and Hepworth, decided to try their hand at printing children's books.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07Today, Loughborough's Charnwood Museum is the home of the Ladybird archive.
0:20:07 > 0:20:12I have been given special permission to go behind the scenes and take a good look around.
0:20:15 > 0:20:22This is what I'm after, one of the first Ladybird books published by Wills and Hepworth.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24It's titled Billy And The Treasure.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27If I open this very carefully,
0:20:27 > 0:20:31on the inside sleeve you can see it says there Ladybird Series.
0:20:31 > 0:20:35This is the forerunner to the Ladybird symbol.
0:20:35 > 0:20:38Hepworth was a keen gardener and rose grower.
0:20:38 > 0:20:42With this in mind, his wife suggested the name.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46This book dates to the 1920s.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50It's quite large, it's more like a children's annual.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55The paper is very thick and the illustrations are very basic, as you can see.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59But in its day, this book wasn't basic.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01It was so well received.
0:21:01 > 0:21:09I can see now, I can understand how the Ladybird books that I grew up with have evolved from this.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15It was in 1940 that the Ladybird pocket book was born.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19The first series featured animal stories like Downy Duckling.
0:21:19 > 0:21:25This time round, the printing was higher quality, with full-colour illustrations.
0:21:29 > 0:21:33The pocket book was perfect for tiny, small hands to hold.
0:21:33 > 0:21:36This one is called Bunnikin's Picnic Party.
0:21:36 > 0:21:39If I open it up inside and show you the illustrations,
0:21:39 > 0:21:43now, they're perfectly clear and vibrant.
0:21:43 > 0:21:45Look at that, isn't that lovely?
0:21:45 > 0:21:52Each little book was printed from one large sheet of paper, which I can show you here.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54It's also printed on both sides.
0:21:54 > 0:21:59It meant that a quality book could be printed relatively cheaply.
0:21:59 > 0:22:04In the decades that followed, that formula was put to good use in many different ways.
0:22:06 > 0:22:11After the war, the pocketbook format was used for a pioneering series of education books.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15Factual titles, like the Uncle Mac books and, later,
0:22:15 > 0:22:20the What To Look For books were a great success with young readers.
0:22:23 > 0:22:28It was the 1960s that proved to be the defining era of the pocket book.
0:22:28 > 0:22:33This decade saw the launch of the Key Words reading scheme, featuring Peter and Jane.
0:22:35 > 0:22:41Based on educational research which showed that just 12 words make up a quarter of our speech,
0:22:41 > 0:22:47the Peter and Jane stories used those key words and phrases to help children learn to read.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50That, coupled with these wonderful
0:22:50 > 0:22:55colour illustrations, really did bring these stories to life.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58Since they were first printed in the 1960s,
0:22:58 > 0:23:01they've sold well over 100 million copies worldwide,
0:23:01 > 0:23:04teaching generations of children to read.
0:23:04 > 0:23:07I don't know about you, but I'm feeling rather nostalgic.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15Key to the success of Peter and Jane, and so many of the pocket books,
0:23:15 > 0:23:19was the expertise of the authors and the illustrators who created them.
0:23:19 > 0:23:23Kathie Layfield was one of those talented artists.
0:23:23 > 0:23:27She's come in to the museum to talk to me about her work.
0:23:27 > 0:23:29Kathie, it's great to meet you.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33I can see why you love painting in vibrant colours, just by the way you're dressed.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35- You look fabulous!- Thank you.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39Were you always an illustrator? And how did you get your big break?
0:23:39 > 0:23:43I trained actually in textile design at Loughborough College of Art,
0:23:43 > 0:23:49and I went in as an amateur and joined Leicester Drama Society.
0:23:49 > 0:23:53I got into designing costumes, although I can't sew for toffee.
0:23:53 > 0:23:56I had a little exhibition of my work.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59I went into the bar one day and a guy came up to me and said,
0:23:59 > 0:24:03"I can see you draw figures, how do you feel about illustrating books?"
