The Travelling Auctioneers

>> We're hitting the road in our trusty travelling auction house... >> Whoa!

>> Your tolls are gonna be shaking around.

...on the hunt for treasures hidden in homes all across Britain.

Whoa.

This is pretty full.

>> That's huge.

And our mission -- to find these unloved and forgotten gems, give them a new lease of life, and make them into money.

>> Oh, wow.

Look at that.

Transforming has-beens into must-haves... >> It's a job well worth doing.

>> ...Master restorer Will Kirk.

>> Glue, glue, and good as new.

And finding value in those overlooked objects, auction supremo Christina Trevanion.

>> Is that a Fender Strat?

>> It is.

>> Here we go.

Everything we find.

>> And fix.

>> Will go under the hammer in our travelling saleroom.

�850, �900.

>> Popping up in the most surprising of places, we bring the auction to you.

>> �2,200.

[ Laughs ] You know what we say.

Have gavel, will travel.

Today, we're in the glorious Oxfordshire countryside, and Will's wrangling the wheel of our beloved blue van.

[ Gears grinding ] >> Oh.

>> Oh.

You can't find it.

>> Embarrassing.

Come on and grind it.

>> If he can keep the van in one piece today, we're heading to the historic market town of Abingdon, which has a curious claim to fame.

Abingdon is famous for its bun-throwing ceremonies.

>> Why would you throw a bun for?

>> I don't know.

That's just what they did.

And the museum in Abingdon has a collection of buns, and they kind of glaze them and varnish them to preserve them.

>> What, actual buns?

>> Actual buns.

Yep.

What is the craziest thing you've ever varnished?

Keep it clean.

[ Both laugh ] >> I couldn't possibly comment.

>> [ Laughs ] >> And on that note... it's time to meet our hosts for the day, Trisha and her mum, Patty.

>> I'm coming up to 88.

Nobody should ask a lady her age.

You're only as old as you feel.

>> I thought you were 41 and holding.

>> Yes.

True.

[ Both laugh ] >> Mum is lovely.

She's loved by everybody.

Has many, many friends.

And completely daft, as everybody can see.

>> Patty moved to this maisonette 25 years ago after downsizing from a 16th-century cottage.

And it's bursting at the seams with items collected over the years.

>> So we're heading there now to find some hidden treasures and fixer-uppers that might just make her some money at auction.

>> I've got lots of stuff.

Some people would call it clutter.

I love the things I have, so I want them to go to somebody that really wants them and not in a skip.

>> Patty was forced to move when, one day, her life changed forever after her husband, Ray, left for work.

>> He said, "I'll see you at lunchtime," and he dropped down dead.

>> He had a one-off asthma attack.

>> A one-off asthma attack.

But we had a wonderful and a fun life together.

>> He was -- He was my hero.

I went everywhere with my dad.

He was just my life.

>> He was a really genuine man.

And I think lots of people loved him.

>> Yeah.

>> Patty and her husband, bless her, they used to love going around antique shops and collecting all these things.

So I can imagine it's going to be quite an emotional wrench, letting go some of these for her, don't you think?

>> Yeah, but also quite a kind of therapeutic thing to do, really.

>> Since Ray's death, Patty's been determined to make the most of every opportunity.

>> Here we go.

>> Thank you, darling.

>> And today, that means a visit from us.

>> The biggest challenge for Christina and especially Will is going to be my mum.

They haven't met a Patty.

>> I will behave.

>> [ Laughs ] >> We've got just one day to trawl Patty's house for treasures that could make her some money at auction.

>> This is it.

>> Okay.

I'm already spotting garages.

This is a good sign, Will.

[ Knock on door ] >> Oh, here she comes.

>> Hi!

I'm Trisha.

How are you?

>> Hi, Trisha.

She's like a ray of sunshine.

>> Nice to meet you.

Come this way.

>> Ah, you're going to lead us to the lady herself?

>> I will.

She's upstairs.

>> Hi, Mom.

>> Hi, darling.

>> I've got some people to see you.

>> Ooh!

>> This is my mum, Patty.

>> Hi, Patty.

>> I've been looking forward to meeting you.

>> Oh.

>> Well, we've been looking forward to meeting you.

>> Oh, my goodness me.

[ Laughter ] You were well warned, I heard.

[ Laughter ] >> I think there's gonna be a lot to learn today.

>> I think so, too.

>> We're gonna go and have a wander, if that's okay.

