The Bidding Room

The dealers are intrigued by a collection that includes 1940s costume drawings, an Edwardian safe, a cluster of unusual figurines and a very old Corpus Christi, each item offering a distinct glimpse into different historical periods and artistic styles for study.

The programme follows a group of dealers as they become fascinated by a rather eclectic assortment of objects. It’s set up as a straightforward look at what catches the eye of those who make a living buying and selling antiques, with the focus squarely on the items themselves rather than on any surrounding drama. In this episode the dealers’ attention is drawn to four distinct pieces. First, there’s a series of costume drawings dating back to the 1940s, each sketch offering a glimpse of period fashion. Alongside those is an Edwardian‑era safe, its design hinting at the craftsmanship of the early twentieth century. The third item is a cluster of figurines that stand out for their unusual character, and the final piece is a very old Corpus Christi, whose age immediately marks it as noteworthy. The 1940s costume drawings provide a visual record of wartime attire, and the dealers discuss the style and technique evident in the sketches. The Edwardian safe, with its period‑specific construction, invites speculation about its original use and the security measures of its time. The odd collection of figurines, while not described in detail, is highlighted for its atypical appearance, prompting the dealers to consider its provenance. Lastly, the ancient Corpus Christi is presented as a particularly aged artifact, underscoring the breadth of history covered in the show.