0:24:03 > 0:24:07I said, "Yeah, lovely", and it turned out he worked for Ladybird.
0:24:07 > 0:24:09He just said, "Bring in a portfolio,"
0:24:09 > 0:24:12- and I did and got my break.- Were they a good company to work for?
0:24:12 > 0:24:16They were lovely, they were really good to work for. It was a great company.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19- Good times?- I was very happy, yeah.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22In those days, in the 70s, it was quite a small company.
0:24:22 > 0:24:24They had a huge output of course.
0:24:24 > 0:24:28And I said, it's a small company with a big heart.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30- That's nice.- That's how it was.
0:24:30 > 0:24:33How many books did you work on and illustrate?
0:24:33 > 0:24:35I think it was about 28.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37That's quite a lot, isn't it?
0:24:37 > 0:24:40That's quite prolific. Well, we haven't got all 28 here.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43We've got a selection, we've got four and some illustrations.
0:24:43 > 0:24:46Can we talk about a couple of them? Yes, certainly.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49Have you particular favourite that you worked on?
0:24:49 > 0:24:53I loved most of them, but I particularly liked Puss In Boots.
0:24:53 > 0:24:56That illustration over there, because I love cats.
0:24:56 > 0:25:01Also, because I had freedom to choose something which I could set in costume.
0:25:01 > 0:25:06I love the history of costume, so I decided I was going to do it in the period of Louis XIV.
0:25:06 > 0:25:12And you set yourself these difficult tasks, because you had to be very careful in Ladybird books
0:25:12 > 0:25:15that you didn't make any mistakes, historically.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17- Because it's a reference book as well.- Exactly.
0:25:17 > 0:25:21If you did, you got people writing in, particularly children.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24- They'd write in and say, "You got that wrong." - Did you get anything wrong?
0:25:24 > 0:25:30Yes! I got told off. Unfortunately, it was in print and there was nothing they could do about it.
0:25:30 > 0:25:34I'd a scene in one of my books were there were builders in the background
0:25:34 > 0:25:39and they were putting in a window before they'd built the walls, and I was told off by the editors.
0:25:39 > 0:25:44They said, "It's too late to change it now, but you must be careful about your details!"
0:25:44 > 0:25:48That's where the challenge is. But you've such a wonderful eye, it's incredible.
0:25:48 > 0:25:51Just looking at some of these images, there's a lot to see.
0:25:51 > 0:25:56I always like to put something in that's a distraction, something funny. I remember when I was a child,
0:25:56 > 0:26:00loving in comics where there would be something else going on
0:26:00 > 0:26:03in the background, some little tiny thing happening.
0:26:03 > 0:26:06- I try to do that in my books. - Cos kids find that. - That's right, yeah.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10I was looking at this, and you just see, although you're looking
0:26:10 > 0:26:13at the main picture with all of the fisher men and the octopus,
0:26:13 > 0:26:16you kind of see the little fishes' mouths looking up like that.
0:26:16 > 0:26:21Also in that one, I did a recurrent thing were one of the sailors starts
0:26:21 > 0:26:26getting a green face and in about three pictures, he's gradually being more sick.
0:26:26 > 0:26:31He's sick over the side. It's nothing at to do with the text, I just put that in as a bit of a joke.
0:26:31 > 0:26:32Did the publishers mind that?
0:26:32 > 0:26:37No, they love it because that's what children like. As you say, children pick it out.
0:26:37 > 0:26:40I do like to have funny things going on in the background.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44Like in this one, were I've got the kitten playing with the tassel.
0:26:44 > 0:26:48Later on in the book, there's a picture I've done with the cat pulling the bandage.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52You see, he's got gout, and I've got the kitten playing with the bandage.
0:26:52 > 0:26:57It's those sort of things I like putting in, little secret things.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01What do you think is the enduring appeal of the Ladybird books?
0:27:01 > 0:27:03Well, they were accessible, weren't they?
0:27:03 > 0:27:07- They're tiny...- Good value. - Good value, absolutely.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09I was looking at the prices on the back of these books
0:27:09 > 0:27:13and I was thinking, this Oliver Octopus was going for £1.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16I mean, where can you buy a book for £1 nowadays?