Do you mind us having a good look through the house?

>> Just go where you wish.

>> All righty.

Time to get cracking.

[ Bells jingling ] >> Yeah, Capodimonte-style figures here.

>> We're going to divide and conquer to try and unearth some hidden gems.

>> I'm starting in the front room where I'll be keeping an eye out for forgotten treasures that could do with Will's special spruce-up.

Oh, I love these.

Little envelope-top card tables, Edwardian, so 1910, maybe slightly later, 1920.

It's like a little love letter.

You open up the top.

And it's unveiled in all its glory.

Now, we should have a drawer in here for counters and cards.

[ Gasps ] Look at that.

I bet Patty's a bit of a card shark on the side.

Look at all these cards and dice and my goodness knows what.

And I think card games have seen quite a resurgence recently, so this could have quite an appeal at auction.

What isn't particularly appealing, unfortunately, is these rather large shrinkage cracks across here.

In better condition, I think this card table could make between �30 and �50 at auction.

I think this needs a little bit of Kirk TLC.

Now, where is he?

Probably sipping on a cup of tea somewhere.

>> I love a rocking chair.

I wonder if this is for sale.

>> Will, are you there?

>> Never a moment's peace.

Hey.

>> There you are.

Hello.

What do you think?

>> I think that could be water damage.

>> Look, you're absolutely right.

Look.

>> Oh, look at that.

>> Do you think it's Patty and one too many G&T's?

>> Definitely G&T's, probably, yeah.

>> And true enough, it's a piece that Patty and her beloved husband Ray enjoyed for many happy years.

>> Oh, the card table used to come out every weekend in the cottage, and we would play cards until about 2:00 in the morning.

>> That's why it needs TLC, isn't it?

Because it's got a lot of use.

>> Oh, yes.

Yes, absolutely.

I need a Will at it.

>> Well, Patty, your wish is my command.

Oh, I better get to it.

Oh, my knees, Christine, my knees.

>> Oh, careful.

>> I've got it.

>> See you later.

>> So while I get started in our van cum mobile workshop... >> ...I'm continuing the hunt inside.

There are trinkets in every nook and cranny.

And just like the card table, many of them are filled with memories of her life with Ray.

>> Ray, being in the building trade and going everywhere, he loved antique tools.

Every day, it would be something brought in, you know, whether I wanted it or not.

>> After losing Ray, times were tough for Patty.

>> It was extremely difficult.

My life changed enormously, of course, financially and everything else.

I went to an auction and sold it, sold the jewelry.

I just had to.

There was nowhere else I would get money.

He always said that that was for a rainy day.

And, my God, did I need it.

I had a few rainy days.

>> When moving in to her current home, Patty brought with her a lifetime of memories and possessions from 25 years of marriage and family life.

But now she's decided the time is right to finally let go.

>> I would like most of it gone, to be perfectly honest.

It's not gonna finish my life just getting them taken away.

It's going to help my life so's I don't have to worry about them.

You also know your daddy would be in agreement with -- >> Oh, he'd love it.

>> Yes.

>> He would love it.

>> By selling a few things in my house, I will be able to make a few pennies, and I don't have to go and sing at the street corner.

>> [ Laughing ] >> And quite apart from not having to sing for her supper, daughter Trisha hopes any money raised at auction will allow Patty to afford one more trip to see her friends in Menorca, the first time in six years.

>> They've got a beautiful pool.

Mum gets on with the inflatables with a glass of red wine, and she has a ball.

>> I always call it my little bit of heaven.

So I'd like to visit again before I start going up there.

>> [ Laughs ] >> Well, we're going to pull out all the stops to help Patty declutter and make some pennies for that long-awaited trip to Menorca.

>> And I found something that could be just the ticket.

Now, this looks rather lovely.

Look at that.

Might go and find out a little bit more about that from the girls.

Hi, girls.

>> Hello.

>> I've just found this tiny piece of furniture.

>> If I sit down on it, I really need a fireman to pick me up.

[ Both laugh ] >> Where did you get it from, Patty?

>> You know, I can't remember where we got that from.

>> It's from a long time ago.

>> That was another of Raymond's.

But it fitted under the dining-room window.

>> Did you always approve of his purchases or...?

>> Not at all.

>> But this made it into the house.

>> It did because it looked good.

>> It really appeals to me because it's what I would term a piece of arts-and-crafts furniture.

