Dickinson's Real Deal

In Edgbaston, a Ruskin vase is being auctioned, attracting the interest of local dealers. Simon Schneider, Ian Towning and David Hakeney are all bidding, hoping to profit from the treasures that residents have brought in from the neighbourhood in recent years.

The series titled Edgbaston is presented as a programme episode, focusing on a slice of life in the Birmingham suburb. It follows the everyday happenings that turn ordinary objects into points of interest, offering viewers a clear glimpse into local commerce and the occasional high‑stakes transaction that can arise from community contributions. In this particular episode a Ruskin‑style vase is placed on the block for sale. The auction becomes the centrepiece of the story, drawing attention from those keen to acquire the piece, and sets the tone for the ensuing competition among the dealers. As the gavel falls, the narrative centres on the competitive bidding that surrounds this singular artefact. The bidding war features three seasoned dealers – Simon Schneider, Ian Towning and David Hakeney. Each of them is portrayed as eager to turn a profit, positioning themselves to secure the vase. Their rivalry is evident as they each assess the vase's value and potential resale. Their presence underscores the commercial drive that often accompanies such auctions, highlighting the interplay between expertise and opportunity. Meanwhile, the vase itself arrives thanks to local residents who have contributed their finds to the market. Their role provides the backdrop for the dealers’ manoeuvres, illustrating how community‑sourced treasures can spark lucrative pursuits. The narrative wraps up with the final result of the auction, showing the impact on both the dealers and the locals who supplied the treasure.