DISS AUCTION ROOMS GAZETTE MID SUMMER 2015 ISSUE 46
The Collections Sale worth looking into Page 2
New features in this issue
Rural Pages 3&6 Commercial Pages 4-5 Residential Lettings Page 11 Property Auctions Page 12
The Collections Sale Saturday 5 September, 2015
It is hard to know who exactly invented the microscope. The principal of refracted light and how it could be used for magnification was documented as early as Roman times but these rudimentary devices in no way resembled what we term a microscope. With many independent developments around the world, the technology was principally being harnessed for making things far away seem nearer. The academics of the day were still trying to come to terms with other conundrums and the micro sized world
was yet to be considered.
objects as small as one wavelength of light.
The instrument that we know and recognise from our school laboratory days started to take shape around 1590. At this time the idea of putting different lenses in a tube and controlling the distance between them was being explored, and as such a compound microscope was born. These early models were limited by the quality of the lenses and with ever better machining techniques the science essentialy went from providing 6 x magnifications to enabling vision of
On Saturday 5 September, 10am, we bring a significant collection of microscopes to our saleroom. Composed mainly of European and American instruments from the late 19th & early 20th C they formed a lifetime’s chosen passion for one collector. Not likely to be returning to a laboratory, we are hopefully we can find buyers motivated with the same passion as our vendor. Even if you are slightly curious it is certainly worth a look.
On view: Thursday 3 September 2-8pm Friday 4 September 10-6pm and sale day from 8.30am. Contact: Edward Taxil-Webber
Keeping on top of our Social life In addition to reading about TWGaze in this Gazette, many of you are already following us via our twitter accounts or perhaps have liked our facebook page. We are continually trying to make more information available via these social platforms and Ann-Marie Thomas & James Bassam are currently exploring pinterest.They have already got a couple of pinboards up so why not send us a pin? James Bassam is also running a new modern design dedicated twitter account @twgaze20thcmod, and other specialist accounts will be coming online in the not too distant future.
Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS); 2015-2020 The CSS application window opened on 1 July and, with over a month of the application window already passed, there is still some hesitation from landowners on whether to apply for an agreement. With £85m set aside to support CSS agreements in 2016, applicants must have submitted their applications by September 30 to be considered for a new agreement with a 1 January 2016 start date. The new CSS is an integrated scheme which looks to combine all previous Environmental Stewardship, Woodland, Water and Capital Grant schemes.
The Scheme will have three main elements: •Higher tier (similar to the current HLS Scheme) •Mid tier (will replace ELS) •Stand alone Capital Grants worth up to £5,000 per holding (replaces part of Catchment Sensitive Farming programme) With the aim to be competitive, not all applicants are guaranteed to be offered an agreement, meaning time and effort on preparing an application could be abortive.Applications will be individually scored and funding only awarded to those who emphasise their applications on local priorities set out by Natural England. An additional uplift in score will be given to agreements looking to integrate the wild pollinator and farm wildlife package into their agreement. The upshot is that there will certainly be winners and losers when it comes to who gets a share of the total £900m funding on offer. Controversially, it looks likely that the 70% of farmland currently in an agrienvironment scheme will be reduced to 35-40% by 2020, potentially devaluing the previous 28 years of conservation work carried out by landowners.
The four main priorities of the new CSS are; · Wildlife and nature (Biodiversity) · Pollinators · Woodland · Water/flooding The comprehensive list of options available under Countryside Stewardship and their associated payment rates can be found using the online grant tool;
www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants If you are interested in exploring the new Countryside Stewardship Scheme further, please do not hesitate to contact either Scott Parke or Jenna Goodall-Browne on 01379 651 931.
s.parke@twgaze.co.uk
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Commercial Property Department
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1.1 “Upcycling” We’ve agreed a deal to let first floor premises in Hales Yard to a new company which has emerged from Designer/Makers at 23 St Nicholas Street, Diss. As well as teaching furniture restoration they’ll be undertaking this concept, new to me, called “upcycling”. Apparently it means taking something old and unloved and “upcycling” it into something new and desirable. I must admit I thought that’s what Botox was for… 1.2 Cat-swinging If you need premises that might be termed “compact” in estate-agent speak, 17a Castle Street in Eye might be just the place for you. It’s no more than a room, a kitchen and a WC but it could be the perfect place for someone taking the plunge and starting their own business.