0:27:16 > 0:27:19I can even remember my own childhood, and that's going back some time,
0:27:19 > 0:27:23but I remember my mother buying me Ladybird books.
0:27:23 > 0:27:24So can I, my mother did.
0:27:24 > 0:27:28It brings back wonderful memories, it really does.
0:27:28 > 0:27:31Kathie, thank you so much for bringing these illustrations in.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35I can't wait to start reading them again with my little son, when he's able to read.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38- Thank you so much, it's been a pleasure.- Thank you.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52We're now back at Loughborough's town hall,
0:27:52 > 0:27:54where Adam is facing an age-old problem.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58Well, Clodagh, Julie, are you related?
0:27:58 > 0:28:00- Yes.- No.
0:28:00 > 0:28:02THEY LAUGH Good start!
0:28:02 > 0:28:05Sisters? Only joking!
0:28:05 > 0:28:11- Mother and daughter.- So, you've brought in these very attractive vases here by James Macintyre.
0:28:11 > 0:28:16Designed by a famous man, William Moorcroft. Whose are they?
0:28:16 > 0:28:20- Mine.- You're here for moral support?- Yes.
0:28:20 > 0:28:24- And how long have you had them? - About 25 years.
0:28:24 > 0:28:29- How did you come to own them in the first place?- I think they came from Beaumanor Hall.
0:28:29 > 0:28:34- I think they did, actually. - They used to hold a lot of antiques fairs at that time.
0:28:34 > 0:28:35Do you like them still?
0:28:35 > 0:28:38Yes.
0:28:38 > 0:28:41- How about you?- No.
0:28:41 > 0:28:45You like them, you don't like them. It makes me wonder why you're selling them, Clodagh?
0:28:45 > 0:28:51Well, I've got so much stuff and I just need to get shot of some things.
0:28:51 > 0:28:56- So, they aren't going to leave an empty patch on your mantelpiece?- No, no.
0:28:56 > 0:28:58So, you presumably know a little bit about them anyway.
0:28:58 > 0:29:02For auction purposes, I'm going to treat him as two separate lots.
0:29:02 > 0:29:04Our job is to get you the best result we can.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08I think offering them as a group at three won't be as good as splitting
0:29:08 > 0:29:11them into a clear pair and a separate vase.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13We'll treat the pair first.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16These are all from the Aurelian Ware range,
0:29:16 > 0:29:20which was designed by William Moorcroft for Macintyre and Co.
0:29:20 > 0:29:23It was registered in 1897 to 1898.
0:29:23 > 0:29:26So they're 110 years old now.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30But it's very still fresh and bright and in pretty good condition.
0:29:30 > 0:29:34This pair I'd estimate at 300 to £500.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38And a reserve of £300 absolutely fixed, with no leeway at all.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42- They've got to make 300 plus. - We'd expect them to.- Otherwise, they aren't sold.
0:29:42 > 0:29:47Don't forget, it's the auctioneer's job to get as much as he can, cos that's how he earns his money.
0:29:47 > 0:29:50- That's right.- And then you've got this separate one, here,
0:29:50 > 0:29:54which is a very nice shape, isn't it? Very attractive shape.
0:29:54 > 0:29:59A vase with a cover. Unnecessary, really, to have the cover, but it's nice that you've still got it.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03A lot of people would bring that in and never realise it had a cover,
0:30:03 > 0:30:08cos there's no sign of it having a cover. So, that really helps it.
0:30:08 > 0:30:12Again, you'd hope to get 250, 300 after everyone has had a go at it.
0:30:12 > 0:30:17To sum up, we've got 200 to 300 there, 300 to 500 there.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20If they both make the top of the estimate, that's 800 quid.
0:30:20 > 0:30:25That's a real good result that would be, and the bottom end, £500. I'm looking forward to the auction.
