0:00:02 > 0:00:06For the country's super-wealthy, there's only one man to turn to
0:00:06 > 0:00:09when it comes to good taste.
0:00:09 > 0:00:11I think I've got what the antique trade
0:00:11 > 0:00:13and the dealers call "the eye".
0:00:13 > 0:00:16There's no question, I've got to buy all three.
0:00:16 > 0:00:22I've got a very defined and, some would say, refined sense of taste.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25What's extraordinary is how beautiful it is in this room.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28Gordon Watson is one of the world's leading
0:00:28 > 0:00:31authorities on 20th-century design.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34- £7,500 and we are friends. - OK, thank you very much.- OK.
0:00:34 > 0:00:39Turning his passion for collecting into a multi-million pound business.
0:00:39 > 0:00:43At £4.25 million, sold!
0:00:43 > 0:00:45It's a mania, it's not natural how much I buy,
0:00:45 > 0:00:48and how much I need... I need to buy.
0:00:48 > 0:00:49Oh, my God, this is so exciting.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53Always on the hunt for the most desirable pieces to buy.
0:00:53 > 0:00:54It's been a long time.
0:00:54 > 0:00:57He's charming his way into the grandest of homes,
0:00:57 > 0:01:01gambling he'll make the deal of a lifetime.
0:01:01 > 0:01:02Very nice to see you.
0:01:02 > 0:01:04I've a feeling it's going to be an easy sell,
0:01:04 > 0:01:06and I'll make a lot of money.
0:01:06 > 0:01:07I'm hoping.
0:01:13 > 0:01:18Today, Gordon is on his way to Norfolk to visit Houghton Hall,
0:01:18 > 0:01:22the stately home of Britain's first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole.
0:01:22 > 0:01:26This is one of the most beautiful places in England, and probably in the world.
0:01:26 > 0:01:29Dating back to the 1720s,
0:01:29 > 0:01:32Houghton Hall sits in over 4,000 acres,
0:01:32 > 0:01:37neighbouring the Queen's estate, Sandringham.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40The house was built to show off Walpole's unrivalled
0:01:40 > 0:01:42collection of art and antiquities.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45By inviting friends to marvel at them,
0:01:45 > 0:01:48Sir Robert created one of England's first museums.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Now, Houghton Hall is in the care of
0:01:52 > 0:01:55aristocratic owner Lord Cholmondeley.
0:01:55 > 0:02:01He has inherited a great tradition, a family tradition of collecting.
0:02:01 > 0:02:04Because every generation adds something important,
0:02:04 > 0:02:06or buys something new.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08Although Gordon has visited Houghton before,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11Lord Cholmondeley's ever-changing collection means
0:02:11 > 0:02:15there might be gaps for Gordon to fill and make a sale.
0:02:15 > 0:02:17Quite frankly, I'm really excited.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20Cos he's always got a new project, a new artist,
0:02:20 > 0:02:21a new installation.
0:02:21 > 0:02:26I like that about him. It's an ever-evolving project.
0:02:26 > 0:02:29With a collection spread over this vast house,
0:02:29 > 0:02:35Gordon will have to keep his wits about him to spot any opportunities.
0:02:35 > 0:02:39- David. It's been a long time. - Hello, lovely to see you.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43Thank you so much for inviting me, I can't tell you how excited I am.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46Lord Cholmondeley has restored the gardens back to
0:02:46 > 0:02:47their original layout,
0:02:47 > 0:02:51but adding some of his passion for contemporary art
0:02:51 > 0:02:54by creating a public sculpture park in the grounds.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58The ten pieces on show include
0:02:58 > 0:03:00works by Turner Prize-winning artists Rachel Whiteread
0:03:00 > 0:03:03and Richard Long,
0:03:03 > 0:03:08an eye-catching abstract by seminal British sculptor Philip King...
0:03:08 > 0:03:12- This is an early piece. This is from the 1960s.- Oh, my God.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16..and a site-specific commission by legendary American artist
0:03:16 > 0:03:18James Turrell.
0:03:18 > 0:03:20God, this is fantastic.
0:03:20 > 0:03:24It's a sort of modernist treehouse, certainly a sort of folly.
0:03:24 > 0:03:26The modern sculptures are unlike anything that
0:03:26 > 0:03:29Sir Robert Walpole once collected.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32He had Houghton Hall built to house his great art collection,
0:03:32 > 0:03:36which included paintings by Rembrandt and Gainsborough.