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1.3 Talking of animals We’ve been instructed by Goymour Estates, owners of Banham Zoo, to let a couple of shops in the Appleyard in Banham, opposite the entrance to the zoo. Pet shop anyone?
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By Oliver Chapman MRICS o.chapman@twgaze.co.uk
2 Planning & Development 2.1 Sunny Southwold We’ve finally sold a residential development site in Southwold to a housing developer for just under £1m. The site was owned by the “bad bank” part of Royal Bank of Scotland, and for political reasons we came under pressure to complete the sale before the general election. We were instructed ahead of national agents on the basis of a recommendation from one of my clients. As they say, it’s not what you know. 2.2 Eye airfield takes off We act for one of the major landowners on Eye airfield, and are responsible for delivering a housing scheme (circa 300 houses) over the next few years. We’ve undertaken public consultation alongside Mid Suffolk District and Eye Town Council and will be submitting a planning application in the next few months. Watch this space. 2.3 Whisper it quietly, but… …the Long Stratton bypass is a step closer to realisation now that we’ve done a deal with a land promoter on behalf of our clients. An Area Action Plan (AAP) has been prepared to help shape development over the next 5-10 years, which will include a bypass to the east, at least 1,800 houses, retail, employment and leisure uses. TW Gaze are leading the bypass scheme alongside the land promoter.
3. People 3.1We’re recruiting! I’m looking to train someone to become a Chartered Surveyor in the commercial property department, including licensed trade. Ideally you would have a relevant degree, but I’m quite open-minded. So far
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we’ve interviewed candidates from specialist recruitment agencies, but if you or someone you know would like to work in the youngest department at TWG with a penthouse office and views over the Mere then send me your CV. If this were an online dating profile I’d be looking for someone DTE with a GSOH who appreciates SPAG. A/S/L is not important but ideally you should be DDF.
4. Places 4.1 Go West While most of our work takes us to all corners of Norfolk and Suffolk, occasionally we’ll go further afield for particular clients. One of the best instructions we have is a rent review in Liskeard, Cornwall which is due every five years. The next review is in 2017, and involves a day out on the train including a trip along the famous sea wall at Dawlish (as long as the Atlantic storms don’t wash it away again). 4.2 The tenants may be here for a while One of the more unusual valuations we’ve undertaken recently was Diss Cemetery on Heywood Road. Quite how you value 10 acres of land with burial rights lasting 100 years is anyone’s guess, but I grave it my best shot.
5...and Finally We’re big fans of social media in the commercial department, and our hashtag #thingsIhavelearnedtoday is a snapshot of the variety of work that we cover. Unfortunately most things are unprintable (after all our clients do read the Gazette) but here’s a starter for ten: There is only one road into Norfolk where you don’t have to go over a river bridge Answers on a postcard, or why not share your best #thingsIhavelearnedtoday!
How Much Is My Land Worth? This is a question often asked of me. The answer is a more difficult one, as whilst there may well be an average price per acre for farmland; this does not mean your land will be worth the same. It is similar to there being an average price for residential properties in East Anglia of ÂŁ284,068 (Diss Express 24 July 2015). The probability of your house being worth exactly this sum is highly unlikely. There are many factors which go into determining the value of your house and the same goes for your land. However, the questioner wishes for an answer so I ask them a few pertinent questions and give them a rough steer, but advise them that for me to provide a meaningful valuation I will need to
attend on site to inspect the land. Otherwise it is akin to phoning up your doctor and giving them all your ailments and expecting the right diagnosis without letting them see the patient!