0:30:25 > 0:30:30Hopefully, they're going to do pretty well and we'll see you there.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32Yes, that's fine.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46I was quite attracted by what you've brought, Pamela. Can you tell me about it?
0:30:46 > 0:30:51Yes. I had a friend and I used to visit her an awful lot towards the end.
0:30:51 > 0:30:56When she passed away, her son said, "Is there anything in the house you'd like, Pamela?"
0:30:56 > 0:31:02And I said, "I have always liked this", and it always sat on the desk.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06- He said, "Well, you have it, and thank you for everything you've done".- That's nice.
0:31:06 > 0:31:10I've lots of other things that Barbara gave me,
0:31:10 > 0:31:14so I think it's time it went to someone who would really enjoy it.
0:31:14 > 0:31:16- It's very pretty.- It is very pretty.
0:31:16 > 0:31:18Do you know what it is? When you admired it,
0:31:18 > 0:31:21- did you know we were looking at?- No, I didn't. I'd no idea what it was.
0:31:21 > 0:31:24It's actually called a chocolate cup.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28Which really is a term which relates to a cup with a lid.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32In this case, it has a wonderful saucer with a really deep rim,
0:31:32 > 0:31:37which is an anti-trembling device, so it doesn't slip off the saucer and you don't lose your chocolate.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41It's from the Vienna School of factories, and it will date
0:31:41 > 0:31:44from the very late 19th, possibly early twentieth-century.
0:31:44 > 0:31:49Stylistically, it looks as though it's almost 100 years earlier than that still.
0:31:49 > 0:31:51It's very much in the Empire style.
0:31:51 > 0:31:56Given that it's reached its century, it's actually in very good condition.
0:31:56 > 0:32:00That, to a collector, is a bonus.
0:32:00 > 0:32:07If we look on the front, the very colourful panel on the front, hand-painted with the interior scene.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11It's not the finest quality painting, but it's very good.
0:32:11 > 0:32:14So, all in all, it's very appealing.
0:32:14 > 0:32:18- Have you ever seen it in terms of commercial value?- No, never.
0:32:18 > 0:32:21- Would you like to? - It would be nice to know.
0:32:21 > 0:32:26The value I'd suspect would be realistically achievable is about 80 to £120 at auction.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29It might do up to about 150, but I think that would be its bracket.
0:32:29 > 0:32:34I'd have thought 80 to 120, with an £80 reserve on would be fair and realistic.
0:32:34 > 0:32:40- With that, would you reinvest to remember your friend by?- I would. My husband and I love auctions.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44- Oh, you do?- We'd be off to an auction to buy something else. - You're a hardened auction goer.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46Do you collect anything in particular,
0:32:46 > 0:32:52- or whatever takes your fancy? - Just what every takes our fancy. - OK, happy hunting then.- Thank you.
0:33:02 > 0:33:05- Good morning.- Good morning. - Welcome to Flog It!.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08Thank you. What a lovely smile! You seem very cheerful.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11I remember seeing that smile in the queue this morning,
0:33:11 > 0:33:14when I was introduced to you as "Mum". That's right.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18- You had quite a few family with you, didn't you?- Yes.- Who was with you?
0:33:18 > 0:33:21- Three daughters and my grandson. - I remember there being a lot of them!
0:33:21 > 0:33:23What is your name, do you mind?
0:33:23 > 0:33:26- It's Evelyn.- Evelyn, am I all right to call you that?- Fine!
0:33:26 > 0:33:30- I remember seeing this in the queue. It was on a big trolley, wasn't it?- That's right.
0:33:30 > 0:33:35And I made a silly joke of admiring the trolley instead of the figure.
0:33:35 > 0:33:39- Because it's quite...striking, would be a polite way of putting it.- Yes.
0:33:39 > 0:33:42What can you tell me about it? Where did you get it from?
0:33:42 > 0:33:47My husband bought it. It was supposed to be a house-warming present, when we moved house.
0:33:47 > 0:33:53- So, he came home with this and said "Evelyn, here we are, here is your house-warming present."- More or less.
0:33:53 > 0:33:54And what was your reaction?