>> Yes.

Absolutely.

>> Sort of turn-of-the-century rejection of mechanization and machine-made furniture.

And this is a handmade piece that was designed to go in, as you say, a little rustic country cottage.

I'm such an old romantic.

I would call it a little love seat, yeah.

But the non-romantics would call it a bench.

[ Laughter ] And the good news is, I think it could make between �60 and �100.

Let's pop it in the auction and hope that somebody else loves it as much as we do.

>> Yeah, so do I.

>> Nice find, Christina.

Outside in my makeshift workshop, I'm about to take a closer look at that well-used but slightly rough around the edges card table.

It's quite a clever design that sort of envelopes open.

So then the surface that you can play on is a lot wider than it is when it's all closed.

Unfortunately, however, there are two nasty cracks in the surface, and they've opened up.

There's also some kind of damage to the varnish from the surface, as well.

The mechanics of this table are nifty, too.

It was designed so it could swivel round to face different players.

But, unfortunately, something's missing.

I'm thinking there'd be a metal plate there.

Unfortunately, I don't have any metal in the van.

However, I do have the lathe so I could turn out of a piece of wood, a sort of new peg that sits on the underside.

But then join that, loosely, to the base of the table.

Let me get the lathe.

>> We all know you love a lathe, Will.

And I love nothing more than finding tucked-away trinkets.

Oh, some ornaments.

And we've got... some powder flasks.

Powder flasks were used to store gunpowder before cartridges became standard.

Soldiers and hunters would load their guns with powder and pellets, ready to take aim.

Early flasks were handmade from a variety of materials, including wood and antlers, with the most intricately decorated generally reserved for sporting shooters.

By the late 19th century, metal flasks were mass-produced for the military.

It's these that are a relatively inexpensive and popular collectible today, and most were made here in England, including Patty's.

Can you explain why your mother has powder flasks in her display cabinet?

>> We are talking about my mother.

>> Yeah, that's true, actually.

Needs no explanation.

It is actually stamped on the top here.

So, G & J.W.

Hawksley -- so George and John William Hawksley -- who were Sheffield manufacturers.

>> Oh.

>> And I think they were going from about 1845.

And they specialized in powder flasks up until the sort of the 1880s.

>> Wow.

>> There's not just one but two, making a nice little powder-flask package for the auction.

And Patty's display cabinet is the gift that keeps on giving.

What's that?

>> A button coverer.

>> So you would've slid the button in there, and you would have given it a good polish.

And obviously, this guard here would have stopped all the polish getting onto your nice, clean white shirt.

I think somebody has tried to use it as a bottle opener or something.

That was probably your mother.

>> Yeah.

[ Laughs ] >> But I think we've got quite a nice little group.

>> Yeah, that's quite a nice set, isn't it?

>> It is.

I mean, I wouldn't go wild.

I'd pay maybe �30 to �50, but it's probably better if they go to a collector's home.

>> I think that's a really good idea.

>> I mean, your mother might end up using that again.

>> Where are we?

Talking about reusing things, I'm ready to get Patty's card table swiveling again.

And waste not, want not, I dug out something that could be just the job.

Right.

This is an old leg from an old chair.

The chair was in a skip.

So like a magpie, I always try to salvage things like that.

I don't actually need all of that leg.

I'm gonna pop this into the lathe.

And then I can start turning it into the right shape I need.

[ Motor whirring ] I've set my calipers to the same width as the hole.

So now it's a case of carefully turning the reclaimed chair leg to size.

Right.

So here is the moment of truth.

I've only got one shot at this because once I've cut this off, you can't really put it back on.

Oh, there we are.

Lovely.

I'm hoping this is gonna fit nice and flush.

There you go.

That is what I call a perfect fit.

>> Good work, Will.

And back inside, I've spotted something rather exciting.

If I'm not mistaken, this little chair has got a bit of a secret going on.

It looks like a chair.

It is a chair.

But let's have a closer look.

If you -- ah, here we go.

If we do this... Look at that!

It's actually a set of library steps.

It's what we call a metamorphic piece of furniture.

So it means it changes from one thing into another, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly, I guess.

Every good home would have had one of these because, of course, every good home would have had a library.

So you would have piled your books high in your library bookcase, and you would have used these to get to your very, very, very top shelf.

But I think Patty's been doing some decorating and there are quite a few paint splashes all over.

So I think it might need a bit of Will Kirk's magic touch.

Metamorphic furniture is very popular.

It's a great space-saving antique for even the smallest of homes.

And I think it could make between �100 and �150 at auction.

And I just hope that Will can see its potential.

Hi.

>> Hello.

Oh, you got me a chair.

>> I bring you great gifts of good joy.

[ Laughs ] It's multifaceted, Will.

It's a little bit like your good self, in that it's a very talented chair.

>> Flattery will get you everywhere, Christina.

Oh!

>> Ta-da!

>> I've seen these before.

>> Oh, very cool!

However, good old Patty couldn't reach the corner of a kitchen.

So she used these, and she got a bit of paint.

Is this a possibility to get this off, or is that too much of a hard job?

[ Both laugh ] >> Leave it with me, and I won't be sitting down on the job.

>> Stairway to Heaven.

[ Both laugh ] Enjoy.

>> See you in a bit.

And the jobs are piling up.

Before I can start on the chair, I need to crack on with the cracked card table.

And wax sticks are great for a simple fracture fix.

Where the scratches aren't very deep, you can almost just rub the stick in, and it will fill it.

But some of these cracks are really deep.

So, I use a lighter to soften the wax.

And as it softens, it starts to drip, almost like a candlestick.

And as you can see, it starts to fill out the area a lot easier.

With the cracks filled, I can smooth off the excess wax with a soft lollipop stick which won't scratch the wood.

It seems, though, that I'm slightly off color.

These wax sticks have got me out of such a bind on many occasions.

I have these in so many different colors.

I'm just going to add a slightly darker wax onto the top now to really blend it in.

>> Whilst Will perfects his pigment, back inside, I've spotted another beauty.

We have got a mid-century table.

Look how simple it is.

It's classic for its time.

I mean, look at these wonderful curves, these arches that you've got going on in here.

It's got big Scandinavian kind of Danish vibes going on.

There are no labels under there, which is really quite frustrating.

But you want to be looking out for Charles Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Wegner, all those kind of really, really big names that command really big bucks at auction.

I'd say �30 to �50.

It's really cool.

>> Well, the lots are building up, with the card table, arts-and-crafts bench, display-cabinet finds, and now this lovely side table.

So is my to-do list.

And while the wax sets on Patty's card table, I'm turning my attention to the metamorphic chair.

I don't think that it's the type of thing that you want to sand back and re-polish completely because you lose so much of that lovely character.

But it does look quite dry and it could definitely do with a light wax and a bath.

I'm going to apply the wax with some very fine steel wool, which will both work the wax into the wood and lift off those paint spots.

Like me, it's quite the multitasker.

You can get waxes with all different types of colors and pigments.

So the wax I'm using now is quite dark, and it's working a real treat to me just with this first really thin coat.

It's really transforming it.

>> I knew you were the man for the job, Will.

And although I'm not one to blow my own trumpet... [ Horn blares unevenly ] ...a coaching horn's another matter.

>> Good grief, Christina.

What will the neighbors say?

>> Well, Will, I might not be a musical maestro, but if Patty's copper collection can make some money at auction, I'm sure it will be music to her ears.

Tell me about your warming pan.

>> This was a car boot, and Ray thought we really should have it.

>> So you would have put your coal or your coals in the fire, yeah.

>> Originally, yes.

>> And then you would have put it in your bed to warm your bed.

Did you use it as a warming pan?

>> No.

>> Oh.

>> Roasting the chestnuts.

Put them on the barbecue.

Wonderful.

>> Well, that is a very 21st-century use for a warming pan.

Now, this looks a much less luxurious tool.

So you used to plunge this into your washing.

>> Yes.

And that's how you used to do the sheets.

>> Yeah, before we had washing machines and things.

So as you've run out of brass, so now, Patty, shall we hand it on to somebody else to do the cleaning?

>> Yes, I think so.

>> Okay.

I'd put an estimate of �20 to �30 on Patty's pieces.

>> Back outside, the wax has dried on Patty's card table.

So now for the moment of truth -- putting it all back together.

Now, because this is such a snug fit, I just need a little bit of glue, and it should be strong enough for many more years to come.

Now that's glued in place, I'm really hoping this is gonna fit.

[ Grunts ] Right.

Here's the big moment.

Beautiful.

I'm chuffed with what I've achieved so far.

The table is structurally sound, but the final step of reupholstering is something I can't do with the equipment I've got in the van.

So I've called in local expert Richard to help.

Just the man I'm looking for.

>> Let's have a look at this fine piece, then.

Okay, so I've got some water damage and some contraction damage here on the edge.

And obviously the bays.

>> The bays has seen better days.

>> It has seen better days.

Now, looking at this, I think it's an ideal candidate to harlequin.

>> Really?

>> Yep, say a dark blue on the center and a duck-egg blue on the outside.

Give it some -- a little bit of modernity.

>> I know you're a man with style, and I expect nothing less.

>> You are too kind, sir.

>> So it's over to Richard.

I can't wait to see the fruits of his labor on auction day.

>> Back inside, Patty and I have settled down for a cuppa and a natter.

You know, Patty, days like today, I do feel very guilty that I'm inside here having a cup of tea with you and Will's in the garage.

>> Yes, I know.

>> And it started raining.

>> He should've been up here with me.

>> [ Laughs ] Christina, I have something.

They're toy cars.

I thought you might like to have a look.

>> Oh, look at that.

Ooh, fantastic.

My goodness.

Where did you find that?

>> Under the stairs.

>> Well, they are Corgi toys.

And Corgi toys started in the 1950s.

They were specialists, really, in diecast collectors vehicles made to a certain scale.

Collectors love it when, A, they've got their original boxes.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Tick.

>> Tick.

>> B, they haven't been played with.

>> Tick.

>> Do you think they'll make any money at the auction?

>> I think they certainly will.

I would be looking at putting them as a group, maybe at �30 to �50.

>> Wow.

>> Something like that.

Every penny counts towards getting you onto a flight.

If we make enough, can I come to you?

>> Oh, I'm sure they would love it.

>> You wouldn't want me there.

You just want Will there.

>> Yes, that's true.

You could bring Will.

>> [ Laughs ] >> The sangrias on me.

>> Now I'll hold you to that.

Now I've trawled the house, it's time for me, too, to brave the great outdoors.

As Patty's previous home was bigger, a lot of the antiques she brought over didn't fit into the maisonette.

So I want to see what spilled out into the garage.

Well, this does look like a bit of a treasure trove, doesn't it?

That's great.

What have we got going on in here?

Well, that, as a first off, is really rather lovely.

Look at all this wonderful stained-glass panels here.

So you've got plain polished glass.

You've also got textured glass going on here, as well.

And these gorgeous kind of jewel-like colors, it's almost like a piece of jewelry in itself, isn't it?

So what is it doing in Patty's garage is what I want to know.

Definitely a lock for the sale.

I'd say this hall lantern could make a neat �40 to �60 at auction.

I wonder what else lurks here.

What have we got?

Boxes here now.

This will be interesting.

Have any of these boxes or newspaper got dates on?

The Sunday Express, December the 11th, 1983.

[ Laughs ] I was 2.

[ Laughs ] Oh, my goodness.

Oh, there's all kinds of ornaments.

See, Will Kirk just gets to sit in his van, whereas I have to do all the climbing.

>> Fortune favors the brave, Christina.

>> Indeed, it does.

I've also netted a vintage tennis racket.

The game we now know as tennis was brought to the masses by Welsh inventor Major Walter Wingfield in 1874.

Early wooden and gut-string rackets had tilted heads.

They're worth keeping an eye out for.

I've sold them at auction for thousands of pounds.

Although this later model isn't likely to make big bucks, I'm thrilled to find it, as tennis runs in my family's blood.

These are my great-grandparents taking a well-earned break from a family match.

>> What are you doing?

What are you doing with that?

>> I just found it.

>> Really?

>> Just need a good serve.

>> Yeah.

>> Get in that good game of tennis -- back and forth, back and forth.

>> Looks like you've got a lot of time on your hands.

>> Hmm.

Bit of a backhand there, Will.

Promise you, I am fulfilling my duties to you.

>> Good.

>> Yeah, my rummaging is -- Well, it's championship rummaging.

>> "Championship."

>> We could do with another item for the auction, so I'm heading back into the house to see if I can up my game.

>> And with the metamorphic chair waxed, I'm on the lookout for another project, so I'm going to have my own gander in the garage.

There's no brandy in there, unfortunately.

What's that?

Oh, that is really sweet.

I think that is a milking stool.

But a three-legged milking stool.

Is there a fourth leg?

Aha!

That looks like a leg to me.

Right.

Well, I got four legs now.

It just needs to be glued in place.

So it's back to the van to see if I can get this milking stool standing on its own four feet.

This is a really clever way of constructing a stool.

When it was originally made, a groove was sawn into each leg before it was placed into a hole on the top of the stool.

Then a wedge of wood was hammered into that groove, meaning the leg expanded to fit the hole like a glove.

Unfortunately, the loose leg has already expanded as much as it can.

But what I can do instead is put wood around the outside to make it fit.

Let's see what I can find in my box of tricks.

In the meantime, I wonder how our championship rummager is getting on.

>> I think I need a torch in here.

>> Blimey, she really is leaving no stone unturned.

And I found a sweet solution for the milking stool.

I've got loads of these lollipop sticks in the van.

I think Christina feels I have a bit of a lollipop addiction.

They're very handy mixing up glue, mixing up paint pigments and everything else, but also packing this empty area there.

Once I've sawn the sticks to a manageable size, I can glue everything together.

I'm gonna leave that now for the glue to set.

And once it has, I can cut off the last bits of wood on the surface and give this a wax.

>> Meanwhile, my persistence has paid off.

Patty, are you there?

>> Well, what have you found in here?

>> What are you doing with a tea service in your bedroom?

>> Now, don't ask naughty questions.

>> [ Laughs ] >> This is made by a firm called Royal Albert.

>> Oh, I know that name.

>> Exactly.

Then Royal Albert was established in the late 19th century in the potteries.

What we know as the potteries.

>> Oh, yes.

>> But one of their most famous ranges was this range, which is called Old Country Roses.

It's one of the most popular tea services that we see in the auction room.

>> It is beautiful, really.

>> It is.

Since 1962, over 100 million pieces of Royal Albert Old Country Roses has been sold.

>> Wow.

>> Although it's not rare, I'm confident that this tea service will earn Patty �50 to �70.

So should we put this in the auction?

>> Oh, yes, please.

That's be lovely if you're sure it's okay.

>> A great find to pull out of the bag on the last leg.

Speaking of which, it's back to the milking stool for me.

The glue has dried, so I've sawn off and sanded down the excess lollipop stick.

And now I'm ready to give the whole thing a wax.

So strong I think I can probably sit on that myself.

Right.

I'm gonna clean off any surface dirt now with some soft steel wool.

This is going to lift off any dirt, and it's also gonna help work this wax into the surface.

Once it's hardened, it'll be a case of wax on, wax off, with a final buff to polish.

And local furniture restorer Richard's also been busy removing the felt, or baize, from Patty's card table.

>> I began work 40 years ago in Milan, in Italy, where I trained, and then I moved to England, to the very workshop we're in today.

There's nothing better than somebody who brings something in and then, a week or two weeks later, you can give it back to them in a much better state.

It's a highly rewarding job.

>> I couldn't agree more.

Now he's removed the old baize, Richard sprays adhesive on before carefully cutting the new felt and smoothing it onto the surface.

>> The folding card table's an interesting piece of furniture, which leaves us with quite a big opportunity to do something different and really give it a lift.

>> I can't wait to see the final result.

Now, back at the van, I've buffed the milking stool.

So that will also be coming to auction along with the metamorphic chair.

>> And I've dug out a smorgasbord of pieces today, including the arts-and-crafts bench, a Royal Albert tea service, a collection of copper, a hall lantern, side table, and powder flask package.

Let's hope we've done enough to get Patty on that plane to Menorca.

>> Speaking of whom, it's time to say ta-ra for now.

>> We have had a most gorgeous day in your company.

>> Oh, that's lovely.

>> Absolutely brilliant.

Thank you so much.

>> I'm so surprised, you know, all the rustling about.

[ Laughter ] I hope it's been worth it.

>> It certainly has.

And we really, really look forward to seeing you at the auction.

>> Oh, I'm looking forward to that, yes, yes.

>> And with that, it's time for us to hit the road and hit the hay.

>> Nearly a month later, auction day has finally arrived.

>> We are in Redditch.

>> I know that a very famous celebrity was born in Redditch.

>> Oh, the only famous celebrity I know in Worcestershire is Philip Serrell.

>> Okay, think musician.

Lots of hair.

Has got really nice hair.

>> Lots of hair.

Meat Loaf!

Not Meat Loaf.

Harry Styles, Christina.

>> Oh, okay.

And today we hope Patty's headed in just one direction -- to Menorca.

>> We are not necessarily looking for thousands.

Even in the hundreds.

Just something to get her abroad will be fantastic.

>> Yeah.

I just want to get her out there to see her friends.

>> I think Patty's my fave ever.

>> And I think I'd have to agree.

We're pulling up at the picturesque Forge Mill Needle Museum.

Incredibly, Redditch once produced 90% of the world's needles.

And it's here that we're going to get Patty's auction sewn up.

>> Christina, it feels like I'm stepping back in time.

>> Yeah.

Wow.

Ooh!

>> Here we are.

And while we set up shop, look who else has rocked up.

>> Isn't it lovely?

This is absolutely beautiful.

A beautiful place.

>> For the auction, it's lovely.

>> I don't think I've ever felt under quite so much pressure, because there is nobody that I love more than Patty.

She is just such a joy.

And I just so desperately want her to raise enough money to get away and go and see her friends.

>> Now, remember Patty's tatty old card table?

I'm excited for the big reveal.

>> Oh!

Hello!

Oh!

You have done a wonderful job.

It's beautiful.

>> But also, on the inside, the inside... >> Let's see.

>> You can see what our lovely furniture restorer friend has done.

>> Oh!

>> Oh, my goodness!

I love the two colors.

>> It's really nice, isn't it?

>> Yeah.

>> No, it really is beautiful, Will, thank you.

>> That's a big thumbs-up for restorer Richard.

Let's hope the bidders agree.

How would you feel seeing going at auction today?

>> Well, a bit of sad, but knowing that I'm not going to be using it, I would like it to go to somebody that is going to enjoy it as much as we did.

I really can't tell you just how much this means to me.

>> Absolute pleasure.

>> And the card table's not the only trick up our sleeves.

We've trawled Patty's house from top to bottom for treasures that we hope will bag her a ticket to Menorca.

>> I've looked up flights, haven't I, for you?

>> You have, indeed.

>> We got fingers crossed.

>> Oh, finger -- Everything's crossed.

>> That we make enough.

>> Yes.

And I just can't wait to meet my friends again.

>> Trisha's research suggests that �180 will be enough to get Patty on that plane.

>> The saleroom's already buzzing with potential bidders, and we've got local saleroom JS Fine Art Auctioneers taking care of our online bids.

>> Christina, it's time to work your magic.

>> Good to go.

First up, that sleek Scandinavian-style side table.

Anyway, at �20.

Any interest at �20?

And �20 I have.

Thank you, madam.

We're there at �20.

Where's 5?

It's with you at the moment, madam, at �20, and I'm selling.

We're all settled at �20.

[ Gavel bangs ] >> It's a slow start, but we're up and running.

Are you both really excited?

>> So excited.

>> Everything must go today.

Everything must go.

>> Now for the Royal Albert tea service that Patty had buried under her bed.

�20, �20.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

30 is bid.

�30 on my left.

35 now online.

35 is bid.

40, sir?

One more, sir.

40 I have, thank you.

At �40, the bidding is on my left.

It's in the room, in the cloisters, at �40.

[ Gavel bangs ] >> I'll drink to that.

Gonna get you to Menorca.

I promise.

Now, who will play their hand on Patty's restored card table?

>> I have a modest starting bid here of �25.

And 30, and 5, and 40, and 5.

It's going at �45 is bid.

50 I have.

Thank you.

Online at �50.

Where it's 5.

Come back to make 55.

55, it's climbing.

At �55.

Just in time at 55.

>> Come on, a little bit more.

>> �55.

Selling then at �55.

[ Gavel bangs ] That was just above my estimate.

Good job, Will and Richard.

>> It's even more money to go into that pot at the end.

>> It's amazing.

>> Really, it is.

>> Now for Patty's powder flasks and button cover.

I have a bid already here of �15.

And 20 is bid.

My commission bid is at �20.

Where's 5?

25 is bid.

Looking for 30, but selling it.

We're all settled at �25.

[ Gavel bangs ] >> We're on a roll.

Sold.

You don't have to polish anything ever again.

>> Never again.

>> Never again.

We're still just shy of the cost of Patty's plane ticket.

Let's see if that metamorphic chair can step it up a notch.

>> I'd like to see a bid of �100 somewhere.

At 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, �160 I have online.

170 with you, sir.

Thank you, in the room at 170.

Fair warning at �170.

>> Yay!

We made it!

>> You made it, yes!

>> And just like that, the metamorphic chair's a stairway to Patty's little bit of heaven.

You're going on your holiday!

Yay!

>> Great stuff.

Now, let's pocket Patty some spending money.

Perhaps the hall lantern will light up the room.

I've got a starting bid here of �35.

Where's 40?

>> Wow.

>> At �35, I have.

>> 35 to start.

>> I'm 50.

I'm out.

At �50.

And 55, and 60 is bid.

At �60 I have.

70 is bid.

And 5, and 80.

>> Oh, we got two bidders in the room.

>> And 90, and 5.

>> Oh.

>> Go on, one more.

100.

And 10.

Thank you anyway.

At �110.

If it is at �110, it's against you online, it's against you in the room, it's with you, sir, at �110.

[ Gavel bangs ] I'm thrilled!

That's over double my estimate.

Over to you, Will, for the milking stool.

>> Lovely stool here.

It was missing a leg, but I found the leg, which was very handy.

I think it's quite charming, isn't it?

>> It's wonderful.

It's naive.

It's a little bit of -- It's just gorgeous.

>> And functional.

And there we are.

And I'm milking a cow.

Look at that.

[ Laughter and applause ] >> Who could resist that "udderly" charming demonstration?

I have a good starting back here of �10 with me.

>> There we are.

>> I've got �15 straightaway online.

Very keen bidding here.

15, and �20 is bid.

�25 is bid.

30 is being bid.

Thank you very much.

At �30, I have.

Looking for 35, but selling it.

We're all settled at �30.

>> Yay!

>> Thank you.

>> I reckon we milked it.

And the lots just keep on flowing... >> Selling to my room bidder at �20.

[ Gavel bangs ] >> ...as we find new homes for items that were cluttering up Patty's... >> How about those for �20?

>> If I was allowed to bid, I'd get these myself.

>> Oh.

[ Laughs ] >> ...to help her pocket some pennies for that flight to Menorca.

>> Selling to my online bidder.

Selling it.

We're all settled at �25.

[ Gavel banging ] >> So you can already feel the rays of the sun on you, even though it's raining now.

[ Laughter ] >> At this rate, we'll all be heading on holiday.

It's down to the final lot -- the arts-and-crafts bench.

At 80, and 5, and 90, and 5.

100.

And �110, I have.

At �110 is big.

120 with you, sir.

Thank you.

130 it is to you.

140, I have.

150, 160, 170, 180.

At the back, 190.

200, 220.

Go on, sir, one more.

It's worth it.

230 is bid.

Thank you.

At �230, I have.

At the back at 230.

240, they're back.

Patty, we're gonna get you to Barbados at this rate, won't we?

Fair warning and selling at �240.

[ Gavel bangs, applause ] That's three times my estimate.

We couldn't have hoped for a better ending to today's auction.

>> Let's find out what the ladies made of it.

>> Did you enjoy the auction?

>> Oh, loved it.

>> Good.

>> Really was.

It's great fun.

>> All I kept seeing was just, like, looking over at you guys, just seeing these big grins on your face.

>> And I'm hoping we're about to make those smiles even wider.

Right.

Let's talk business.

So, today, after fees, we have made... �836.88.

>> What?!

No, no, no, sorry.

How much?

>> You're joking.

>> �836.88.

>> That's nearly five times what Patty had hoped to raise for her flight to Menorca.

>> I could go back and forth every month.

[ Laughter ] Oh, thank you very much!

Oh, it's -- >> Never even thought anything like that.

>> Look at her face.

Says it all, doesn't it?

It's amazing.

>> Thank you so much.

>> Oh, thank you.

>> Absolute pleasure.

>> It has been a pleasure.

>> Take care, guys.

Bye!

>> Thank you.

Bye-bye!

>> Send us a postcard.

>> Oh, I've loved every minute of today.

>> I couldn't believe some of the lots.

>> Can they come back again?

[ Both laugh ] >> She's an octogenarian, for goodness sakes.

Her age isn't gonna hold her back.

She is off to Menorca.

She's going to see her friends.

And nothing -- nothing -- is gonna stop her.

>> I could feel myself, I was actually going to Menorca again.

I didn't think I'd ever make it again, to be perfectly honest.

>> While Patty might be hitting the skies, we're hitting the road.

Oh, Spain.

>> Oh, Patty.

>> To be in Spain on this rainy day, Christina.

>> Yeah.

The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plains