Flog It! host Paul Martin sees rare 1960s collage make ‘big money' profit
FLOG IT host Paul Martin witnessed an exciting auction in a previous episode of the BBC antique show, when a rare 1960s collage sold for well over its estimated price.
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Paul Martin took a trip to Layer Marney Tower in rural Essex for a previous episode of BBC’s Flog It! The antique expert was amazed when guest Iris brought a 1960s painting in to be sold. He soon realised the artwork was a rare collage by Kenneth Halliwell and predicted it would sell for a high price at auction. He was proved correct when the painting sold for well over its estimated price.
Paul began: “Well it’s been a long wait but it is my turn to be the expert. Yes, we are talking about the Halliwell collage.
“Iris has just joined me in this packed saleroom and I tell you what, it’s getting hotter by the minute isn’t it?” Paul remarked, with Iris agreeing: “It is.”
“What’s going through your mind right now,” the antique expert asked.
“Are you? I’m nervous for you as well,” Paul said. “Look I know it’s going to sell."
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The Halliwell painting was estimated to go for £800 to £12,000, but Paul made it clear he thought it could reach a much higher value.
“I had a chat with the auctioneer on the preview day, he was very excited about it," Paul said.
“He’s had lots and lots of interest. So, Iris, I think you could be doing a little dance saying you’re in the money. Well, are you ready for this Iris?”
“I certainly am,” she replied, with Paul adding: “So am I!”
“Let’s get some big money, here we go,” Paul said, before ushering over to the auctioneer.
The sale began with the auctioneer: "We have the rare framed 1960s original collage by Kenneth Halliwell.
“Shall we say about £500 to start?”
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As the bidding on the painting began, offers quickly rose and shot past the reserve price of £800.
A speechless Iris watched on in amazement as the bids continued higher and higher.
When the bids reached £1,100 Paul said to Iris: “It could be going in the room. It could be going in the room for £1,100.”
“We’ve got a phone line now,” he exclaimed, as the bids reached £1,400.
“We’ve got a phone line coming in. This is getting exciting,” Paul added.
After a tense bidding war between a buyer in the room and one on the phone, the collage eventually sold for a total of £2,800.
Paul congratulated Iris on the sale, saying: “£2,800 for Iris! What’s going through your mind?”
“Brilliant. Yeah brilliant,” Iris concluded.