0:33:54 > 0:33:56"What the hell have you bought that for?!"
0:33:56 > 0:33:58HE LAUGHS
0:33:58 > 0:33:59So, you weren't impressed.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01I was quite polite, but...
0:34:01 > 0:34:04No, I wasn't impressed at all.
0:34:04 > 0:34:08- I believe there you have a name for this chap.- Yes, Fred.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10Fred. And what about the lady?
0:34:10 > 0:34:14Oh, I've never named her. You've never named the lady. Poor thing!
0:34:14 > 0:34:16We just assumed she was from a harem.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19Fred and Frieda, perhaps?
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- That sounds all right.- That would be appropriate, wouldn't it?
0:34:22 > 0:34:25- I don't suppose you'll ever know what he paid for it?- No, no.
0:34:25 > 0:34:29- Hopefully it wasn't too much. - No, that's what I think!
0:34:29 > 0:34:35Well, we've got some markings on here, which is "Koenig and Lengsfeld", from Germany.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38They made things at the turn of the century,
0:34:38 > 0:34:401900s to 1920s, that sort of period.
0:34:40 > 0:34:46They did this type of composition figure in plaster and in terracotta.
0:34:46 > 0:34:50Very decorative. It's one of those things that you either love or hate.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54- There's no middle ground with that.- No.- I'm not a fan myself,
0:34:54 > 0:34:57but some people out there will love that, like your husband did.
0:34:57 > 0:35:01- Yes, but my daughters don't want it.- None of them?- No.
0:35:01 > 0:35:06- My thoughts are to put an estimate of 100 to £200 on it. - That sounds all right.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10If it's all right with you, I'd say put 75 as a bottom line
0:35:10 > 0:35:13and hopefully it'll make up to £200. You never know.
0:35:13 > 0:35:18Thank you very much for bringing Fred in, and his female companion.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20I look forward to seeing it in the auction.
0:35:20 > 0:35:24- And fingers crossed for a good result.- Thank you.
0:35:24 > 0:35:29Some interesting and unusual items going to auction, so let's take another look.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33Adam thought Clodagh's Moorcroft vases were in good condition,
0:35:33 > 0:35:37but advised her to sell them as two lots.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40I think offering them as a group of three won't be as good
0:35:40 > 0:35:44as splitting them into a clear pair and a separate vase.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47Pamela and her husband love going to auctions,
0:35:47 > 0:35:51and she's planning a spending spree if her chocolate cup makes 80 to £120.
0:35:51 > 0:35:57And Evelyn's striking statue was a gift from her husband, but she's never really liked it.
0:35:57 > 0:36:02So, he came home with this and he said, "Evelyn, here we are, here is a house-warming present."
0:36:02 > 0:36:05- And what was your reaction?- What the hell have you bought that for?
0:36:05 > 0:36:08THEY LAUGH
0:36:09 > 0:36:14Over at the sale room, it's Mark Gilding's turn to tell us what he makes of the statue.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22Evelyn's statue, two figures here, and we've got a valuation of £100 to £200.
0:36:22 > 0:36:24Evelyn can't wait to sell this.
0:36:24 > 0:36:29- She's had it 33 years. All of the money is going towards a holiday to Tenerife.- Right.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33And it's just not her cup of tea. It's kind of not mine. It wouldn't suit my house.
0:36:33 > 0:36:38It is very unusual, not the kind of thing you'd see every day here in Market Harborough.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42But I think it's just right for the decorator's market. It's nice quality.
0:36:42 > 0:36:45Will we get the £100 to £200 for it?
0:36:45 > 0:36:48- We should, shouldn't we? - I think we'd easily get £100.
0:36:48 > 0:36:50Hopefully, we'll get towards £400 or £500.
0:36:50 > 0:36:54- There has been incredible interest.- That much! Let me have a closer look.
0:36:54 > 0:36:58- There's lots of interest on the internet, from around the world. - So, this could go overseas?
0:36:58 > 0:37:01I'm fairly sure it will end up overseas.
