An Antiques Roadshow expert was today shown a blue patterned vase that was identified as a William de Morgan piece. The owner of the vase said her grandfather had purchased it in a junk shop in Shaftesbury many years ago. He was passing by when he spotted it and although he was ‘less than enthusiastic’ decided to buy it and paid just £1. It has been passed down through the family and the current owner was keen to learn its value. The expert told her she could expect to get between £3000 and £3100. Very nice too and an attractive vase but I can’t afford it.
While on the subject of collectibles I have a Gucci Jackie O Hobo bag that I bought at Rome airport on one of my trips with Sandy. Not quite sure why I purchased it as it’s tan canvas with leather trim and handle, not really a colour I go for. I’ve been looking at them recently on Ebay and they can go for anything from about £180 and up to five or six hundred. I’ve hardly ever used it but decided to take it when I went to dinner with family a week ago. Sam said not to sell it but to buy an outfit to go with it. Elena agreed or said I could give it to her. Jack and Elizabeth thought it was cool and found that they now cost over £1000 in the Gucci shop. It seems they’ve just brought this style back so maybe it will go up in value. I’ll hang on to it for a bit longer.
Have you been to France or several other countries and just returned or will return in the near future? well, you will have to quarantine for two weeks. If you are caught breaking the quarantine you will be fined one thousand pounds. What I want to know is who and how they will monitor the quarantine. The authorities haven’t been able to monitor illegal immigrants, criminals on parole or even keep up with absent fathers who haven’t paid their child support. How on earth will they manage to monitor half a million (the expected number) of quarantined travellers? Not a chance.
Our students have all had a terrible year. Those in university have had lecturers on strike for one term followed by closure due to the pandemic. They have had no refund on fees or accommodation. GCSE and A level students have not been able to sit exams and are having their results predicted by a very dubious algorithm. The way it works it favours small classes over large ones. which means that private school students are more likely to be upgraded while comprehensive students are more likely to be downgraded. Some universities will not accept A level students because of their grades which are unreliable. This travesty will follow them through life for many years. Someone needs to do something and quickly. Goodnight everyone. 😴💤😴