"Real Deal" returns to Cheltenham
David Dickinson's 'Real Deal' filmed at the Cotswold Auction Company's Cheltenham saleroom on Tuesday 27th April . The valuation day for this sale was on Saturday April 3rd in Herefordshire when Elizabeth Poole and Lindsey Braune assisted Real Deal to assess items of interest which were then offered at auction . Last time David Dickinson visited Chapel walk , a packed saleroom saw a a contestant's late Georgian painted wooden doll sell for £1350. But this time a Victorian crescent shaped diamond brooch of approx. 3.07 ct reached £2,400! for a full report please look at the 'Sale Reports'.
Aled Jones and "Cash in the Attic"
The Bingham Hall in Cirencester saw a full saleroom when BBC's Cash in the Attic programme returned to film their various lots being sold at auction. The presenter this time was Aled Jones who certainly caused a few hearts to flutter! The programme has already been aired but sadly none of the participating staff have seen it as we are never forewarned that it is going to be shown, and of course are busy with our next sales during the day! So we would love any feedback from viewers.
The ‘Flog it’ Effect
The advent of antiques programmes on television has had a more than positive effect on the antiques auction trade. People sitting at home watching the ‘experts’ give advice on anything from Victorian stoneware bedpan to a Chinese Chippendale set of dining chairs then look around their own homes to see what might be of value.
Often enough there will be something that no-one in the family had ever thought could be of interest . Of course the British public will queue for hours in order to catch a glimpse of Paul Martin ( Flog it), David Dickinson ( Real Deal) and the other experts, who have become household names. But there is a real means to an end in this process. The excitement and thrill of discovering that the dog bowl by the back door is in fact a Chinese Xiangte bowl from the 15th century will outweigh every discomfort of the day. There are of course the stories that don’t end so well – when a treasured heirloom is actually worth no more than a dog bowl! But the public are quite pragmatic when the news is not quite what they hoped. The British trait of self- deprecation comes into play and disappointing news is usually accepted with a wry smile and sense of humour.
All auction houses have noticed that their valuation days will bring people from all walks of life having ‘seen it on the telly’. Clients will ring to discuss an object they have in their homes that looks similar to something they have seen being valued. Publicity such as this cannot be bought – and the auction houses will continue to welcome the TV programme makers into their rooms for a long time to come. So, keep watching as one day Del Boy’s gold watch could happen to you!
Christmas 2008 Private View
The Christmas Private View in December at the Chapel Walk Saleroom was a great success and very well attended by a good cross section of Cheltenham society! It was the ten year anniversary of the Cotswold Auction Company and Henry Sandon was guest speaker. He had been the speaker at the first anniversary, then the fifth and it was with some joy that Lindsey Braune and Elizabeth Poole welcomed him back to talk at the tenth!
Lindsey Braune and Elizabeth Poole with Mr and Mrs Henry Sandon
The party in full flow!
Mr Henry Sandon admiring one of the lots on offer