0:37:01 > 0:37:04That's incredible, isn't it? 400 to 500, wow!
0:37:04 > 0:37:07I think we'll keep our eye on this, don't you?
0:37:11 > 0:37:13Before we put the statue up for sale,
0:37:13 > 0:37:19let's see how Clodagh's two lots of Moorcroft vases do in the auction.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23Tell me a little bit about the vases. Why you want to sell them?
0:37:23 > 0:37:26I thought I'd get my garden a makeover.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28- It's at bit, you know, needs a facelift.- Really?
0:37:28 > 0:37:32So, we're going to do a bit of landscaping and sorting out.
0:37:32 > 0:37:33Pruning and strimming.
0:37:33 > 0:37:34Will we get the top end?
0:37:34 > 0:37:39- We're looking at 300 to 500. - I think it's accurate for Aurelian Ware. End of the 19th century,
0:37:39 > 0:37:42Macintyre and Co, it's a stable, steady seller.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46It never goes mad. I'd say, it's about right this time.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49- Book price.- Touch something... - Touch some wood!
0:37:49 > 0:37:52Good luck, good luck. Here we go.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55One pair of Moorcroft Macintyre octagonal vases,
0:37:55 > 0:37:59I'm bid 190, 190 bid here. 190.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01200, 210, 220, 230.
0:38:01 > 0:38:04230, bid, at 240. 250,
0:38:04 > 0:38:08260, 270, 280, 290, 300.
0:38:08 > 0:38:12Selling away at £300.
0:38:12 > 0:38:13£300. And our second lot now,
0:38:13 > 0:38:16fingers crossed we get 200 to £300.
0:38:16 > 0:38:19Another bit of Moorcroft here, Macintyre vase and cover.
0:38:19 > 0:38:24I'm bid £110 on this, at 110, I'm in at 110.
0:38:24 > 0:38:27120, 130, 140, 150, 160,
0:38:27 > 0:38:28170, 180, 190,
0:38:28 > 0:38:31£200. I'm out.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33- It's done it. - £200, right at the back.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35It will sell, at 200,
0:38:35 > 0:38:38selling in the room then at £200.
0:38:38 > 0:38:43Yes, £200! Well, let's see, bedding plants,
0:38:43 > 0:38:47- shrubs...- Yes. Probably a tree.- That's good.
0:38:47 > 0:38:51- Fruit trees, blossoms. - Yes. Cherry or something.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55A cherry tree would be nice, wouldn't it? Or plums, I like plums.
0:39:03 > 0:39:06You'll like this. Next up, a lovely classical scene.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09It's a chocolate cup, saucer and stand. It belongs to Pamela.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11Why are you selling this?
0:39:11 > 0:39:15- I'm very fond of it but I'd hate it to break.- Right.
0:39:15 > 0:39:20We're moving house soon, and I think it's so pretty, I don't want to break it.
0:39:20 > 0:39:21We've £80 to £120 on this.
0:39:21 > 0:39:25Let's hope we can do a little bit more, Elizabeth. It's got the look?
0:39:25 > 0:39:28I like the colour. The colour is very unusual and it's very pretty.
0:39:28 > 0:39:32- It has the lid and a saucer with it, it's nice.- It's complete, isn't it?
0:39:32 > 0:39:37And very good condition. That's what the collectors like. Let's hope this lot's here, right now.
0:39:37 > 0:39:40- Here we go, it's going under the hammer. Good luck.- Thank you.
0:39:40 > 0:39:44Lot number 20 is a Vienna porcelain chocolate cup, saucer, and stand.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48Fantastically decorated with a panel of classical scene.
0:39:48 > 0:39:51I have to start the bidding at £100.
0:39:51 > 0:39:53100 I'm bid, with me at £100.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55Straight in!
0:39:55 > 0:39:56130, 140...
0:39:56 > 0:39:58140 still with me. 150, 160, new bidding,
0:39:58 > 0:40:03- 170, 180. 190. 200. - That's more like it!
0:40:03 > 0:40:07Are you all out in the room at 200? 210 on the telephone, and I'm out.