0:03:36 > 0:03:39But, just 60 years later, Houghton's mounting debts
0:03:39 > 0:03:43saw more than 200 paintings sold to Catherine the Great of Russia,
0:03:43 > 0:03:47who, in turn, sent a "thank you" of a painting of herself.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53This is really the centre of the house.
0:03:53 > 0:03:56This wonderful stone hall, 40 foot cube.
0:03:56 > 0:04:00And it has all Sir Robert Walpole's collection of antiquities,
0:04:00 > 0:04:02his Roman busts,
0:04:02 > 0:04:07and the highest bust is a portrait of himself by Michael Rysbrack.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11He towers above all these Greek and Roman emperors.
0:04:11 > 0:04:14- He certainly had a sense of who he was.- Very much.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18There's some sense of bewilderment and awe, you just know
0:04:18 > 0:04:23the great and the good, for the past 400 or 500 years have been there.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26There's sort of a slightly religious feeling that would
0:04:26 > 0:04:30dampen my normal verbal diarrhoea.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34Walpole was Prime Minister for almost 20 years, and his descendents
0:04:34 > 0:04:38have continued to play an important part in British state ceremonies.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42David, tell me about these magnificent opulent chairs.
0:04:42 > 0:04:46They come from the Houses of Parliament. This is a consort's throne.
0:04:46 > 0:04:48The Queen's throne stays in Westminster,
0:04:48 > 0:04:51but the consort's throne comes here, because they were given
0:04:51 > 0:04:53to my family, but these chairs go up every year
0:04:53 > 0:04:57for the opening of Parliament, just a week before,
0:04:57 > 0:04:59and come back the week after.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01I'm just longing to ask you one thing.
0:05:01 > 0:05:04Can you feel it coming?
0:05:04 > 0:05:08I might have to sit on that chair.
0:05:08 > 0:05:14- Well...- Is that not... Would that not be form? - LAUGHTER
0:05:14 > 0:05:16- I'm not sure.- OK.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18That's a no.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22Today, the centrepiece of the private collection is
0:05:22 > 0:05:24the picture gallery. Closed to the public,
0:05:24 > 0:05:28it's home to many important classical and modern works.
0:05:28 > 0:05:33So this is the vestibule here, which we restored about 15 years ago.
0:05:33 > 0:05:35It's got such a sense of life to it, hasn't it?
0:05:35 > 0:05:39'Sometimes I'm intrigued in the great houses,
0:05:39 > 0:05:41'how naff some of them can be.'
0:05:41 > 0:05:43You know, I would say, as I would say to anyone,
0:05:43 > 0:05:46would you consider changing that?
0:05:46 > 0:05:49Not necessarily buy something from me, that's an added bonus.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53I had one fundamental thought, in the anteroom.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56This chandelier is nice, but it's not of the...
0:05:56 > 0:05:58And I'm just thinking... Would you consider
0:05:58 > 0:06:00having something extraordinary there?
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- Do you know what I mean?- Yes, you could, yes.- Yes. And all the...
0:06:03 > 0:06:04I knew I'd get a good idea from you.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07Oh, there's lots. There's more coming. Prepare yourself.
0:06:07 > 0:06:11I cannot wait to get rid of this. This reminds me of old grannies.
0:06:11 > 0:06:13What I'd like to do is buy something I really love that
0:06:13 > 0:06:16I'd like to own, because that's always the best thing.
0:06:16 > 0:06:18And then try and sell it to him.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20With only one floor open to the public,
0:06:20 > 0:06:23Gordon's tour moves on to Lord Cholmondeley's private rooms,
0:06:23 > 0:06:25which reveal his personal taste
0:06:25 > 0:06:29and true passion for collecting contemporary art.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31It was a chapel originally.
0:06:31 > 0:06:36And then my grandfather's gym in the 1920s.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40So, I started decorating this room as a modern room
0:06:40 > 0:06:42before I had children.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44He wears two hats, there are two people.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47There's the protector of one of the greatest
0:06:47 > 0:06:50stately homes in England, Houghton Hall.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53And there's David, the pianist, the film-maker,
0:06:53 > 0:06:56who happens to love contemporary art
0:06:56 > 0:07:00and 1920s to 1930s French furniture.
0:07:00 > 0:07:03This is a beautiful glass piece by
0:07:03 > 0:07:07- a Japanese craftsman who lives in Venice.- It's beautiful.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10And I've just come back from Japan, and I've really discovered
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- someone who is, I think, amazing. A glass-blower.- How exciting.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18And I can see these delights, these treasures that could sit here.
0:07:18 > 0:07:19I wish I had them with me.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22He's a strong, forceful character, but that's
0:07:22 > 0:07:23why he's so good at what he does.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27I can't wait to see you again, I'm really excited, and I hope you will be too.
0:07:27 > 0:07:29There's a lot in Houghton to see.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32Every single piece you touch or you look at,
0:07:32 > 0:07:35it's all got a history, and it's part of our British history.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38I've got to find a place for little me, to try and add my...
0:07:38 > 0:07:41A layer of me. Me, me, me.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44A layer of Gordon Watson to Houghton.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48Hunting for pieces to complete the collections of stately homes
0:07:48 > 0:07:50is just one aspect of Gordon's world.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53He's also always on the lookout for the next
0:07:53 > 0:07:55rising star of the art world.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58In the '90s, he was one of the first to buy work
0:07:58 > 0:08:01by the then-unknown Damien Hirst,
0:08:01 > 0:08:04buying cheap, before selling for a profit.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08More recently, Gordon has been investing in work by an unknown
0:08:08 > 0:08:11Northern Irish painter, Gregg Nixon.
0:08:11 > 0:08:15I love the detailing of the animals, the insects, the flora, the fauna,
0:08:15 > 0:08:21the worms, the scarabs, the snakes, and I bought it from the photo.
0:08:21 > 0:08:23And I think it's absolutely fantastic.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28I constantly need to find that new blood, in order to stimulate me.
0:08:28 > 0:08:30It's not absolutely necessary,
0:08:30 > 0:08:33like breathing or eating or drinking,
0:08:33 > 0:08:36but it certainly is something to stimulate my mind.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40Gordon has bought almost all of the artwork Gregg has produced so far.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43I think this is the largest oil painting he's made to date.
0:08:43 > 0:08:47And I think it's a triumph, and I'm very excited about him.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51He's planning a debut exhibition of Gregg's work in London to try
0:08:51 > 0:08:55and generate interest and hopefully make some sales.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59But first, he needs to go on the hunt for pieces to sell to Lord Cholmondeley.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03His quest to find beautiful objects to sell regularly takes
0:09:03 > 0:09:05Gordon all over the world.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08This time, he's off to Amsterdam.
0:09:08 > 0:09:11This is the centre of all great design.
0:09:11 > 0:09:14I'm not a tourist, I'm a buyer, I've come to buy.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17Cordon's meeting ceramicist Aldo Bakker,
0:09:17 > 0:09:21known for making objects that don't have an obvious purpose.
0:09:22 > 0:09:26His work is highly prized by museums around the world.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- Hello,- Aldo. Hello, Gordon. - It's me, Gordon Watson.
0:09:29 > 0:09:31- I recognise you. - Very nice to meet you.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33I'm so excited, I can barely contain myself.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37This is one of your more famous, iconic pieces.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39I've seen photographs of this.
0:09:39 > 0:09:41Touching it, I'm absolutely... I've got goose pimples.
0:09:41 > 0:09:44It's incredible. Because it doesn't feel like porcelain,
0:09:44 > 0:09:46it almost feels like bone.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50Every piece, I polish, I think around... Well, days.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53That's one of the most beautiful objects I think I've ever touched.
0:09:54 > 0:09:56I've got that thing of, "Oh, my God, what colours?"
0:09:56 > 0:09:59And there are another two colours to come.
0:09:59 > 0:10:01This was the first one, actually.
0:10:01 > 0:10:04They also looks like shoes with little trumpets on the end, don't they?
0:10:04 > 0:10:07And how much is this spectacular piece?
0:10:07 > 0:10:08Only 2,000 euros.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11I've had that thing that happens, when I'm excited.
0:10:11 > 0:10:14My mouth went completely dry, I couldn't get a word out.
0:10:14 > 0:10:19The whole of my throat, it's a reaction I have when I'm...
0:10:19 > 0:10:24at the point of buying something beautiful, that...
0:10:24 > 0:10:27I didn't realise I could get, and I CAN get.
0:10:27 > 0:10:28I mean, there's just no...
0:10:28 > 0:10:31There's no question, there's no, I mean, it's easy,
0:10:31 > 0:10:33I've got to buy all three.
0:10:33 > 0:10:37Garden might be sold on the jugs at £1,600 apiece,
0:10:37 > 0:10:40but Aldo has more to show him.
0:10:40 > 0:10:42The green lacquer stool, I thought, "Oh, my God,
0:10:42 > 0:10:44"if only I could own something like that."
0:10:44 > 0:10:49- What's this kind of lacquer called? - Urushi, and it comes from Japan.
0:10:49 > 0:10:53And it has 30 layers of urushi lacquer.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56It takes at least half a year to make a piece like this.
0:10:56 > 0:11:01It sounds so awful to ask the price of such a beautiful thing,
0:11:01 > 0:11:04- because, actually, you should be giving it to me. - LAUGHTER
0:11:04 > 0:11:09- But that's not going to happen, so...- I'd love to.
0:11:09 > 0:11:11I'd love you to. But how much is it?
0:11:11 > 0:11:15This piece is...18,500 euros.
0:11:15 > 0:11:16Hmm.
0:11:16 > 0:11:21And then, for a fabulous new collector, who's going to keep you in your old age...?
0:11:21 > 0:11:22'Every deal is different.'
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Sometimes it's flirtatious, if that happens, that's nice.
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Sometimes it's a dance. Sometimes it's a boxing match.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- 15% discount? - Could it be 14,500 euros?
0:11:32 > 0:11:35- 14,500 euros. - Thank you very much.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38He was in the right frame of mind to be entertained by me.
0:11:38 > 0:11:40And he said yes to everything, it was frightening.
0:11:40 > 0:11:43I bought every colour, I'm like girls with those shoes.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46I just think I'm in the presence of something so magnificent,
0:11:46 > 0:11:48but I feel really tired now.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51Flushed with excitement at spending £16,000,
0:11:51 > 0:11:54Gordon leaves Amsterdam hoping that he's
0:11:54 > 0:11:57bought pieces that will seduce Lord Cholmondeley into buying.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06Today, Gordon is off to one of the world's oldest auction houses
0:12:06 > 0:12:10where they are holding a sale of contemporary lighting.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12He's hoping to find something that will work in the anteroom
0:12:12 > 0:12:15of Lord Cholmondeley's picture gallery.
0:12:17 > 0:12:19He has his eye on a chandelier by
0:12:19 > 0:12:23French jewellery and furniture designer Herve Van Der Straeten
0:12:25 > 0:12:28These are the main viewing rooms. Ah.
0:12:28 > 0:12:31Previously part of a private collection in Germany,
0:12:31 > 0:12:35the chandelier is estimated to sell for £15,000.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38I was worried it was going to be too shiny, too glitzy,
0:12:38 > 0:12:40too perfect, and it's not.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44You can see all the cast marks from the bronze.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46It's got a patina.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49You know, it's 20 years old, so it's acquired something.
0:12:49 > 0:12:51I'm hoping I can buy it well, and I hope I can charge
0:12:51 > 0:12:54a lot of money for it, because it deserves it, it's a great thing.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57Gordon is a well-known face at Sotheby's auction house,
0:12:57 > 0:12:59and not just as a buyer.
0:12:59 > 0:13:00It was my first job,
0:13:00 > 0:13:04and I started in the basement here in the antiquities department
0:13:04 > 0:13:09as a clerk, and then I started cataloguing Roman glass,
0:13:09 > 0:13:13and it was the beginning of my entry into this world that
0:13:13 > 0:13:15I now inhabit, the art world.
0:13:16 > 0:13:18It's time for Gordon to join the bidding.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Can he get what he wants?
0:13:20 > 0:13:23I can start the bidding at £12,000.
0:13:23 > 0:13:28£13,000. £14,000. £15,000. Gentleman is bidding in the room. £15,000.
0:13:28 > 0:13:33I can sell. £16,000 now, £17,000, gentleman's bid.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35Bidding for the chandelier quickly heats up,
0:13:35 > 0:13:38and races past the estimated price.
0:13:38 > 0:13:42- £18,000 against you, sir.- £500. - And £500, of course.
0:13:42 > 0:13:46£18,500. £19,000. £20,500.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48For this time, £20,500.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- Last chance. £21,000.- £22,000.
0:13:51 > 0:13:55£22,000, thank you, sir. £22,000.
0:13:55 > 0:13:58Gordon is bidding against a telephone buyer,
0:13:58 > 0:14:00pushing the price higher and higher.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- We'll go up to £22,500. - £23,000 for the gentleman.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- £24,000.- £24,500.- I think we should celebrate this sale.
0:14:07 > 0:14:14- £24,500. No? £24,500. - Thank you.
0:14:16 > 0:14:18I spent more than I thought I'd have to.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22So, it's £24,500, hammer price.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24Plus their commissions of about 25%.
0:14:24 > 0:14:26Plus VAT.
0:14:28 > 0:14:31- There it is. - That is... Oh, my God.
0:14:32 > 0:14:34Unbelievable.
0:14:34 > 0:14:36I've just bought that.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39So you'd better treat it carefully.
0:14:39 > 0:14:41What does it look like in daylight?
0:14:41 > 0:14:43No, it's fabulous.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46You be careful with that rock crystal thing.
0:14:47 > 0:14:49I have a feeling it's going to be an easy sell,
0:14:49 > 0:14:51and I'll make a lot of money.
0:14:51 > 0:14:53I'm hoping.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56Having spent £36,000 on the chandelier,
0:14:56 > 0:15:01including commission and VAT, and almost £16,000 in Amsterdam,
0:15:01 > 0:15:04Gordon's gambling £50,000 on items
0:15:04 > 0:15:08that Lord Cholmondeley may or may not want.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12Across town, artist Gregg Nixon is setting up for his debut show,
0:15:12 > 0:15:15helped by Gordon's assistant, Nicola.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18They are transforming the prestigious Mayfair showroom
0:15:18 > 0:15:20of Gordon's friend,
0:15:20 > 0:15:23jewellery designer Solange Azagury-Partridge,
0:15:23 > 0:15:25into a pop-up gallery.
0:15:25 > 0:15:26It's like a moment of truth now,
0:15:26 > 0:15:29just to really see how the work actually looks on the walls.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32The colour looks amazing, most of the accent colours I've
0:15:32 > 0:15:35used in my work is pink, so I think it's really going to help
0:15:35 > 0:15:38the work stand out, so I'm feeling really positive.
0:15:38 > 0:15:40Having spent thousands on Gregg's artwork,
0:15:40 > 0:15:43Gordon needs it to sell if he's to make a profit.
0:15:43 > 0:15:45Hello, gang. Oh, my God.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48So, he's here to make sure everything's just right.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52You are cool as a cucumber.
0:15:52 > 0:15:56Let's just unwrap them all, and then we can position some.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58Is that the biggest one you've ever done?
0:15:58 > 0:16:00Biggest one I've ever done, Gordon, it is indeed.
0:16:00 > 0:16:02Put this on that wall,
0:16:02 > 0:16:06and then float the other drawing next to it, centred on it.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08I could help. I would've done the whole thing,
0:16:08 > 0:16:11but I've got a bad back, I'm too fat, I get hot.
0:16:11 > 0:16:12I don't see the point.
0:16:12 > 0:16:15And then I can't hammer straight nails. No point.
0:16:15 > 0:16:16That looks good.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19If Gregg's introduction to the art world is to be a success,
0:16:19 > 0:16:23it's important that the right people see the work.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27There will be about 50-odd people, they all could buy.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31Gregg's quite unique, and I'm just trying to find a way that
0:16:31 > 0:16:34I can help him pursue his career as an artist.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37Having spent over £50,000
0:16:37 > 0:16:39on pieces that he hopes Lord Cholmondeley
0:16:39 > 0:16:44will like, Gordon is returning to Houghton Hall, counting on a sale.
0:16:45 > 0:16:48I'd absolutely love to have a fantastic conclusion to
0:16:48 > 0:16:51today's visit, that being that Lord Cholmondeley
0:16:51 > 0:16:53actually buys something,
0:16:53 > 0:16:58something that will be in my favourite English stately home,
0:16:58 > 0:17:00Houghton.
0:17:02 > 0:17:07Gordon knows that Lord Cholmondeley is a discerning collector.
0:17:07 > 0:17:10If he manages to sell something to feature in Houghton Hall,
0:17:10 > 0:17:12it will be a real achievement.
0:17:14 > 0:17:18- David.- Hi.- I've come laden. How are you?
0:17:18 > 0:17:20Not a hatbox.
0:17:20 > 0:17:22Goodies.
0:17:22 > 0:17:24Lead the way.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28As Gordon and Lord Cholmondeley head off through the house,
0:17:28 > 0:17:31the chandelier arrives, driven by James and Wayne.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38It's pretty awesome, you know, look at the grounds it sits on,
0:17:38 > 0:17:41and all the deers. I mean, all of this belongs to him, for miles.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- I don't think I'd like to mow the lawn, though.- No, definitely not.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50So, David, since my last visit, I have scoured the world,
0:17:50 > 0:17:54the highways and the byways, and found you some beautiful pieces.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57They're obviously for sale, because that's me, I'm a dealer.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59But I really just want to show you, because I'm excited.
0:17:59 > 0:18:03I thought that this was extraordinary.
0:18:03 > 0:18:07And it's a milk jug. It's amazing, isn't it? And it's the most beautiful colour.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11- Just touch it, it's ice-cold and tactile.- Yep.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14I just thought, I've never seen anything like it.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- In porcelain?- In porcelain.- Yeah.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18Shall we have a cup of tea and see if it works?
0:18:18 > 0:18:20What do you think?
0:18:20 > 0:18:26In polite society, discussion of money is...
0:18:27 > 0:18:31..on the same level, is thought to be on the same level as bad manners.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34Look at that, it's already changed colour, hasn't it?
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- This one.- Different in different lights.- Yes.
0:18:37 > 0:18:41I'm surprised you're not touching them. I always have to touch everything.
0:18:41 > 0:18:43No, it is very...
0:18:44 > 0:18:47'With an aristocrat, they're like poker players.'
0:18:47 > 0:18:49'I'm looking in their eyes, I can't see a flicker.'
0:18:49 > 0:18:51Do they want to buy it, do they not want to?
0:18:51 > 0:18:53Do they want to ask the price? Are they going to bargain?
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Do they want one piece or five pieces?
0:18:56 > 0:18:57Very hard to read.
0:18:57 > 0:19:00Some things start off so light and then, after a mile,
0:19:00 > 0:19:03they're so bloody heavy.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06OK, I've just... I'm like the proverbial carpetbagger.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Where's all the gentility gone?
0:19:09 > 0:19:10This is incredible.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14So, it's the rarest form of Japanese lacquer,
0:19:14 > 0:19:19so it's 45 layers of urushi lacquer, so it's...
0:19:19 > 0:19:23There's a hemp, then there's lacquer, then there's a sticky glue.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27It's signed underneath. It's Aldo Bakker.
0:19:27 > 0:19:29I mean, it's so Japanese, but it's also...
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- Got a very Japanese look to it, and feel.- Doesn't it?
0:19:32 > 0:19:34This is the third one, they've only made three.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- Don't you think it's one of the most beautiful...?- Extraordinary.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- And you're so clever to discover it...- Just try and lift it.
0:19:40 > 0:19:42- ..to have found it. - I know, I couldn't...
0:19:42 > 0:19:44It was just sitting there on the desk.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48- I'm so hot from carrying it. - It is heavy, isn't it? Yeah.
0:19:48 > 0:19:53So far, Lord Cholmondeley hasn't fallen for Gordon's charms.
0:19:53 > 0:19:55But Gordon's got another trick up his sleeve,
0:19:55 > 0:19:57something from his warehouse.
0:19:57 > 0:20:02This, these...when I came here, I thought you might love.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06Japanese glass. One of the great glass-blowers. Complete maniac.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- He's an engineer. Do you see all the silver leaf...- Yes, yes.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13To engage someone, by you touching it encourages them to touch it.
0:20:13 > 0:20:15Then you're breaking down barriers.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- It was for champagne.- Yes, yes. - I think it's slightly naff,
0:20:18 > 0:20:21but actually, that's what he made it for.
0:20:21 > 0:20:23Really feel the surface or the texture.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25You know, "Isn't it beautiful?"
0:20:25 > 0:20:28and then they touch it and then it starts the love affair.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- Look at that, look at that.- Now, Lord Cholmondeley wants to touch it, you see.
0:20:31 > 0:20:33- So, now we're...- David, please. - That's the difference.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37I have another one. But, you see, it's black and it's indigo blue.
0:20:37 > 0:20:39- Yes. Is it?- Yes. Do you see here?
0:20:39 > 0:20:42Look at that. All the different shades in there. Wonderful weight to it.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- And each one is unique.- Yes, yes. - You know, nothing is repeated.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48There, signed underneath.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Which colour do like the most?
0:20:50 > 0:20:52- I think the red, but...- Yeah.
0:20:53 > 0:20:56They're all unusual and all shows your eye.
0:20:56 > 0:20:58Oh, thank you so much.
0:20:58 > 0:21:02So, erm, shall I leave them here for a month or two, Lord Cholmondeley
0:21:02 > 0:21:04Shall I, for your perusal?
0:21:04 > 0:21:06- So you can think and live... - A few years.
0:21:06 > 0:21:08- Yes. A few years, yes. - A year or two.
0:21:08 > 0:21:09I'd be happy to do that.
0:21:10 > 0:21:15Finally, the £36,000 gamble bought at auction arrives.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18Bye, babies. I don't think you'll be coming home.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23I'm waiting here for the chandelier to come in. I'm very excited.
0:21:23 > 0:21:24This is the big moment.
0:21:24 > 0:21:27Those...the other pieces were nice and they were decorative
0:21:27 > 0:21:29and they were small, but this is a really important thing.
0:21:29 > 0:21:31You got enough room your side?