Although it is not always the case with commercial blocks of arable farm land, as each size of block attracts a completely different audience. For example, blocks of less than 200 acres tend to be focussed on neighbouring farmers. After I have made an Blocks of 200 – 500 inspection of the land I acres will attract a will be able to provide more regional audience the valuation. The final and blocks of 500 consideration is who is acres+ will attract a out there in the market national and place to acquire the international audience. land. This will vary Thus there may be considerably more interested dependent on use, size, parties in a block of quality and location of 500 acres+ than a block land. All of these will of 50 acres. factor in the level of interest for your land. Until the land is Smaller blocks of less launched onto the than 10 acres will tend open market the level to generate more of interest will never interest owing to the be truly known affordability and diversity of intended At present we have use; and larger blocks two large blocks of lessor interest. principally arable
e.baskerville@twgaze.co.uk
farmland under offer; the 380 acre Harling Farm at East Harling, which includes a residence and farm buildings; and the 118 acres of arable land at Burgate. We are also drawing 76 acres of arable land at Occold to a close by inviting best and final offers and hope that by the time of publication of the Gazette that this will be under offer also. If you are contemplating disposing of your land, or require a valuation for another purpose please do not hesitate to contact me - but do not expect an answer over the phone! Edward Baskerville MRICS FAAV Head of Rural Business
L.S.LOWRY RA (1887-1976) The Gallery Sale later this month will feature a pencil and felt pen sketch from an artist that everyone knows, Laurence Stephen Lowry. The picture itself is not however a typically recognisable work. ‘Poole Harbour’ was executed in 1969 on one of his many travels. Vastly different from his usual industrial town scenes, this scene of the harbour is still busy, instead of the hustle and bustle of the street we have trawlers and boats in front of a smoky port. Lowry first painted seascapes in the early
1940’s after visiting Anglesey and this continued with travels to Sunderland and the south coast of England. Mainly working in his favoured oils he occasionally painted in watercolour and pastel but the quick sketches on chanced upon scenes were carried out in pencil and even felt pen such as the example we have. The sketch was purchased by the current owners in 2007 from the Neptune Gallery who specialise in modern British art. With the artist recently featured in the BBC
The Gallery Sale Fake or Fortune programme we hope some renewed interest in Lowry will help find a new owner for this charming sketch which carries an estimate of £10,000-15,000, a little bit more affordable for an original work by one of the 20thC greatest artists. Other notable pieces in the sale include another quick sketch, this time from A.J Munnings in pastels of a mare and foal. It has an inscription ‘Poor old nag, not me, the drawing’ and is signed top right, it is estimated at £500-800.
A number of portraits from large oils to fine miniatures will join works from the 18th21st centuries and will include the choice paintings from The Peasenhall Gallery near the Suffolk coast with many local and west country scenes, marine and equestrian examples. by James Bassam j.bassam@twgaze.co.uk
Saturday 22 August Live bidding will be available via the-saleroom.com
Unlocking History By Elizabeth Talbot Auctions provide tangible access to history. View a sale to look and handle the lots – objects illustrative of life gone by lived by the great and the good, hard workers and creative craftsmen; indications of archaic domesticity and social progression which appears quaint and staid by 21st Century expectations. The history can be recent as well as distant. Those interested in reviving post-war memories can have as much” fun” at our specialist Modern Design Sales “Ooh-ing” over the anticipated values of pieces they grew up despising whist tolerating their elders’ tastes in the 1960’s and ‘70’s (perhaps enhanced by touching nostalgia now seen through more mature eyes) as members of younger generations for whom Retro is welcomed as an exciting height of fashion. However, more diverse periods of history are
represented in our weekly antiques auctions and carefully categorised collectors’ sales such as Militaria, Toys and Silver. Likewise, the Rural and Domestic Bygones sale held in Diss five times a year. This fine eclectic mix never fails to surprise and delight and the next, to be held on Saturday 8 August is no exception. Amongst the tradesmen’s tools, enamel signs, packaging, stationary steam engines, countrymen’s traps and devices and general curios of the last three centuries, this time is an interesting collection of door keys. The history of locks and keys goes back several thousand years. Even in ancient times some 4000 years ago, people wanted the ability to safeguard their possessions and store them in places where nobody else could get access to them. So engineers, designers and scientists strove to create the first
examples of locks and keys and clay tablets from the Babylonian Empire of that time depict keys amongst the illustrations. Originally created using wood and other easily accessible natural materials, locks and keys offered little real protection against theft or intrusion, but they (as well as complicated rope knots) at least provided clear indication if someone had tampered with the lock. First models of wooden keys and locks originate from Ancient Egypt. The Greek word “kleis” is the root of the French word “clef”. In Ancient Greece keys were used for temple locks and Spartan locks. During the Roman age many improvements upon original Egyptian designs were developed, but the expensive nature of the locks, their inability to sustain large external forces and easy picking made them more a symbol of wealth, influence and nobility.
Small keys made from metals (iron, bronze, silver or gold) were often viewed as one of the most effective ways of publicly showing your wealth (only very rich people could afford to have personal safes or doors with locking mechanisms). However, by using iron and bronze, Romans were also able to create much stronger as well as much smaller locks, with keys that were light enough to be carried about the person. During this period the introduction of wards into locks shaped the keys from large flat structures with pins on their end to what we call today “Skeleton keys”, formed form a simple cylindrical shaft that has one single, thin, shaped rectangular tooth or “bit”. After the fall of Roman Empire, locks and keys remain relatively unchanged for over 1500 years. Locksmiths who painstakingly
created locks and keys by hand continued to be employed only by the rich, who demanded more and more protection that simply could not be delivered. To combat thieves and trespassers, locks of that period became more and more complicated, often featuring complicated key designs, multiple locks, fake locks, and anything else that could force thief to spend too much time picking a device before eventually giving up. My favourite key in the collection for sale this month has a bit in the shape of a numeral “3”. Was this to open room No 3 in a palatial hotel or the third vault of many or indeed, the third cellar in vast wine store? The imagination runs wild… During Medieval times keys were highly ornate. They were usually wrought in iron or bronze and became more than just a means
of access, but beautiful and important symbolic objects. Their design changed little over the coming centuries. At this time locksmiths were highly skilled artisans specialising in metal work; they had a mystical power as the guilds guarded their secrets carefully and the apprenticeship was a long one. Keys also feature prominently in heraldry during this and other periods. The coats of arms of families in the western world often feature the key as a symbol of power, freedom and authority. Probably the most famous example is the coat of arms of the Holy See, with two crossed keys. The keys are taken from the Bible, Matthew 16:19, where St Peter, the first Pope, is promised the keys to Heaven. Once the Industrial revolution came along in
the 18th Century and manufacturing techniques became standardised, locksmithing began to change. Now everyone could afford keys of their own and ordinary houses and vaults were fitted with locks. Then came the development of the lever tumbler lock in 1778, which was then greatly improved by Jeremiah Chubb in 1818.
breakable materials and improved protection against outside influences (fire, chemicals and even explosives). Over the period of just 100 years, locks and keys received drastic upgrades, mostly with the work of famous inventors such as Robert Barronin, Joseph Bramah, Linus Yale, Sr, James Sargent and Harry Soref.
With the arrival of 19th Century and the great expansions in industrial manufacture, new metallurgy processes, better tools and the ability to create small and durable lock components, meant the industry of locks, keys and safes entered into its renaissance.
Modern “flat keys” were first introduced to the public by Linus Yale Sr and Jr in mid 1800s. Keys are fascinating articles to collect and you can view this small collection amongst the many hundred other lots today 10am – 6pm and tomorrow from 8.30am. The auction starts at 10am.
Countless inventors focused their careers on solving the problems related to weak locks,
Please contact Robert Kinsella on 01379 650306 for more details.
Clocks & Watches
£5400
Thursday 2 July, 2015 post sale report by Oliver Allen
July saw the first standalone Clocks and Watches sale. Held on the first Thursday of the month, in an innovative 5pm time slot, it was certainly a sale that warrants a report. The first half of the 224 lots auction were from a gentleman’s private collection of clocks; built up over a 40 year period the collection included some very rare, unusual and unique items.The highlight being a mahogany drop dial clock dating to the early part of the 19th Century by Hedge of Colchester. A modest £500-1,000 estimate certainly attracted the bidders with interest in the room, on the phone and via our online live bidding on thesaleroom.com, and eventually sold for £5,400. Also from the collection, a handsome boulle work triple fusee bracket clock sold for just below bottom estimate at £2,900, and an early Atmost clock by Reutter fetched £1,000.With an unusual 20” Century twin fusee and hammer alarm dial clock achieving £1,800, the collection would total
just over £30,000. With many clocks the likes of which won’t appear on the market for a while it was a very rewarding experience for myself, the vendor and the various buyers. The rest of the sale ticked over very nicely with longcases making four figures and watches achieving in the mid hundreds. A full set of auction results are available at www.twgaze.co.uk/auction/dissauction-rooms/archivedcatalogues. Holding a Thursday evening sale is still a novel experience at the auction rooms, with our weekly sales held by tradition every Friday. It is fantastic to see this sale continue to evolve and I am always looking for opportunities to develop it, to ensure that our future Clocks & Watches sales remain as exciting and educational as this one. If you are a new or established client with an interest in horology or with any questions about buying, selling or a valuation I would be more than happy to help.
£2900
Next Sale Thursday 22 October £1000
Residential Lettings
Holly Tree Farm, Cratfield, Suffolk To let at £1,600pcm Period Farmhouse with six bedrooms extended to provide modern kitchen-dining living accommodation.
For more information please contact Dawn Gadd on 01379 650476 d.gadd@twgaze.co.uk
Legislation Alert
Landlords, did you know…. The Heath and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 1999 provide guidance including the control of bacteria in water, for hot water, cold water, cooling and heating systems. These issues were more prominent in Industrial facilities, however recent changes to the Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems Approved Code of Practice, now apply to domestic living. This is what the Approved Code of Practice states about its status in law by making it a ‘legal duty’ of the Landlord. It makes it clear that the only way to be sure you are complying with the law, is to carry out a risk assessment as a starting point and then follow the recommendations made within it. If you are unsure as to what responsibilities you have as a landlord and would like advice please contact a member of the Residential Lettings department on 01379 650476 (Diss) or 01953 423188 (Wymondham).
Property Auction sales are growing in popularity Graeme Taplin, Senior Valuer at TW Gaze Wymondham office provides advice and highlights the benefits of selling by Auction.
An increasing number of sellers are attracted to a sale by auction, given that the process is time and cost effective, transparent and with its’ potential to create competition, may well be the best way to ensure the maximum result for your property. Auctions now attract sellers and buyers from all walks of life, not simply investors, builders and professional developers. Owner occupiers and families alike, are also attracted to this forum. For sellers, here are five compelling reasons to sell a property by auction: • Attracting the right buyers by focussing on qualified people - in cash funds • A higher profile for your property involving a dynamic and defined marketing period, exposing it to a broader audience • Potential to create competition, ensuring you obtain the highest and best result • Less fuss and more certainty, securing genuine commitment from a purchaser • Be safe in the knowledge that when the hammer comes down, your contract is signed, a deposit is paid and a completion takes place within 28 days The type and style of properties sold by auction varies greatly and is growing. Appropriate properties include: substantial country houses and village cottages for improvement; executor sales and investments; building plots; barns for conversion; agricultural and amenity land; properties unsuitable for mortgage purposes. If you would like advice on the suitability of your property for auction, feel free to contact me on 01953 423188 or Mike Sarson on 01379 641341 and we can arrange a no-obligation visit.
GAZETTE Issue 46/midsummer’15
TW Gaze , Diss Auction Rooms, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4LN 01379 650 306 auctions@twgaze.co.uk www.twgaze.co.uk