0:40:07 > 0:40:10210, 220, 230...
0:40:10 > 0:40:12They love it.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14..240, 250...
0:40:14 > 0:40:15Oh, my goodness!
0:40:15 > 0:40:21250, telephone 1. 250, all out in the room at 250 and selling?
0:40:21 > 0:40:23- Yes!- Wonderful!
0:40:23 > 0:40:25Pamela, that's fantastic.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27I'm very pleased.
0:40:27 > 0:40:31- Very, very pleased.- I guess the money is gonna come in handy with the house moving.
0:40:31 > 0:40:35- Very, yes. It'll be wonderful. - Redecorating.- I never expected that!
0:40:44 > 0:40:46Going under the hammer now is Evelyn's statue.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50It's a composition of two figures, and the figures we've got on this
0:40:50 > 0:40:52are £100 to £200, put on by our expert, Adam, here.
0:40:52 > 0:40:57We know we need the money, don't you, to go to Tenerife, that's right isn't it?
0:40:57 > 0:40:58Who are you going with?
0:40:58 > 0:41:01Two of my daughters. And a granddaughter.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04Oh, bless! A whole family holiday.
0:41:04 > 0:41:07I know Evelyn can't wait to see the back of this, can you?
0:41:07 > 0:41:11You told Adam you didn't like it. You've has it 33-odd years.
0:41:11 > 0:41:15- Never liked it.- The good news is, is definitely going, that's for sure.
0:41:15 > 0:41:18I know we put £100 to £200 on this, and I quite agree with you.
0:41:18 > 0:41:22I asked the auctioneer what he thinks it might make.
0:41:22 > 0:41:28It's what he thinks it might make - he said 400 to £500!
0:41:28 > 0:41:33- So in that case, you're going. - Does he have some prior information, or is that his instincts?
0:41:33 > 0:41:34- I don't know.- I hope so.
0:41:34 > 0:41:38Fingers crossed he's got a few bids on the book. Let's find out.
0:41:38 > 0:41:42We can't discuss this any more, it really is up to the bidders. Here we go.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46Lot Number 10 is a painted plaster and spelter figure.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50Fantastic lot this one, lots of interest on the bidding here.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53Bids start at 80, 90, 100, 120,
0:41:53 > 0:41:57140, 160 with me. 160, 180,
0:41:57 > 0:42:00200, 220, 240,
0:42:00 > 0:42:02240 bid with me. At 240?
0:42:02 > 0:42:03Are you all out at 240?
0:42:03 > 0:42:06I think you're going to split the difference there.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08280, I'm in at 280. 300,
0:42:08 > 0:42:13- 320? 320 here? 320, 340... - There's somebody on the phone.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16360 here with me, at 360, I'll take 80 if you like?
0:42:16 > 0:42:19- 380, 400?- There's another phone bid!
0:42:19 > 0:42:22- 400 with me, 420? - Two people on the phone.
0:42:22 > 0:42:24All commissions out, that's 420.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28Telephone is in at 420, selling away at £420.
0:42:29 > 0:42:33- £420!- What do you reckon?
0:42:33 > 0:42:38- Say bye to Fred?- Definitely!- It's a good moment all round, really.
0:42:38 > 0:42:44- Evelyn is glad to see the back of that but also, you're off to Tenerife.- Definitely.
0:42:56 > 0:42:58That's it. It's all over for our owners.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00The auction's still going on.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03We've had a brilliant day here in Market Harborough.
0:43:03 > 0:43:09The highlight for me had to be the big smile on Evelyn's face as we got £424 for her statue.
0:43:09 > 0:43:13I think that's a great result. A lot more than we anticipated.
0:43:13 > 0:43:15Join me again for many more surprises.
0:43:15 > 0:43:18For now, from Market Harborough, cheerio.
0:43:18 > 0:43:25For more information about Flog It!, including how the programme was made, visit the website at bbc.co.uk.
0:43:25 > 0:43:28Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:28 > 0:43:31E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk