Latest news with #CarolineHawley
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Bargain Hunt viewers rage 'this show needs a total shake-up' as they brand BBC series 'utter drivel' and call for host to be axed
Bargain Hunt viewers raged 'this show needs a total shake-up' as they branded the BBC series 'utter drivel' and called for the host to be axed. Monday's instalment of the daytime BBC show saw two teams try their best to find hidden treasures at an antiques centre in King's Lynn. Experts David Fergus and Caroline Hawley featured on the programme, alongside auctioneer Charlie Ross. However, as the show went on to reveal how the red and blue teams were doing, some viewers began to feel frustrated. Many took to social media and complained about how they felt Bargain Hunt had become 'predictable'. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. One posted on X: 'Just sat down at home to have some lunch with the wife before moving on to my next job and she's watching Bargain Hunt on @BBC - I cannot believe that utter drivel is still going and it's not changed since it first started!'; 'The epitome of boredom is a wet bank holiday Monday watching Bargain Hunt.'; '@BBCBargainHunt love this programme but editing a bit off today. Colin Young the auctioneer in nice blue suit but when the hammer goes down the auctioneer is in shirt sleeves.'; 'Bargain Hunt is so predictable. Needs a total shake up. Get rid of Charlie Ross would be first #bargainhunt.' During the instalment, both teams ended up making losses. The Red Team purchased a typewriter, dinner-service china and a brooch from Norway. While the Blue Team bought a vase, a vintage football game and silverware. The Reds won with a loss of £40, beating the Blues £58 loss. It comes after a shake-up announcement was made last month and revealed the show would be getting two new experts - David Fergus and Serhat Ahmet. Ceramics expert Serhat has over 30 years of antiquing experience and sources trades in 18th, 19th and 20th century porcelain - making him the perfect addition to the programme. During the instalment, both teams ended up making losses. The Red Team purchased a typewriter, dinner-service china and a brooch from Norway. While the Blue Team bought a vase, a vintage football game and silverware. The announcement read: 'It's a massive welcome [to] one of our new brilliant experts - it's @SerhatAntiques! Welcome to the #BBCBargainHunt team, Serhat. 'Catch Serhat's first episode on Monday 14th April, when he's shopping with his blue team in #Exeter.' The other newbie Dave isn't a stranger to the television world as he previously hosted Cash In The Attic with Jules Hudson. He's classified as an auctioneer and studio glass valuer. In a second post they marked Dave's exciting news with the caption: 'Please give a huge welcome to our other new expert on #BBCBargainHunt. 'It's @1davefergus! You can watch David's first programme on #BankHoliday Monday 21st April when he guides his blue team in King's Lynn.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The forgotten items in your home that could be worth a small fortune
Unearthing hidden treasures amongst family heirlooms can be a daunting yet rewarding task. Whether clearing out the attic or handling a loved one's belongings, discovering the value of seemingly ordinary objects can be key to preserving family history. To help navigate this process, antiques expert Caroline Hawley, of Hawleys Auctioneers and Bargain Hunt fame, offers her expertise on evaluating family heirlooms. Many begin this journey with questions. How do you determine the true worth of an item? What steps should be taken to ensure a fair valuation? Hawley, drawing on her extensive experience in the antiques world, addresses these common queries, providing valuable insights for those looking to understand the potential significance of their inherited possessions. From identifying key characteristics to navigating the appraisal process, here's your practical guide to uncovering the hidden stories and potential value within family treasures: Don't dismiss any old toys that are in mint condition. 'When you are clearing out the back of the cupboard, things like old toys, games, Barbies (especially with the Barbie resurgence following the release of the movie) and Matchbox toys are all really popular,' says Hawley. 'If they're boxed and in good condition or mint condition, that's always a great thing. It makes them much more valuable if they haven't been played with. There is also a lot of interest in Pokemon cards right now.' Plus, designer watches are always a hit. 'Watches are very, very popular at the moment,' says Hawley, 'Brands like Rolex and Breitling in particular and any of the old Omega watches, especially in gold with diamond-set vessels, can be worth phenomenal amounts of money.' Furniture from the mid-20th century is also highly sought after. 'A lot of people don't think about selling this type of furniture because it's not strictly an antique,' says Hawley. 'It might be that your parents bought it in the 1970s, but this type of furniture is really making a comeback.' Fashion is another area that many people tend to overlook when going through family heirlooms, she adds. 'When someone has passed away, people tend to just bundle up the clothes, but I would advise them to have a jolly good look, because certain items of vintage clothing are very hot at the moment,' recommends Hawley. 'We've sold a lot of Mary Quant recently, and it's getting phenomenal money because people want something that's sustainable, but a bit different.' As expected, condition is paramount. 'With fashion, look very carefully at the condition in case things have been altered,' advises Hawley. 'Look for where you would expect obvious signs of wear, like under the arms where there could be deodorant staining, and also look out for things like moth damage. 'Some dresses from the 1920s are absolutely phenomenally beautiful, but they're no good if the condition is poor. So condition is a key thing to look for.' Furthermore, evidence of provenance (the place of origin or earliest known history of something) can also significantly increase the value of a family heirloom. 'We recently sold a good Rolex just short of £30,000, and the person that bought it was really pleased because of all the provenance came with it, including a picture of the original owner wearing it in the 1970s,' says Hawley. 'Also, all the service history and the original box add value, as people like to know the story of an item from its original purchase. That provenance of its journey through life into the new owner's hand makes a massive difference.' The antiques expert added that provenance is particularly important for medals. 'Any story that you have with medals like photographs, a uniform, diaries etc helps build a picture of the recipients of the medal and that adds to the value,' says Hawley. And lastly, some brands and designers consistently perform exceptionally well. 'Certain designers, Dior is an obvious one, are more valuable, but there are also some really cool designers from the Sixties and Seventies to look out for,' says Hawley. 'Some of the early Vivienne Westwood pieces can get an awful lot of money too.' 'Just about anything that is worth money, people are prepared to fake,' acknowledges Hawley. 'Especially with watches and handbags, there are so many fakes. 'If you do think there's something not quite right, look at the detail because sometimes that's what's lacking on a copy or a fake. Original Hermès scarves, for example, have hand-rolled edges and on a lot of the fakes they're not hand-rolled and stitched, and the measurements are just slightly off.' To be sure, Hawley suggests having anything you're uncertain about authenticated by a reputable auction house or a long-standing antiques dealer. 'Don't be afraid to go with anything at all,' says Hawley. 'Quite often, the thing that they think is the least valuable turns out to be the most valuable. 'People come to me every day with things that are on their way to the tip because they think they're worth nothing, and then are thrilled to find out they're worth an awful lot of money.' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
The forgotten items in your home that could be worth a small fortune
Unearthing hidden treasures amongst family heirlooms can be a daunting yet rewarding task. Whether clearing out the attic or handling a loved one's belongings, discovering the value of seemingly ordinary objects can be key to preserving family history. To help navigate this process, antiques expert Caroline Hawley, of Hawleys Auctioneers and Bargain Hunt fame, offers her expertise on evaluating family heirlooms. Many begin this journey with questions. How do you determine the true worth of an item? What steps should be taken to ensure a fair valuation? Hawley, drawing on her extensive experience in the antiques world, addresses these common queries, providing valuable insights for those looking to understand the potential significance of their inherited possessions. From identifying key characteristics to navigating the appraisal process, here's your practical guide to uncovering the hidden stories and potential value within family treasures: Don't dismiss any old toys that are in mint condition. 'When you are clearing out the back of the cupboard, things like old toys, games, Barbies (especially with the Barbie resurgence following the release of the movie) and Matchbox toys are all really popular,' says Hawley. 'If they're boxed and in good condition or mint condition, that's always a great thing. It makes them much more valuable if they haven't been played with. There is also a lot of interest in Pokemon cards right now.' Plus, designer watches are always a hit. 'Watches are very, very popular at the moment,' says Hawley, 'Brands like Rolex and Breitling in particular and any of the old Omega watches, especially in gold with diamond-set vessels, can be worth phenomenal amounts of money.' Furniture from the mid-20th century is also highly sought after. 'A lot of people don't think about selling this type of furniture because it's not strictly an antique,' says Hawley. 'It might be that your parents bought it in the 1970s, but this type of furniture is really making a comeback.' Fashion is another area that many people tend to overlook when going through family heirlooms, she adds. 'When someone has passed away, people tend to just bundle up the clothes, but I would advise them to have a jolly good look, because certain items of vintage clothing are very hot at the moment,' recommends Hawley. 'We've sold a lot of Mary Quant recently, and it's getting phenomenal money because people want something that's sustainable, but a bit different.' What are some key factors that determine an item's value? As expected, condition is paramount. 'With fashion, look very carefully at the condition in case things have been altered,' advises Hawley. 'Look for where you would expect obvious signs of wear, like under the arms where there could be deodorant staining, and also look out for things like moth damage. 'Some dresses from the 1920s are absolutely phenomenally beautiful, but they're no good if the condition is poor. So condition is a key thing to look for.' Furthermore, evidence of provenance (the place of origin or earliest known history of something) can also significantly increase the value of a family heirloom. 'We recently sold a good Rolex just short of £30,000, and the person that bought it was really pleased because of all the provenance came with it, including a picture of the original owner wearing it in the 1970s,' says Hawley. 'Also, all the service history and the original box add value, as people like to know the story of an item from its original purchase. That provenance of its journey through life into the new owner's hand makes a massive difference.' The antiques expert added that provenance is particularly important for medals. 'Any story that you have with medals like photographs, a uniform, diaries etc helps build a picture of the recipients of the medal and that adds to the value,' says Hawley. And lastly, some brands and designers consistently perform exceptionally well. 'Certain designers, Dior is an obvious one, are more valuable, but there are also some really cool designers from the Sixties and Seventies to look out for,' says Hawley. 'Some of the early Vivienne Westwood pieces can get an awful lot of money too.' How do you know if an item is a fake or a copy? 'Just about anything that is worth money, people are prepared to fake,' acknowledges Hawley. 'Especially with watches and handbags, there are so many fakes. 'If you do think there's something not quite right, look at the detail because sometimes that's what's lacking on a copy or a fake. Original Hermès scarves, for example, have hand-rolled edges and on a lot of the fakes they're not hand-rolled and stitched, and the measurements are just slightly off.' To be sure, Hawley suggests having anything you're uncertain about authenticated by a reputable auction house or a long-standing antiques dealer. When is it worth getting a professional appraisal? 'Don't be afraid to go with anything at all,' says Hawley. 'Quite often, the thing that they think is the least valuable turns out to be the most valuable. 'People come to me every day with things that are on their way to the tip because they think they're worth nothing, and then are thrilled to find out they're worth an awful lot of money.'
The Independent
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Could you be sitting on a fortune? A Bargain Hunt experts shares her tips
Unearthing hidden treasures amongst family heirlooms can be a daunting yet rewarding task. Whether clearing out the attic or handling a loved one's belongings, discovering the value of seemingly ordinary objects can be key to preserving family history. To help navigate this process, antiques expert Caroline Hawley, of Hawleys Auctioneers and Bargain Hunt fame, offers her expertise on evaluating family heirlooms. Many begin this journey with questions. How do you determine the true worth of an item? What steps should be taken to ensure a fair valuation? Hawley, drawing on her extensive experience in the antiques world, addresses these common queries, providing valuable insights for those looking to understand the potential significance of their inherited possessions. From identifying key characteristics to navigating the appraisal process, here's your practical guide to uncovering the hidden stories and potential value within family treasures: Don't dismiss any old toys that are in mint condition. 'When you are clearing out the back of the cupboard, things like old toys, games, Barbies (especially with the Barbie resurgence following the release of the movie) and Matchbox toys are all really popular,' says Hawley. 'If they're boxed and in good condition or mint condition, that's always a great thing. It makes them much more valuable if they haven't been played with. There is also a lot of interest in Pokemon cards right now.' Plus, designer watches are always a hit. 'Watches are very, very popular at the moment,' says Hawley, 'Brands like Rolex and Breitling in particular and any of the old Omega watches, especially in gold with diamond-set vessels, can be worth phenomenal amounts of money.' Furniture from the mid-20th century is also highly sought after. 'A lot of people don't think about selling this type of furniture because it's not strictly an antique,' says Hawley. 'It might be that your parents bought it in the 1970s, but this type of furniture is really making a comeback.' Fashion is another area that many people tend to overlook when going through family heirlooms, she adds. 'When someone has passed away, people tend to just bundle up the clothes, but I would advise them to have a jolly good look, because certain items of vintage clothing are very hot at the moment,' recommends Hawley. 'We've sold a lot of Mary Quant recently, and it's getting phenomenal money because people want something that's sustainable, but a bit different.' What are some key factors that determine an item's value? As expected, condition is paramount. 'With fashion, look very carefully at the condition in case things have been altered,' advises Hawley. 'Look for where you would expect obvious signs of wear, like under the arms where there could be deodorant staining, and also look out for things like moth damage. 'Some dresses from the 1920s are absolutely phenomenally beautiful, but they're no good if the condition is poor. So condition is a key thing to look for.' Furthermore, evidence of provenance (the place of origin or earliest known history of something) can also significantly increase the value of a family heirloom. 'We recently sold a good Rolex just short of £30,000, and the person that bought it was really pleased because of all the provenance came with it, including a picture of the original owner wearing it in the 1970s,' says Hawley. 'Also, all the service history and the original box add value, as people like to know the story of an item from its original purchase. That provenance of its journey through life into the new owner's hand makes a massive difference.' The antiques expert added that provenance is particularly important for medals. 'Any story that you have with medals like photographs, a uniform, diaries etc helps build a picture of the recipients of the medal and that adds to the value,' says Hawley. And lastly, some brands and designers consistently perform exceptionally well. 'Certain designers, Dior is an obvious one, are more valuable, but there are also some really cool designers from the Sixties and Seventies to look out for,' says Hawley. 'Some of the early Vivienne Westwood pieces can get an awful lot of money too.' How do you know if an item is a fake or a copy? 'Just about anything that is worth money, people are prepared to fake,' acknowledges Hawley. 'Especially with watches and handbags, there are so many fakes. 'If you do think there's something not quite right, look at the detail because sometimes that's what's lacking on a copy or a fake. Original Hermès scarves, for example, have hand-rolled edges and on a lot of the fakes they're not hand-rolled and stitched, and the measurements are just slightly off.' To be sure, Hawley suggests having anything you're uncertain about authenticated by a reputable auction house or a long-standing antiques dealer. When is it worth getting a professional appraisal? 'Don't be afraid to go with anything at all,' says Hawley. 'Quite often, the thing that they think is the least valuable turns out to be the most valuable. 'People come to me every day with things that are on their way to the tip because they think they're worth nothing, and then are thrilled to find out they're worth an awful lot of money.'
The Independent
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
How to value your family heirlooms
Sorting through clutter in the attic or sifting through belongings after a loved one passes away can feel overwhelming – but hidden among the ordinary may be objects of real value and historical interest. Whether you're driven by curiosity, considering insurance or a potential sale, or simply hoping to honour the memory attached to a cherished item, understanding its true worth is an essential part of preserving your family's legacy. To help navigate this process, we've turned to antiques expert Caroline Hawley. A familiar face on the Bargain Hunt presenting team, Hawley also owns and runs Hawleys Auctioneers in North Cave and Beverley, East Yorkshire, alongside her husband John. In our conversation, she answered some of the most frequently asked questions about how to evaluate the true worth of family heirlooms. What types of items might be particularly valuable? Don't dismiss any old toys that are in mint condition. 'When you are clearing out the back of the cupboard, things like old toys, games, Barbies (especially with the Barbie resurgence following the release of the movie) and Matchbox toys are all really popular,' says Hawley. 'If they're boxed and in good condition or mint condition, that's always a great thing. It makes them much more valuable if they haven't been played with. There is also a lot of interest in Pokemon cards right now.' Plus, designer watches are always a hit. 'Watches are very, very popular at the moment,' says Hawley, 'Brands like Rolex and Breitling in particular and any of the old Omega watches, especially in gold with diamond-set vessels, can be worth phenomenal amounts of money.' Furniture from the mid-20th century is also highly sought after. 'A lot of people don't think about selling this type of furniture because it's not strictly an antique,' says Hawley. 'It might be that your parents bought it in the 1970s, but this type of furniture is really making a comeback.' Fashion is another area that many people tend to overlook when going through family heirlooms, she adds. 'When someone has passed away, people tend to just bundle up the clothes, but I would advise them to have a jolly good look, because certain items of vintage clothing are very hot at the moment,' recommends Hawley. 'We've sold a lot of Mary Quant recently, and it's getting phenomenal money because people want something that's sustainable, but a bit different.' What are some key factors that determine an item's value? As expected, condition is paramount. 'With fashion, look very carefully at the condition in case things have been altered,' advises Hawley. 'Look for where you would expect obvious signs of wear, like under the arms where there could be deodorant staining, and also look out for things like moth damage. 'Some dresses from the 1920s are absolutely phenomenally beautiful, but they're no good if the condition is poor. So condition is a key thing to look for.' Furthermore, evidence of provenance (the place of origin or earliest known history of something) can also significantly increase the value of a family heirloom. 'We recently sold a good Rolex just short of £30,000, and the person that bought it was really pleased because of all the provenance came with it, including a picture of the original owner wearing it in the 1970s,' says Hawley. 'Also, all the service history and the original box add value, as people like to know the story of an item from its original purchase. That provenance of its journey through life into the new owner's hand makes a massive difference.' The antiques expert added that provenance is particularly important for medals. 'Any story that you have with medals like photographs, a uniform, diaries etc helps build a picture of the recipients of the medal and that adds to the value,' says Hawley. And lastly, some brands and designers consistently perform exceptionally well. 'Certain designers, Dior is an obvious one, are more valuable, but there are also some really cool designers from the Sixties and Seventies to look out for,' says Hawley. 'Some of the early Vivienne Westwood pieces can get an awful lot of money too.' How do you know if an item is a fake or a copy? 'Just about anything that is worth money, people are prepared to fake,' acknowledges Hawley. 'Especially with watches and handbags, there are so many fakes. 'If you do think there's something not quite right, look at the detail because sometimes that's what's lacking on a copy or a fake. Original Hermès scarves, for example, have hand-rolled edges and on a lot of the fakes they're not hand-rolled and stitched, and the measurements are just slightly off.' To be sure, Hawley suggests having anything you're uncertain about authenticated by a reputable auction house or a long-standing antiques dealer. When is it worth getting a professional appraisal? 'Don't be afraid to go with anything at all,' says Hawley. 'Quite often, the thing that they think is the least valuable turns out to be the most valuable. ' People come to me every day with things that are on their way to the tip because they think they're worth nothing, and then are thrilled to find out they're worth an awful lot of money.'