0:21:34 > 0:21:37James and Wayne have to carefully navigate the huge box through
0:21:37 > 0:21:39the historic interior.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- The box is too big to pass through any of the internal doors.- OK.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48Obviously, we're going to have to show it in this room.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51We're just going to have to find the perfect spot for it and...
0:21:51 > 0:21:53make the best of a bad job, really.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59- I think this is as good a place as any.- Yeah.
0:21:59 > 0:22:01If he's to stand any chance of a sale,
0:22:01 > 0:22:05Gordon must make sure the presentation is just right.
0:22:05 > 0:22:08- What I'm thinking is we remove this...- Yes.
0:22:08 > 0:22:09- Take away some of the ties...- Yes.
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- And at least, you know, it tidies it up a bit. - Yeah, genius. Yeah, good.
0:22:12 > 0:22:16So, if you just give us a couple of minutes, we'll do that.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18I mean, how can that be too narrow, that door?
0:22:18 > 0:22:20And we're in a palace.
0:22:22 > 0:22:24- David?- Yeah?
0:22:24 > 0:22:27I'm so sorry. I've now got something beautiful for you.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29Er, it's worked out better, I think.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33So...well, I hope you think it's, erm, beautiful.
0:22:36 > 0:22:40- Look at that.- I thought that that would be spectacular in that beautiful porcelain room.
0:22:40 > 0:22:41It's beautiful, isn't it?
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Isn't it? It's bronze.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47Do you see...what you're not getting the idea of is this rock crystal.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- Oh, yes.- It's the thickest, most purest bit of rock crystal that hangs down.
0:22:51 > 0:22:52One of the most beautiful chandeliers that
0:22:52 > 0:22:55I've ever seen, actually.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58- I mean, I hope he does buy it. - Well, yeah. It'll save us carrying it back.
0:22:58 > 0:22:59- I don't want to take it home.- No.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02Anyway, so that's the last of the delights, David.
0:23:02 > 0:23:03Fun to see all these.
0:23:03 > 0:23:05Oh, it's...God, I find this part quite traumatic, actually,
0:23:05 > 0:23:08because I think it is so beautiful,
0:23:08 > 0:23:11and I'm going into hyperbole and oversell, which is the very thing
0:23:11 > 0:23:13I shouldn't do with you.
0:23:13 > 0:23:15So, I'm going to... erm,
0:23:15 > 0:23:16button it, as they say.
0:23:16 > 0:23:17No, it's lovely.
0:23:19 > 0:23:21- Great.- It's lovely.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24Gordon's shown all his wares, leaving Lord Cholmondeley
0:23:24 > 0:23:26to have a think about what he's seen.
0:23:26 > 0:23:30To have interesting pieces brought to you is quite a luxury.
0:23:30 > 0:23:34It is, in itself. Even if you don't end up acquiring them, you just...
0:23:34 > 0:23:37It's nice to see them and see them
0:23:37 > 0:23:38in a possible setting.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41- Thank you, again, for making me feel so welcome.- Gordon, thank you.
0:23:41 > 0:23:42Thank you very much.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44And into the dark night I go.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47Lord Cholmondeley isn't somebody that you give the hard sell to.
0:23:47 > 0:23:49I wasn't expecting an immediate answer.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52In fact, I'm very surprised that he said hold back the...
0:23:52 > 0:23:55"Let me look at the, erm,
0:23:55 > 0:23:57"the two glass vases from Japan.
0:23:57 > 0:24:01"Let me look at them and let me think about it and let me..." You know.
0:24:01 > 0:24:02I said, "Would you like them to stay?"
0:24:02 > 0:24:04He said yes. Well, that's...that's great.
0:24:05 > 0:24:07Despite leaving the vases behind,
0:24:07 > 0:24:11Gordon can't bank on the trip resulting in a sale.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16He's hoping for better results at Gregg's debut show,
0:24:16 > 0:24:21to which he's invited guests from his little black book of exclusive clients,
0:24:21 > 0:24:26including interior designers, art specialists and even a countess.
0:24:26 > 0:24:29What will they make of his latest discovery?
0:24:29 > 0:24:34This is the moment, really, where I am ready to meet my fate,
0:24:34 > 0:24:37and whoever's coming here tonight is obviously going to play
0:24:37 > 0:24:41a large part in whether I can continue to create art.
0:24:41 > 0:24:42I'm terrified.
0:24:43 > 0:24:45I'm not going to say no more on that.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49While Gregg is worried about people's reactions,
0:24:49 > 0:24:51Gordon's worried about money.
0:24:51 > 0:24:53Having paid for the paintings,
0:24:53 > 0:24:56he needs to sell them to make a profit.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59I'm hoping for people who've got a cheque book in their handbag or in their wallets.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03That's what I'm hoping for. I don't care if they're glitzy, I don't care if they're stars,
0:25:03 > 0:25:05I don't care if they're models.
0:25:05 > 0:25:07I just hope they've got a few bob on them and that
0:25:07 > 0:25:10they like Gregg's work. That's all I'm interested in.
0:25:10 > 0:25:12Gregg's parents are among the first guests to arrive.
0:25:12 > 0:25:16- How are you?- Hello.- It's good to see you.- It's nice to see you again. Lovely to see you.
0:25:16 > 0:25:19- So, you haven't seen the show? Hi. - Good to see you, Gordon. - Hi, Mr Nixon.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22Gregg said he was nervous, but I think we're even worse.
0:25:22 > 0:25:24- We're equally as nervous, yeah. - It's just amazing.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26- You're allowed one drink an hour. - OK.
0:25:26 > 0:25:27OK. Don't get any peanuts,
0:25:27 > 0:25:30cos they get stuck in those beautiful teeth of yours -
0:25:30 > 0:25:32and that's not a good thing - and we'll be OK.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35You could have made an effort(!)
0:25:35 > 0:25:37- I've just come from work.- Ah, good.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- It's Daisy. She's longing to meet you.- Hi, nice to meet you.
0:25:42 > 0:25:44Congratulations! What a great show.
0:25:44 > 0:25:47He sent me a drawing - and we get hundreds of rubbish, you know,
0:25:47 > 0:25:50and we're polite and say, "No, thank you" - and this drawing,
0:25:50 > 0:25:51which is over there on the easel,
0:25:51 > 0:25:53really had something.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55Of course, Gordon's in his element.
0:25:55 > 0:25:56It's a party.
0:25:56 > 0:25:58Gordon likes a party.
0:25:58 > 0:26:00- Well, I wanted to say hi to you first.- Yeah, OK.
0:26:00 > 0:26:02And then, maybe, have a look.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04That's a tiger, that's a leopard.
0:26:04 > 0:26:06It was a total whirlwind of emotions.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10Everything was fast and exciting and tasty and lovely.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12Gregg is flying.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16I think he was very emotional before, which is why I kept away from him,
0:26:16 > 0:26:19but he's absolutely...he's fine.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21He's loving it. He's basking in the glory.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25- What's that, crayon or...? - It is just normal HB pencils.
0:26:25 > 0:26:27The party is in full swing,
0:26:27 > 0:26:31but Gordon's worried that sales are slow.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34I'm just going to have to pick a few people off
0:26:34 > 0:26:37and just go up and be a bit bold and ask them what they think,
0:26:37 > 0:26:41because what's happening now is, it's too social. You can hear.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44Everyone's having a nice time, they're drinking,
0:26:44 > 0:26:45they're not really looking any more.
0:26:45 > 0:26:47That's what happens with private views.
0:26:49 > 0:26:52These are all her friends and family. So, it's the snakes
0:26:52 > 0:26:54and a little moles and the little mice and the beetles.
0:26:54 > 0:26:57They're all eating the maggots to protect her,
0:26:57 > 0:27:01and then the birds are trying to lift her up to a new place.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03So, this is her protection around her.
0:27:03 > 0:27:05I mean, it's just fantastic.
0:27:05 > 0:27:08The way this boy works,
0:27:08 > 0:27:10so different to anything what you normally see in the art world.
0:27:12 > 0:27:16And, Gordon said he was self-taught. I find that fascinating.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19Apparently, Gordon's just sold Romancing Myself.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Very pleased. Got the red dot.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- She's bought your drawing.- No way!
0:27:27 > 0:27:29Oh, thank you very much!
0:27:29 > 0:27:31I think it's going brilliantly well.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33Opening night, two red dots.
0:27:34 > 0:27:36As the party winds down,
0:27:36 > 0:27:39thoughts turn to Gregg's future as an artist.
0:27:39 > 0:27:43That was beyond all expectation, so it was, tonight.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46I did not expect to have as many sales and
0:27:46 > 0:27:50as much positive feedback as what I did get.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55Gregg now knows he can show
0:27:55 > 0:27:58his art in a public space. That's the most important.
0:27:58 > 0:28:02Secondly, the public likes his work and likes him.
0:28:02 > 0:28:04Thirdly, I made some money.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08For me, that's a perfect result and there'll be more sales tomorrow.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12Tonight's show has been a roaring success.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16It's one more deal in the world of Gordon Watson.
0:28:16 > 0:28:17Thank you.